Last-Minute Gifts for Your Valentine

I know, you’re thinking, “Shit, it’s Monday and Valentine’s Day is on Thursday and I haven’t gotten anything for the love of my life.” In my case, the love of my life is myself and you really don’t need to worry about how often I treat myself, “You’re worth it” is pretty much my mantra.

But maybe you don’t treat yourself quite as often as I do or maybe you have an actual partner or a galentine who you’re keen to spoil, at any rate, I’m helping you out with some last-minute gifts that you can source locally that they will *probably* like.

If they aren’t happy with what you’ve got them, take them out for a drink to numb the pain and dull their memory of how little you seem to know them. Here’s my list of best date spots for cocktails in the city, so you should be able to get that part right. 😉

Candy Hearts Mug ($14.99) and Tea Towel ($9.99) – Pot & Pantry

Pot & Pantry is easily one of my favourite kitchenware stores in the city. Owner Robin Coull does a fantastic job curating a lovely selection of tools and provisions for the home bartender, baking enthusiast and chef. She always has a charming array of seasonal gifts like this adorable conversation heart mug and matching tea towel.

Head over to 244 Elgin St. to pick these, or any other number of goodies, in store.

Solid & Striped Katie Swimsuit (Top $120 & Bottoms $120) in Flamingo – Tallow

If you really loved your valentine, you’d let them escape this polar vortex by taking them on a tropical vacation. Everyone knows you can’t go on beach vacay without a new suit. Pick them up this sweet set from Solid & Striped at Tallow in Hintonburg. This lovely little boutique has a great selection of stylish swimwear, so if Barbie pink isn’t her colour, browse the racks for something more suited to her taste.

Pay them a visit at their storefront at 1116 Wellington St. W. or virtually at their online shop.

Baxter Safety Razor Set $363.99 – Stomping Ground

Make his face more kissable with this sleek and stylish safety razor kit from Baxter of California, available at Stomping Ground in the Glebe. If you have yet to discover this cool menswear store, it’s worth a visit. From hot sneakers to tie clips and everything in between, Stomping Ground has something for the trendy and urbane man in your life.

Stop by their store at 728 Bank St. or visit them online.

Heart Cocotte $179 – Le Creuset

As far as cookware goes, you can’t go wrong with Le Creuset. This lovely 2L Heart Cocotte is the classic enamelled cast iron that we’ve come to know and love from the French brand. Your sweetheart’s braising game is about to get a helluva lot cuter. This is one time where I think the gift might even be better if you take it out of the box and cook something for them in it.

Available at the Le Creuset store at 517 Sussex Dr., Ottawa, ON.

Dark Berry Postcard Chocolate Bar $8.99 – Alicja Confections

Okay, you knew I HAD to put chocolates on this list somewhere. These colourfully packaged chocolate bars from local chocolatier Alicja Confections are so much more than your standard box o’ chocolates. This Dark Berry – Raspberry bar is to die for. Just try not to eat it before you give it to your valentine.

See the full selection in person at 829 Bank St. or check them out online.

Bouquet or Floral Arrangement (Prices vary)- Bloomfield’s

I am completely rapt with pleasure whenever I walk into one of Bloomfield’s shops (Glebe & Wellington West). The florists at Bloomfield’s create stunning arrangements that will surely dazzle your valentine. You can opt for one of the pre-made options or request something custom, perhaps with their favourite flower? My favourite flower is the calla lily, in case you were wondering.

Pop into either of their locations, 783 Bank St. or 1280 Wellington St. W. to order or pick-up something lovely for your loved one.

Sokoloff Maria Bralette $28 – Viens Avec Moi

If your sweetheart (or you) really loves pretty little nothings, why not pick up a sexy and comfortable bralette, currently on sale, from viens avec moi in Wellington West. This style from Sokoloff has a lovely back detail and matching panties, should you be so inclined.

Pick it up in store at 1338 Wellington St. W. or online.

Spiegelau IPA Glasses (Set of 4) $39.95 – C.A. Paradis

For the craft beer lover in your life, a set of beautifully tapered glasses will help them get the most of their preferred IPAs – West Coast or East Coast. Personally, I’m not a huge beer drinker and find IPA overwhelmingly bitter but I’m told I’m sorely behind the times. Apparently, much like wine, the shape of the glassware makes all the difference.

You can pick up this set of 4 IPA glasses, or find different options for stouts or wheat beers, online at C.A. Paradis or in store at 1314 Bank St.

Shashi Inc. Moon Star Ring $63 – Vincent

Maybe don’t get them a ring if they are hoping for an engagement ring, could lead to a bit of disappointment upon opening that little velvet box. Otherwise, this moon and star ring would be a perfect gift, especially if you’re prone to whispering sweet nothings like, “I love you to the moon and back,” or “For you, the moon and the stars.” Just a thought.

Pick up this ring at Vincent in Little Italy or online.

Cute Greeting Card $6.99 – JV Studios

JV Studios in Wellington West is my go-to destination for greeting cards. They have an awesome variety of cards with hilarious/timely messages that let you go well beyond the trite Hallmark variety. I featured this card with Antoni from Queer Eye because I have a pretty massive crush on him, my friends even threw me an Antoni-themed 30th birthday party last year. This is in no way an endorsement of his talent as a cook, who puts Greek yogurt in their guacamole?

Pay JV Studios a visit at 1282 Wellington St. W to find the perfect card for your sweetheart. They have something for everyone, promise. You can also preview their selection on their online shop!

Cheese of the Month Club Membership $160 – Jacobson’s

NOTHING, I repeat, nothing, says “I love you” like a monthly delivery of cheese. There are several cheeses behind the counter at gourmet food shop Jacobson’s that I’m completely enamoured with. The truffo – a creamy cheese with a band of black truffle running through the centre – is pure ambrosia. As you’ll know from listening to my You Might Not Like It podcast episode with Laura Kelly, “must love cheese” is one of my prerequisites for any potential suitor.

So if you’re looking for a way to my heart, or anyone else who eats cheese, pop in to Jacobson’s at 141 Beechwood Ave. in New Edinburgh.

Stelton Collar Cocktail Shaker and Measuring Cup $113 – The Modern Shop

Elegant, modern, timeless, do these sound like words you’d use to describe your valentine? Do they also like drinking? Great, buy them this stunning cocktail shaker and measuring cup set by Stelton, available at The Modern Shop. Whether you’re in the market for barware or anything else for the home, The Modern Shop has a fantastic selection of beautiful products that celebrate both form and function.

Stop in to their store at 541 Sussex Dr. or visit them online.

Map – Last-Minute Gifts for Your Valentine – Shop Local in Ottawa