With Feb. 14 just around the corner, the shelves of the CVS on University Avenue are emptied of stuffed animals and boxed chocolates. While there’s nothing wrong with a box of Russel Stover chocolates and an overpriced polyester teddy bear, these creative Valentine’s Day gifts offer more thoughtful and personalized alternatives. From cute confections to creative keepsakes, these picks offer something a little more memorable than a standard bouquet of roses — and are sure to fill the heart of anyone who’s lucky enough to receive them.
1. Flowers from Fiori Floral Studio
Take a step up from the trite bouquet of Kroger wilted red roses and stop by Fiori Floral Studio to find some of the most excellent floral arrangements in the Charlottesville area. Located on Wertland Street, across the street from Acme Tattoo, the florists at Fiori are talented and welcoming, and will help you find the perfect arrangement for your special someone. While many of their larger arrangements are pricier, they also offer several smaller options around $65 that won’t burn as big of a hole in your pocket. If you want to splurge, these beautiful bouquets are the perfect choice for your special someone. In addition to their wonderful flowers, they also sell chocolates, stuffed animals and local candles, making it a one-stop shop for all of your Valentine’s Day needs.
2. Bouquet of Lego flowers
If your significant other has trouble keeping plants alive, Lego flowers offer an evergreen option to expensive and ephemeral counterparts. Starting at $14.99, these intricate sets transform into elegant bouquets that double as décor, bringing a pop of color to any dorm or apartment. Even better, they give you and your partner something to do together, making the gift as much about the experience as the finished product. Assembly is required — watering is not.
3. Jellycat
These miniature stuffed animals are all the rage — and it's easy to see why. These ultra-soft plushies are adorned with the sweetest little faces, making them the perfect alternative to the itchy, mass-produced teddy bears you’d find at the drug store. Starting at $17, Jellycats come in many shapes and sizes, spanning from classic teddy bears to croissants, pickleballs and even watering cans. No matter who you’re shopping for this Valentine's Day, the endless options of these adorable stuffies are sure to be the perfect gift for whoever you have in mind.
4. A nice bottle of wine from The Gray
The place where you get your course packets printed also offers the most curated wine collection on the Corner. If you’re over 21, pop on down to The Gray on Elliewood Avenue, and you’ll be greeted by friendly staff and a robust wine collection. From Albariño to Chianti, The Gray has something for every palate and price point. The employees are kind and knowledgeable, and will help you pick out the perfect bottle to accompany a home-cooked meal on Valentine’s Day. In addition to their stellar wine collection, they also offer pasta, cheese and candies. Who knew you didn’t have to leave the Corner to do all of your Valentine’s Day shopping?
5. Swedish candy assortment
Take a step up from the stale box of store-bought chocolate and opt for a delicious assortment of Swedish candy. Known for its unique textures and vibrant flavors, Swedish candy offers a range of products, from sour gummies to chewy hearts. My personal favorite place to buy these sugary delights is BonBon, and while on the more expensive side — with assortments starting at $18 — both the contents of the box and the adorable packaging are a surefire way to make your significant other’s face and stomach smile. If you’re more of a last-minute operator and do not have enough time to place an order, World Market on Emmet Street also offers an excellent selection of candies from around the globe.
6. The Lovebox
For those in a long-distance relationship, the Lovebox is the perfect Valentine's Day gift. This small wooden box contains a miniature screen that reads pictures, GIFs and messages that you send through an app on your phone. Once you send a message, there is a small heart on the front of the Lovebox that spins until the recipient opens it. I have gotten this gift for both my mom and my boyfriend, and it has been such a sweet way to communicate with both of them over a distance. Retailing at $100, it's definitely on the pricier side, but it is an excellent way to elevate long-distance communication far beyond a text message.
7. A gourmet treat from Cake Bloom
This local bakery offers a splendid assortment of cakes. Recently relocated from the Downtown Mall to 10th Street, Cake Bloom is a no-brainer alternative to boxed chocolate. Their Valentine’s Day collection is very reasonably priced, offering a small conversation heart cake for $30, which is genuinely shocking considering how delicious these treats are. If you can’t decide on a single flavor, they also offer eight scrumptious cake flavors by the slice. Additionally, they offer seasonal sampler boxes, teas, homemade honey butters and other crowd favorites like Pavlova and Tiramisu.
8. Chick-fil-A heart platter
For those who procrastinated — or for those who simply believe love is best expressed through food — Chick-fil-A’s heart-shaped platters are an unconventional, yet charming option. Available with their famous nuggets, Chick-n-Minis, cookies and brownies, these heart-shaped tins range from around $9 to $17, based on their respective contents. Pop on over to the Chick-fil-A on Barracks Road and find the perfect way to elevate a familiar favorite into something thoughtful and festive in the eleventh hour. Nothing says ‘I love you’ like a heart-shaped tin of chicken nuggets and cookies. Truly.
9. Le Creuset Mini Valentine’s Cocotte
For the cook — or for the lover of all things miniature — in your life, the Valentine’s Day Le Creuset Mini Cocotte is the perfect gift that is topical and intentional. At just $32, it offers the luxury of the Le Creuset without having to commit to the price tag of the heart-shaped dutch oven. This 8-oz dish comes in white, pink and red and has a heart-shaped knob, making it the perfect vessel for baking cobblers, gratins or dips for one or two. Equal parts practical and charming, it’s a thoughtful way to elevate a cozy Valentine’s night in.
10. Custom Lego Minifigures
This article is not sponsored by Lego. However, their custom minifigures offer an adorable and creative alternative to Cupid’s cliches. You can customize the figurine’s face, hair, outfit, accessories and even add objects for them to hold. The endless amount of variations — in addition to your ability to customize the t-shirt options — ensure your ability to represent your significant other in Lego form. If you want to be Lego lovebirds, make one that looks like your partner and one that looks like yourself. Starting at $11.99 a piece, these minifigures are a hilarious and heartwarming way to show your significant other you’d choose them in every lifetime — even the one where you’re both made of plastic.
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