Boutique finds, independent artists and truly unique Valentine’s gifts...it all starts here, and just in the nick of time for the day of love! Here’s my guide as seen on NBC’s Today show, with a few extra bonuses your sweetie will adore.
KIDS: DIY Chalkboard T-Shirts
Ever catch your kids drawing on their clothes? On this shirt they can! Arm them with a chalk marker (included) and allow them to decorate this heart-shaped chalkboard T-shirt. A dampened cloth erases any design, and the shirt can be reused again and again. A discounted price of $25 is being offered through February 9, 2017. Heart design shirt colors include red, hot pink, raspberry and purple, in sizes youth xs - youth xl.
From $25; chalk-of-the-town.com
KIDS: Temporary V-day Tattoos
Charm Party Set
Love Watch
A love watch? A flock of butterflies? A family of happy hearts? These super cool temporary tattoos designed by the professional artists of Tattly, play up the fun side of the day.
From $5; Tattly.com
KIDS: In My Heart Book
When so many kids receive gifts with a short shelf life, why not give them something that’ll last? This beautifully illustrated book about emotions weaves a tale that can be told year in and out, with a heart-filled center.
$16.95; papyrusonline.com
KIDS: Curated Treat Collections
These treats for little tummies are delightful goodies that are sure to tantalize. My Little Valentine ($40) includes milk chocolate covered animal crackers and a heart-shaped lollipop plus more yums...
My Little Valentine
while Love You Like XO ($63.50) has lots of chocolate confections and a caramel candy bar, to name a few. Product comes in a tote and includes gift wrap.
Love You Like XO
Mouth.com
KIDS: Love Hearts Beading Set
This all-inclusive beading set is perfect especially if you’re on the move, and enables kids ages 3 and up to bead to their heart’s content an entire vibrant necklace or bracelet.
$13.95; papyrusonline.com
KIDS: Iron-on Patches, Pins & Accessories
Snazz up your kid’s look with these patches and rhinestone monogram stickers that can be ironed on or added to clothing, backpacks, bags and more to showcase some V-day spirit!
From $1.90; H&M and Justice
DATING/NEWLYWED COUPLE: Shari’s Berries Ombré Cherries
A twist on traditional chocolates, consider these hand-dipped, ombré maraschino cherries. THEN the true test—the race to see who can tie that cherry stem into a knot with her tongue first!
$29.99 (qty. 20); berries.com
DATING/NEWLYWED COUPLE: Honey-Sweetened Caramels
Make your honey sweet on you with fair-trade caramels sweetened naturally by wildflower honey and sprinkled with French sea salt. A portion of sales benefit Project Apis M that supports honeybee colonies: for the lovers that want to support a sweet cause.
$16.95 (qty. 9); moneyonhoney.com
DATING/NEWLYWED COUPLE: Assorted Bangles
Valentine’s Arrow Heart Wrap
The beauty of stackable bangles is the everyday wear-ability, and the giver can buy as many or as few as their budget allows: add on as your relationship grows.
From $38; alexandani.com
DATING/NEWLYWED COUPLE: Personalized Picture Watch
Design your own watch with the cutest or coolest picture of the two of you. Upload your photo, edit, and choose one of three bands: sport ($69.99), gunmetal ($95) or stainless steel ($125). These water-resistant watches are made on demand in San Francisco, and versatile: you can swap bands. Modify can deliver the first 500 watches ordered on 2/7 and are offering 40% off site-wide: select Priority Shipping to get it by Valentine’s Day.
From $42; modifywatches.com
NEWLYWED COUPLE: Turkish Towels
If you’re headed some place warm for winter travel or ready for an upgrade in the bathroom, these soft, stylish Turkish towels wick away moisture, are large and lightweight—perfect for packing for your next island getaway.
Personalization is included in the price. About 15 styles sport V-day like hues of pink, red and white.
$55-85; BaskMiami.com
THE COUPLE OF 20+ YEARS: Roses that Last a Year
You know your love will last, so get flowers that will too…up to a YEAR! Venus et Fleur is delivered in exquisite Parisian style gift boxes and no watering is required. It’s a light dusting of non-toxic wax-based solution that helps preserve the roses in their pristine state, and keeps them fragrant too.
From $39; venusetfleur.com
THE COUPLE OF 20+ YEARS: (PRODUCT)RED Pearls Stretch Classic PJ Set for him or her
Perhaps the one time of year it’s utterly adorbs to synchronize your sleep style is for V-day, and these Bedhead pajamas allow you to do so with a cause, as these are (PRODUCT)RED. Each purchase gives back to Red.org, and specifically a campaign that brings medicine to 50,000 women in need; you can sleep sweetly knowing that.
$78.40 each; bedheadpjs.com
THE COUPLE OF 20+ YEARS: Ready When You Are Mask
This playful City of Love eye mask let’s your lover know when you’re in the mood.
Deborah Roberts? Your hubby Al Roker is ready!
$19.50; PJSalvage.com
THE COUPLE OF 20+ YEARS: Viking Professional Steakhouse 6-Piece Steak Knife Set
These restaurant grade, partially-serated knives will make eating your romantic dinner that much easier! It’s a great gift to upgrade your cutlery and perfect for the couple that loves to cook.
$99.99; bedbathandbeyond.com
THE COUPLE OF 20+ YEARS: Sweet Spot Ice Cream Maker
Love to make sweet treats together? Now you can make your own decadent ice cream, but minus the rock salt and hard work. Simply chill the Sweet Spot in the freezer 24 hours in advance, prep your simple ice cream mixture (the easiest is five basic ingredients) and pour into the Sweet Spot pan for instant ice cream!
$49.99; chefn.com
THE COUPLE OF 20+ YEARS: Artsy Aprons
These exquisite aprons crafted from Japanese denim are long, stylish and hardy with oversized pockets and buckling straps to make you both bosses in the kitchen! (You’ll likely never wear another apron again.)
From $78, HedleyandBennett.com
THE COUPLE OF 20+ YEARS: Wood-Carved Love Message
Send a short love note dedicated to your love in your own handwriting, and woodworker and artist Ali Wood transforms that exact message permanently into wood. Simply choose your wood background and the color of your letters, send in your handwriting sample via her Etsy site, and she takes care of the rest!
Please keep in mind that as she’s but one talented artist and the mother of a newborn, she estimates she can complete approximately 100 orders if placed by 2/7 in time for Valentine’s Day.
$4-5 per letter plus fees; aliwoodcreations.etsy.com
From left to right: with guest co-host and country music super star Keith Urban, and Today co-hosts Sheinelle Jones and Al Roker.
**All prices reflect time of publication in 2017 and are subject to change. Check individual sites for shipping fees to assure delivery by Valentine’s Day 2/14/17.