For an unforgettable Valentine’s Day, we recommend treating your lady to a feast of the senses. Whether it’s an evocative combo of chocolate and tea or the aural inspiration of a practical iPod dock, our suggestions are sensual and sensible. After all, Valentine’s Day is about indulgence, right? Below, our five alluring V-day gifts.
1. Read My Lips tea & chocolate love tin, $19.50: For the person who infuses your life with sugar and spice and everything nice, David’s Tea’s chocolate and tea love tin is the perfect pick. A beautifully packaged “romantic duo” of tantalizing tea and chocolate, the bottom is filled with 40 grams of Read My Lips tea (a combination of Chinese black tea, vanilla, peppermint, chocolate, peppercorns and little red candy lips) and the top houses four milk chocolates filled with ganache. This tasty treat is sure to arouse the senses and be a huge hit with your honey.
David’s Tea, 2285 Bloor Street West, 416-769-9991
2. Purl-stitch throw, $59: Let your woman feel soft and cozy with a purl-stitch throw from West Elm (at the Shops at King Liberty). A perfect marriage of practicality and aesthetics, it’ll keep her warm even when you aren’t around. Knit by hand, machine washable and available in a palette of sophisticated neutrals, it’s bound to tantalize her sense of touch for years to come.
West Elm, 109 Atlantic Avenue, 416-537-0110
3. Aromachology gift card, $160: Give your girl the opportunity to get creative with the most evocative of senses – the sense of smell – with an Aromachology gift card. The process is quite simple: with a click of a mouse, purchase the card and a beautiful, empty 100ml bottle will be sent right to your Valentine’s doorstep. She can then set up an appointment to fill the bottle with a custom scent (floral if she is elegant, determined and romantic; fresh if she is a soothing, soft, nature lover or woodsy if she is strong-minded, driven and compassionate).
Aromachology, The Bay Yorkdale, 416-256-5066
Valentine’s Day cupcakes, $28: For a visual feast that also satisfies her sweet tooth, nothing says "I love you" like a special cupcake from The Cupcake Shoppe near Yonge and Eglinton. Although it’s no longer taking custom orders, you can head to the store this weekend or on the big day and choose from four different pretty in pink flavors, which will be decorated with heart-shaped candies and sprinkles ($2.65 each, $14.50 for a half dozen or $28 for a dozen).
The Cupcake Shoppe, 2417 Yonge Street, 416-322-6648
IHome iP39 speaker system, $110: For the music-loving mama who regularly channels her inner Martha Stewart, you can’t go wrong with the iHome iP39 speaker system, complete with an alarm clock radio and two independent cooking timers. More than just a high-tech iPod/iPhone dock, it’ll give you an excuse to ask her for a slow dance to your favorite oldie while soup is on the stove. The device can also help you combat your fear of the kitchen – use it to listen to cooking show podcasts or to follow recipe apps, and before you know it, you’ll be impressing her with meals you never dreamed you’d be able to make.
Apple Store, available online, 1-800-MY-APPLE