Love is in the Air – Gift Ideas for Valentine’s Day
Shopping local for Valentine’s Day gifts is a win-win, let us explain. By choosing local businesses, you invest in the economy of Downtown New Haven and strengthen connections with the neighbors who make us unique. Our small businesses offer handcrafted, one-of-a-kind goods and experiences that are sure to impress your partner. Not to mention, you’re running out of time and delivery windows are tightening as we speak. Give Amazon a break and grab your coat, Downtown New Haven has what you need.
For the plant lover, visit Bark & Vine, a locally loved plant shop that believes a green thumb is learned, not gifted. They will make sure you walk out, not only with the perfect plant for your partner, but a clear plan on how to care for it. If you’d prefer to shop ahead, their website features a “fresh off the vine” roundup featuring the newest and most interesting plants in the shop. Plus, through their partnership with Smudge Books, you can add a personalized pin to the gift, featuring the shop’s iconic yellow couch.
Wine Thief is the place to go for the imbiber in your life. Whether they prefer a bubbly beer or a crisp glass of wine, this locally owned shop is changing the world of wine, one bottle at a time. For the busy shopper, Wine Thief offers online ordering with free delivery or curbside pickup. It could not be any easier, so don’t drop the ball glass.
If wellness is on the mind and resolutions are intact, then check out Soapedi. Everything the shop sells is entirely homemade, with formulations born in the garden of the shop’s founder, Francia Fortune. Soapedi sells everything from bath bombs and soaps to shea butters and creams; plus, locally made hair products including conditioner infused with flaxseed and fenugreek (said to help stimulate growth).
Experiences reign supreme in the romantic gift arena, and a massage from Ripple is the perfect one to gift. Located inside of the Omni Hotel and New Haven, Ripple Float & Wellness Center offers float experiences, whole body cryotherapy, infrared sauna and massages for the wellness focused person in your life. If you want to really impress, Ripple Float sells a yearly membership for a $600 one time payment. What does this include? 12 included floats per year, plus additional member benefits throughout the year.
If the way to your partner’s heart is through their stomach, Sweet Mary’s has you covered. This bakery, located at 129 Court Street, is baking some of the best cupcakes in the state with seasonal flavors, as well as other sweets like walnut brownies and whole cakes. Beyond the treats, Sweet Mary’s also sells festive goodies for Valentine’s Day including mugs and stationary.
Featured image, Soapedi.
photo credit The Shops at Yale