Valentine's Day is approaching whether you like it or not. And while you can never go wrong with flowers, chocolates, and lingerie, we have some more unique gift ideas that are sure to get the romance started this month.
Unisex T from City Native Co.
We've fallen in love with City Native Co.'s East Bae shirts, and your bae will too. Perfect for a proud East Bay resident of any gender. // East Bae T-shirt: $28; citynativeco.com (Photo from City Native Co.)
Bootyful Card from Western Editions
For a witty Valentine's Day card, Western Editions is the place to go. The Emeryville-based letterpress company offers a small selection of romantic cards, but you'll still have a tough time choosing between the wonderfully lighthearted and entertaining options. This card is sure to make your booty-licious partner (or best friend!) smile. // Western Edition card: $5; westerneditions.com (Photo from Western Edition)
BloomThat Flower Delivery
If you're not sending flowers on Valentine's Day, you're doing it wrong. Best of all, if your significant other (or BFF) is on the other side of the country, you can still send them a floral "I Love You" message. Happy Valentine's Day indeed! // Prices vary, but get $5 off your first order when you sign up, bloomthat.com (Photo from BloomThat)
Recently Customized Magazine
Have you and your partner been together a long time? Take a walk down memory lane with this sweet photo book from Recently. The iPhone app lets you create a customized magazine of 50-100 recent photos straight from your cellphone. You can then edit, change, and rearrange the photos any way you like before they're printed on archival Mohawk paper and delivered monthly to your door. So cute. // Recently photo book: $10 per month or $13 quarterly, getrecently.com (photo from Recently)
I Like You, I Love You from Chronicle Books
I Like You, I Love You is an illustrated narrative about the feelings associated with seeking, finding, and falling in love. Illustrated by Oakland-based artist Carissa Potter, this book is perfect for the hopeless romantic in your life. Be sure to use the codeword "VALENTINE" when checking out to get 30% off! // I Like You, I Love You: $12.95; chroniclebooks.com (Photo from Chronicle Books)
TCHO x Reserva de la Familia Dark Chocolate Box Set
Dark chocolate and tequila are a match made in heaven. Bay Area Chocolatier TCHO and Jose Cuervo's Reserva de la Familia joined forces to create this 12-piece limited-edition chocolate box set made with TCHO dark chocolate infused with tequila.// TCHO box set: $19.99; tcho.com (Photo from TCHO)
Lingerie in a Box
If you and your mate are trying to get a little sexy on a Tuesday (and really, isn't that the whole point?), then pretty lingerie is a must. Underclub's "Date Night in a Box" set will help set the mood whether you're going out or staying in. For those hitting the town, you'll get a sexy black bodysuit (with your choice of matching brief or thong), while those cuddling on the couch will receive a slinky purple slip (with matching thong or brief) to wear for the night. // Date Night in a Box: $129 per box, underclub.com (Photo from Underclub)
Aromatherapy Shower Kit
Want to get all hot and steamy on Valentine's Day? Invite your S.O. into the shower with Essio, the world's first aromatherapy diffuser shower head. The gadget attaches to any shower head to diffuse 100% organic essential oils into your bathroom for an experience that smells as good as it feels. Just add fresh towels, rose petals, and candles, and you're on your way to the most romantic night ever. // Aromatherapy shower kit: $40, essioshower.com (Photo from Essio Shower)
The Puppy Love Package at Rosewood CordeValle
Are you looking to get away with your sweetie but can't/won't leave your four-legged love behind? Take advantage of the Puppy Love Package at Rosewood CordeValle in San Martin. Bring your partner and your pooch, and all three of you will be showered with love for the weekend. While the bipeds get a couples massages, your pup will get complimentary walks, playtime, and will even be able to indulge in doggie turndown service, complete with a Milkbone on his/her pillow. The only question is who is going to enjoy themselves more? // Puppy Love Package: 1 CordeValle Club Drive, (San Martin); rosewoodhotels.com/cordevalle-northern-california (Photo from Rosewood CordeValle)
Soothe Massage-on-Demand
We'd be remiss if we didn't take a moment to help out all you forgetful lovers out there. You didn't mean to forget Valentine's Day, but here you are, no gift in hand, your partner looking at you expectantly. Thank heavens for Soothe, an new massage-on-demand app that will have a licensed masseuse at your door within an hour! Your sweetie will thank you. But try to book early, we have a feeling Soothe will be very busy on Valentine's Day. // From $109, soothe.com (Photo from pursuitist.com)
City Lights Night Sky Tour
If you're looking for a combination of romance and adventure, Fly Bay Area's city lights night sky tour is perfect for you and bae. A 50-minute nighttime plane ride over San Francisco promises gorgeous views and stunning photo ops. Book your tour online for Valentine's Day before the 14th fills up. Flights depart from San Carlos after sunset. // City lights night sky tour: $249/ person; 620 Airport Way, Suite 7 (San Carlos); flybayarea.com (Photo from Fly Bay Area)
Migos Concert at The Warfield
For a more lively Valentine's Day, check out Migos, one of the nation's hottest hip hop groups, at The Warfield on February 14th. Dance, drink, and maybe even try to rap along to "Bad and Boujee." It might not be the most romantic setting, but Valentine's Day can always be about busting a move with your significant other on the dance floor. // Migos concert: $38.50-$50; 982 Market Street (Tenderloin); axs.com (Photo from Youtube)
Paris Combo at SF Jazz
If romantic music and dark booths are a must on Valentine's Day, check out Paris Combo's eclectic stylings at SF Jazz. Combining Gypsy swing with elements of flamenco, chanson and alt-cabaret and even hints of Latin and North African rhythms, Paris Combo will have you on your feet all night long. // Paris Combo: $35-$95; 201 Franklin St. (Hayes Valley); sfjazz.org (Photo from Paris Combo)
Food and Wine Tour Through the Heart of Wine Country
Tuesday is as good a day as any for a day trip. Hosted by If Only, this one-day tour through Wine Country includes pick up from your residence, stops on the Marin cheese trail, fresh-out-of-the-water oysters in Tomales Bay and ripe produce from Kozlowski Farms. Spend the rest of the day visiting the wineries of your choice, or let the guide take you to their recommended spots. Cheers to being full and tipsy on V-Day. // Food and wine tour: $250 for two people + $50 travel fee; ifonly.com (Photo from If Only)
Peace & Love Earrings from Yellow Owl Workshop
Yellow Owl Workshop's earrings are a funky gift for your fun-loving Valentine. Made in SF, the peace & love earrings are a perfect reminder of what's most important during this time of political turmoil. // Peace & Love Earrings: $20; yellowowlworkshop.com (Photo from Yellow Owl Workshop)