Local Shops Deliver the Perfect Valentine's Day Gifts

Article & photo by Sara Conrad

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It’s that time of year again. Fuzzy heart shaped boxes, roses by the dozen and cupid taking aim. Valentine’s Day is just around the corner!

Love may be blind, but your mate isn’t and you don’t want their eyes to fall upon a crummy gift on the Feb. 14.

Have no fear, Patch is here with a localized gift guide to assure your sweetheart will remember this Valentine’s long after the chocolates are gone and the roses have wilted. 

Milwaukee Blooms, 4524 N. Oakland Ave.,  says  “buh-bye” to the typical dozen red roses (which will cost you a cool $75) and says “hello” to a beautiful arrangement filled with gerbera daisies, roses and irises kept company by the cutest of teddy bears and topped off with two red balloons. It’s sure to make a splash at your loved one’s office on Monday and you’ll have only spent $60. 

Boutique B’lou, 4508 N. Oakland Ave., is all about luxury, just as Valentine’s Day should be. A 100 percent cashmere Pashmina scarf is not only luxurious, it’s mighty practical with the recent bone numbing temperatures. The scarf comes in a rainbow of colors including Cupid’s favorite, red ,and is $78.

Speaking of chilly weather, nothing warms the soul like a steaming cup of Alterra Coffee, 4500 N. Oakland Ave. Just in time for the season of love they offer their love supreme blend which is a heavenly mix of bittersweet chocolate and not so bittersweet berries. You can impress the coffee lover in your life with this beloved brew for $10.95 per pound.

For the sweetie who has everything, Goody Gourmets, 4425 N. Oakland Ave., pops in with the perfect treat. Your valentine won’t be able to resist digging into their red two-gallon tin filled with your choice of flavors ranging from spicy to sweet. Flavors range from $25 to $52 per tin.

What Valentine’s Day would be complete without a little hanky panky? Goldi’s, 4114 N. Oakland Ave., has it covered, so to speak. They offer the much-coveted line of women’s bare necessities, Hanky Panky. Brightly colored lace thongs are what made the line famous and they are adored for being not only sexy but also unusually comfortable. Goldi’s sells the panties individually for $16 or you can give your dearest a red Hanky Panky thong stemmed rose for $24.

Just because Valentine’s Day has us starry eyed and bushy tailed doesn’t mean we need to lose sight of sustainable products and initiatives. If your honey’s first love is Mother Earth, SHOP, 1918 E. Capitol Dr., has just the (recycled) ticket. Escama Studio is a small fair trade company based in California and Brazil that creates fashionable accessories from recycled aluminum tabs. Everything from belts to handbags to bracelets, they are as environmentally friendly as they are chic. A handbag costs around $145 and a bracelet is $20, with proceeds directly benefiting women in Brazil who hand crochet each piece.

Roses are certainly a popular choice on that special day, however, your wallet may not agree. Another reason to shy away from the thorny flowers? They die. What sort of message does that send? Now consider giving your soul mate a flower that will never die. Garden Room, 2107 E. Capitol Dr., has a plant that matches your undying love. It’s Tillandsia better known as an Air Plant. These gorgeous greens don’t even need soil to thrive and they produce beautiful blooms. For around $4 each they are a unique and economical way to show your valentine you’re by no means run of the mill.