There can be much more to Valentine’s Day gifts than flowers and chocolates. While we love those too, we’ve put together a list of fantastic local gifts that can capture whatever Valentine’s Day vibe you’re going for this year. From romantic notions to coworker gifting ideas, our list of Valentine’s Day gift ideas will cover everything you could want to give. And, of course, we’re keeping it local. Read on for our Essex County picks for gifts for anyone that’s on your list.
Chocolate Bonbons From Vesta Chocolate | 598 Valley Road Suite 2, Upper Montclair
(Photo credit: @vestachocolate)
Okay, so chocolate is a Valentine’s Day staple. Still, we’re pretty sure you’ve never tasted ones like these. Vesta just celebrated its second anniversary in Montclair, and what truly makes this brand unique is that the team roasts their own cocoa beans — making all the chocolate specialties from scratch. With flavors like toasted marshmallow, papaya, or Earl Grey tea, we know this gift will be a hit.
Flowers in Print Fine-Art Photographs From a Local Artist | Online
(Photo credit: @flowers_in_print)
A bouquet is a classic gift, but how about flowers that never fade? Flowers in Print is a fine art print shop by an Essex County artist who photographs flowers anywhere from the streets of Montclair to the botanical gardens of Japan. Choose from many popular flowers and have a Valentine’s memory on your wall all year round. Individual prints are available framed or un-framed and 20% off for Valentine’s Day.
Patisseries From Jayce Baudry French Pastry | 17 Church Street, Montclair
(Photo credit: @jaycebaudryfrenchpastry)
While you can’t go wrong with anything from Baudry’s Parisian-like patisserie, he’s baked up a few special Valentine’s bites that will be available for purchase on February 10th. In the meantime, take your pick from decadent pound cakes to gorgeous petit-fours. Want to keep it simple? The cookies, truffles, and macarons are sure to delight. With shipment available throughout the US, you’ll be able to send love even if you’re a state or two away.
Selenite Heart From Culture Couture | 53 Church Street, Montclair
(Photo credit: @culture_couture)
For those lovers who enjoy crystals and rocks, this selenite heart is a beauty. The cloudy color and smooth polish brings on a meditative calm so you have more presence for loving the world around you. If you know a rock hound, this is the gift for them.
Wonderlands Lip Duo From Hello | 363 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
(Photo credit: @helloproducts)
Hello was founded by Montclair’s own Craig Dubitsky and is an amazing brand pushing toward natural, sustainable dental care. These lip balms are vegan, cruelty-free, and the packaging is made from 60% recycled material. This gift shows love for Mother Earth, too.
Scratch Tickets From Grove Delicatessen | 121 Grove Street, Montclair
(Photo credit: @grovedelimontclair)
Winning the love lottery could be harder than winning the actual lottery. So, sending a little bonus excitement to family or friends is worth the effort. Stop by Grove Delicatessen, a charming, homespun spot near Grove and Walnut Street, for a selection of meats and the potential for sweet, sweet winnings.
Key Lime Pie From The Pie Store | 100 Watchung Avenue, Montclair
(Photo credit: @thepiestore)
Whether your Valentine prefers sweet or savory flavors, something will fit the bill at The Pie Store. Grab a mini key lime pie for your sweetheart or share the medium-sized pie under romantic candlelight. Maybe a savory shepherd’s pie will warm your heart too.
Milk Chocolate Box From Holsten’s | 1063 Broad St, Bloomfield
(Photo credit: @holstensicecream)
Many people know Holsten’s from the final episode of The Sopranos, but locals know and love it for its amazing mint chocolate chip ice cream. This beloved, vintage gem is chock-full of Mom & Pop charm and many of the homemade candies are deserving of a taste. A box of chocolates is always a winner, and this gift has Jersey Pride in spades.
Read More: Romantic Restaurants for Date Night in the Montclair Area
Love Bath Bomb From DollyMoo | 217 Glenridge Avenue, Montclair
(Photo credit: @dollymoobody)
The value of self-care is arguably one of the most important lessons of the Covid-19 pandemic, and for those who love a hot bath, there are never enough bath bombs. Pick a simple or complex scent, and let your loved one know how much you care for them. You might want to pick one up for yourself, though, because they’re hard to resist.
Doughnuts From Montclair Bread | 16 Label Street, Montclair
(Photo credit: @montclairbread)
An offering of doughnuts is one way to show how much you’re in love. Even if it’s just for your coworkers, order and pick up a selection of themed bites that are dripping in delicious flavor. You’ll be the most popular at work until summer. Doughnuts are made fresh each morning, so be sure to pre-order online to guarantee availability.
A Paris Bouquet From Blooms in Hand | 228 Claremont Avenue, Verona
(Photo credit: @bloomsinhand)
Sometimes flowers send the perfect message of love. Owner Anna Coy’s exceptional, curated floral tastes cannot be matched, and we suggest ordering a Paris bouquet (or two) if you want to shower someone very special in blooming love. This bouquet is packed with roses and peonies that the recipient will adore. Pick up and delivery available.
Tiny Heart Stationery From Parcel | 608 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
(Photo credit: @shopparcel)
A collection of five foil-pressed notecards is a lovely gift, and like everything else at Parcel, it’s a step above average. Whether you’re writing romantic notes to a paramour or giving the set away to a beau, these simple and chic cards and bound to spread joy. The heavy card stock will feel like an old-world luxury.
A Jigsaw Puzzle From Mind Your Beads & Seeds | 147 D, Valley Road, Montclair
(Photo credit: @mindyourbeadsandseeds)
If quarantine has got your Valentine down, an upbeat, cozy-themed puzzle could be the answer to those lonely days sitting inside. This 1000-piece puzzle, with its unique colors and shapes, should be fun and not too hard for someone new to jigsaws.
Wine Club Membership from Amanti Vino | 30 Church Street, Montclair
(Photo credit: @amantivino)
If your beloved is an oenophile, Amanti Vino offers Wine Club memberships where participants are sent a monthly pick of the shop’s favorite wines. It’s a great way to give someone a chance to change their usual wine routine and enjoy more variety. There are many types of wines you can choose from here.
Valentine’s Day Box From Universal Yums | Online
Even if the pandemic has derailed plans for travel, you and your Valentine can still take a trip around the world through the textures, flavors, and treats of a different country each month. Universal Yums is a subscription box where each month features a different country’s snacks and culture. You’ll love trying the same delicious snacks that locals enjoy. With a pamphlet full of trivia and information about each item, this is a gift an entire family can enjoy — even if the gift is meant just for your special Valentine. The couple who founded this company live in Montclair and it continues to be a Jersey-based business.
See More: A List of Must-Shop Boutiques in Montclair
Gift A Staycation At The George | 37 N Mountain Avenue#2317, Montclair
(Photo credit: @thegeorgemontclair)
A hotel stay might be the right move to get you and your partner into the Valentine’s mood. Don’t underestimate the power of reconnecting with one another, disconnecting with work, and winding down with a warm drink by the hotel fire. It’s never a bad idea to give the gift of time spent together.
Valentine’s Flower Arranging At Moss & More | 246 Bellevue Avenue, Montclair
(Photo credit: @mossandmorellc)
If quality time is your Valentine’s love language, this hands-on class is just the ticket. Book a spot or two for guided instruction on how to build a flower arrangement for Valentine’s Day. Moss & More will provide everything needed to make a beautiful bouquet reflective of the maker’s taste. Treat yourself or your partner to a fun evening of learning.
Love Spell Kit from Houss Freya Apothecary | 547 Valley Road Suite 2, Upper Montclair
(Photo credit: @houss.freya)
Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to cast a love spell on that special someone. Houss Freya Apothecary offers incantations and rituals to help you manifest your dream partner. With a beautiful candle and ritual bath, you’ll be finding love in no time!
A Cheese Platter from Van Hook Cheese | 111 Grove Street, Montclair
(Photo credit: @vanhookcheese)
Picture your romantic Valentine’s Day in front of a hot fire, champagne glasses in hand, and a decadent cheese platter to munch on all night. Van Hook offers an amazing selection of fresh platters with a beautiful display and assortment of cheese and fruits. Cheese will always be romantic.
Spicy Girl Box Set from Sla Thai | 596 Valley Road, Montclair
(Photo credit: @slathai_)
Spice up your Valentine’s with a selection of authentic homemade Thai flavors from Sla Thai. These chili flakes will be a huge hit for a spice lover or a chef. With flavors like shrimp and mackerel, your adoring gourmand is sure to love it.
Poppy Tote From Monty | 12 N Willow Street, Montclair
(Photo credit: @hello.monty)
A Palestinian sign of renewal and resilience, poppies are an image of hope. This beautiful tote features hand-drawn poppy flowers screen-printed in Ramallah, Palestine. A great gift for those passionate about solidarity and find love in speaking out.
Hand-Painted Olive Oil From Sicilia Mia Imports | 4 S Fullerton Avenue, Montclair
(Photo credit: @siciliamia_official)
It’s hard to choose just one item from this colorful boutique, but we have to go with the hand-painted olive oil bottles. Each one is delicately decorated by an artist in Sicily, making a unique gift that tells its own story. This small gem around the corner from Church Street is a must-visit if you enjoy gifting high-quality food to that special someone.
You Are The X To My O Book From Giftbar | 465 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
(Photo credit: @shopgiftbar)
This delightful and sweet hardcover book will make your partner feel loved. The pink-themed illustrations of artist Gwinnett Prydderch share 71 poetic and playful pairings like “You are the rock to my roll.” It’s a lovely little gift!
Wood Heart Bowl From White Rabbit Black Heart | 219 Glenridge Avenue, Montclair
(Photo credit: @whiterabbitblackheart)
An adorable heart-shaped bowl for keys, keepsakes, and the like. Whenever your Valentine sees it, they’ll know how much you care. Make sure you pick out a thoughtful card from White Rabbit Black Heart to go along with the gift.
