Valentine's Gift Ideas
From hot and racy to sweet and tasty
By Allison Weiss Entrekin

 

Ah, another Valentine’s Day. Another chance to rack your brain trying to figure out what your sweetheart really wants this year. Well, rack no more. Atlanta Life has done the work for you, scouring the stores to find the best gifts for every personality and budget. Whether you’re looking for a bargain, going for something unusual or willing to shell out big bucks to knock your lover’s socks off, this guide has something for you. (You can call to thank us after you’ve wiped all the kiss marks off your face.)

Traditional:

Fine Chocolate
There’s chocolate, and then there’s really good chocolate. You know you’re buying the latter when you purchase a copper truffle box from Alpharetta-based Bon Bons Confectionery. Containing a variety of flavors like hazelnut ganache and mocha cappuccino, every chocolate in this box is made with fresh ingredients and without preservatives. Available for $21 (small) and $35 (large) at bonbonsconfectionery.com.

Alpharetta-based Bon Bons Confectionery chocolates Photo by Joseph Aczel

 

Love and Romance Gift Basket
The traditional gift basket gets a romantic makeover with this beautiful assortment by The Atlanta Gift Basket Company. From fine chocolates to soothing music to slightly naughty body paints, this basket can put anyone in the mood for love. Available for $139.95 (large) and $299.95 (extra-large) at atlantagiftbasket.com.

Falling in Love Collection
Tell her you’re falling in love by giving her this collection of perfumes and body care by Philosophy. From the body soufflé to the bubble bath to the fragrance, this line will express your feelings loud and clear. Items available for $15-$45 at philosophy.com.

Pearl Earrings
These gorgeous, natural-color, freshwater pearl earrings are the perfect way to make her smile this Valentine’s Day. And because pearls are a classic, you’ll never have to worry about them going out of style. Available for $375 at Mayors.

Vintage Champagne
Break out the bubbly with a bottle of Charles Heidsieck Brut Diamant Bleu 1996 champagne. “With 90 percent of all champagne being made into non-vintage styles, the rare vintage champagne allows age to transform into beauty,” says Michael Bryan, director of the Atlanta Wine School. “The 1996 Diamant Bleu intrigues you with butterscotch and citrus aromas and coats the mouth with smoky spices, which linger long in the creamy finish.” Available for $125 at Green’s Package Store, or order it over dinner at Bluepointe or Chops Steakhouse and Lobster Bar.

Luxe:

Couples Retreat at Barnsley Gardens Resort
If you and your sweetheart need some time away, take a quick trip to Barnsley Gardens Resort in Adairsville, just over an hour north of Atlanta. The resort’s “Couples Retreat” package offers a night’s stay in a garden or manor cottage suite and breakfast and dinner for two–and you’ll be greeted with champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries and flowers upon your arrival. Available for $635/couple by calling 770.773.7480.

White Gold and Diamond Jewelry
Dazzle her with this glittering collection by Jude Frances, made of 18-karat white gold and diamonds. Small hoop earrings available for $390, “Hugs and Kisses” charm (pictured on earrings) available for $1,550, and large pendant with heart-shaped ruby available for $4,100 at Mednikow Jewelers.

Sports car
Really get your partner’s engine going with a 2007 Lexus LS 460. Featuring a 4.6-liter, 380-horsepower V8 engine, it boasts the world’s first eight-speed automatic transmission. Not to mention, it looks fantastic. Available starting at $61,715 at Nalley Lexus-Roswell, Nalley Lexus-Smyrna, Hennessy Lexus of Atlanta and Hennessy Lexus of Gwinnett.

Infared sauna, Michele della Valle earrings, 2007 Lexus LS 460

 

Infrared Sauna
Heat things up this Valentine’s Day with a luxury basswood sauna from Sunlight Saunas. You’ll also help your sweetie lower his or her blood pressure, detoxify and burn 300 to 600 calories in 30 minutes. Measuring 85 by 63 by 75.5 inches, it adds a sophisticated and healing touch to any home. Available for $6,195 at sweetheatsaunas.com.

Pink Sapphire and Diamond Earrings
From Birks’ signature designer, Michele della Valle, comes a pair of earrings that will make her jaw drop. Pink sapphire and diamonds combine to form shimmering balls, and as any woman knows, it’s impossible not to feel pretty in pink. Available for $33,500 at Mayors.

Unusual:

Instructional Couples Massage
Don’t just buy your significant other a massage; learn to massage like a pro yourself! At Natural Body Spa & Shoppe, you and your partner can learn how to give each other the perfect back and shoulder massages. You’ll even take home a bottle of oil and instructions. How’s that for setting the mood? Available for $120 at naturalbody.com.

Dance Lessons
Stage your very own episode of Dancing with the Stars after you and your sweetheart take dance lessons at Arthur Murray Dance Center in Smyrna. Learn the basics of dances like salsa, the fox trot and the waltz, then practice your newfound skills out on the town. Six sessions available for $150/couple by calling 770.951.8811.

Salon for Men
When was the last time you pampered your man? Help him unwind while polishing his look with a gift certificate to Jonpaul’s salon for men, which turns grooming into an art form. Choose from spa services, skin-care services, custom-made clothing appointments, or tonsorial services like express nail grooming, a moustache trim and a purifying mask. The exclusive experience will be one he won’t soon forget–and you’ll both reap the benefits. For more information or to purchase a gift card, visit jonpauls.com or call 770.814.0033.

Jonpaul’s salon for men

 

Personal Assistant
Does your honey need a hand? Give him or her the gift of time by purchasing a gift certificate for a personal assistant. He or she will be happy to do everything from pack your home for a move, plan an event, wait for service people–even organize files! Available for $130 (two hours), $260 (four hours) or $790 (six hours) at signaturedays.com.

Singing Telegram
For the person you can never seem to surprise, a singing telegram from Southern Stars Atlanta is a terrific jolt. A (rather large) cupid will appear at his or her office or home and sing the tune of your choice, making for one very memorable Valentine’s Day. Available starting at $100 by calling 770.303.0124.

Edible:

Sia’s
For an exquisite Valentine’s dinner, Sia’s is the perfect choice. The Duluth restaurant’s February 14 prix-fixe menu is filled with delectable cuisine that’s infused with flavors from Asia and the American Southwest. The service is unparalleled, with a fleet of staff members ready to meet your every request. The main dining room can get a tad crowded, so ask for a table next to the fireplace in the private dining room. For details about the Valentine’s Day prix-fixe menu or to make reservations, visit siasrestaurant.com or call 770.497.9727.

 

Sia’s Bedeque Oysters

 

Canoe
Overlooking the banks of the Chattahoochee River, Canoe sets the scene for a magical evening. From the seasonally inspired menu, prepared by one of the country’s most renowned chefs, to the exquisite wine list to the one-of-a-kind atmosphere, Canoe is a first-rate choice for your Valentine’s Day dinner. Expect dishes like roasted chestnut soup, brioche-crusted whole Maine lobster and a trio of brulee. For more information or to make reservations, visit canoe-atl.com or call 770.432.2663.

The Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar & View
A panoramic view of Atlanta from a seat in the tallest hotel in the Western Hemisphere makes for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day celebration. What better way to express that your world revolves around your partner than by taking him or her to a dining room that revolves around the city? From the special prix-fixe menu of seasonally influenced contemporary American cuisine, to the wine pairings and live jazz, you will be husband or wife of the year. For more information, visit sundialrestaurant.com or call 404.589.7506.

Bargain:

So, you just started dating someone and you don’t want to shell out a lot of dough for Valentine’s Day (heck, you might not be seeing each other by St. Patrick’s Day!). Or, you bought your significant other something off-the-wall (and expensive!) and you want to grab something else that’s “safe”–just in case. Well, Atlanta Life has scoured the stores to find great bargains on flowers, chocolate and even a fluffy teddy bear. Now you can be frugal without looking cheap.

Cheapest Dozen Roses: Trader Joe’s, $7.99
That Trader Joe; what a guy. At his namesake store, prices on roses don’t go up for Valentine’s Day, which means love-struck men and women aren’t penalized for showing their affection on February 14. A dozen roses are just $7.99 (even cheaper than at wholesale stores like Costco and Sam’s Club), and the quality is spectacular. But, like any good deal, these flowers will go fast, so we don’t recommend dropping by to pick them up at the last minute.

Cheapest Fine Chocolate: Cost Plus World
Market and Target, $1.99
Swiss chocolate maker Lindt is famous for its decadent treats, and the Excellence dark chocolate bar made of 70-percent cocoa is no exception. Pick it up at Cost Plus World Market or Target and add just the right touch to a card or gift basket.

Lindt 70-percent chocolate bar

 

Cheapest Quality Teddy Bear: Wal-Mart, $19.88
Yes, you could have picked up a scraggly bear the size of a toothpick, but if you want to give a cute, cuddly bear on Valentine’s Day, the Jumbo Love-A-Lot Care Bear is the best bang for your buck. Made of plush fabric and featuring hearts on its tummy, nose and feet, this bear will bring a smile to anyone’s face.