22 local and unique Valentine’s Day gift ideas
It’s easy to find a heart-shaped box of candy around Valentine’s Day. Locating a box of caviar paired with modern glassware, a private tasting of locally-brewed craft beer, or dinner at 1,776 feet above lower Manhattan might take a bit of doing. We’ve done the legwork and picked a list of beyond-the-ordinary ways to say “I love you,” while staying in a New York state of mind (plus a few global finds).
All of these products have been hand-selected by team 6sqft. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these affiliate links. All prices reflect those at the time of publishing.
Photo credit: Ty Mecham/Food52
Chocolates that steal your heart
Premium chocolatier L.A. Burdick is known for its beyond-adorable edible critters, including chocolate mice and penguins, in addition to a full array of goodies in all shapes and sizes. Order up an adorable infestation or stop by their Soho shop to behold the entire delicious menagerie.
Photo courtesy of Milk Bar
Milk Bar red velvet cheesecake
Milk Bar’s Red Velvet Cheesecake has a dedicated following, and we can see why: Made of double chocolate red velvet cake and frosting, a cheesecake filling, and topped with red velvet crumbs, this crave-worthy confection follows the Milk Bar tradition of sweet decadence. A six-inch cake is priced at $65 and is available for in-store pick-up and local delivery; a more compact truffle version is $32 for 12 truffles.
Photo courtesy of Gotham Chocolates
Gotham Chocolate Box
This year’s Valentine’s Day collection from local dining destination Gotham Bar and Grill‘s confection kitchen, Gotham Chocolates, is a brilliant box of artisan goodies that includes a nine-piece bonbon collection, white chocolate rainforest bark, dark chocolate bars infused with Maine sea salt and ground Burundian coffee beans, Madagascan hot chocolate, and sea salt caramels in a super fancy box.
Photo courtesy of Coming Soon New York
Caviar and cool design
This unusual pairing brings local caviar boutique Cavi-AIR together with the Coming Soon, the Lower East Side’s spot for covetable modern home goods for the second year in a row. The luxury-plus-lucite package includes select 30 grams, 50 grams, or 125 grams of Kaluga caviar and optional add-ons from Coming Soon, including Mamo Glasses, a lucite Jenga Set and more.
Photo credit: Festive & Co
Creative cards
Everyone loves a scratch-off card, and what better prize than a personal message from someone who loves you? Soho party pro Feste offers 18 personalizable Valentines for $16.
Photo credit: Larry Siegel/Pexels
Flowers everyone can share
This Valentine’s Day, have flowers planted in Central Park in someone’s honor. With a minimum tax-deductible donation of $50 ($1 per bulb), the Central Park Conservancy will plant tulips or daffodils in the park in your loved one’s name, with a mailed notice to let them know about the gift.
Photo credit: Gregory Buda
Bespoke martinis at your place
West Village establishment Dante offers a taste of the Village to go with The Martini Hour cocktail box, containing four of Dante’s award-winning martinis. Each bottle is eight ounces and serves three. Each box ($140) also includes Kugelhopf (German cake), illustrated coasters, matches, and a legendary Dante playlist.
Photo courtesy of The Cauldron
A custom love potion
Enter The Cauldron, a two-floor, wizard-themed bar and restaurant on historic Stone Street—the oldest paved road in Manhattan–for an immersive experience that involves creating molecular cocktails (or non-alcoholic drinks) brewed by magic wand. Share the magic with someone special or bring the whole coven (prices vary).
Photo courtesy of Partners Coffee
Coffee to go…delivered
Keep your Valentine happily caffeinated for months to come. Partners Coffee will deliver bags of the freshest whole or ground beans in their favorite blend directly to your loved one’s apartment every week for three, six, or twelve months.
Photo courtesy of One World Observatory
A sky-high dining experience
Enjoy a five-course pre-fixe menu and a premium open bar ($305 per person plus taxes) while surrounded by views of the city from the 102nd floor at Aspire, the event space at One World Observatory.
Photo credit: Sydney Butler
A beer tasting for two
Brooklyn brewery Talea is offering a pair of flights ($80) that includes four of their latest releases (including chocolate-box options like Peppermint Mocha Stout) along with a small cheese plate at their Williamsburg and Cobble Hill locations. The brewery will mail a gift card to the recipient in advance.
Photo courtesy of Airbnb
A midwinter escape to the woods
Explore New York’s roads less traveled: This unique Adirondack getaway via Airbnb puts you in the heart of some of the nation’s most beautiful country, in an Architectural Digest-featured, award-winning treehouse.
Photo credit: Liz Ligon for the Times Square Alliance
A reason to be in Times Square
The annual Love in Times Square event gives starry-eyed lovers from around the world a chance to pop the question, get married, or renew their vows in front of a really big crowd. All events will take place in front of the “Love’s h|Edge” public art installation by Almost Studio, inviting visitors to journey through hidden pathways, rose-filled trellises, and heart-shaped hideaways.
Photo credit: Amazon.com
A buzzworthy sweet treat
Made in Brooklyn at Bushwick Kitchen, this unique way to say “‘bee mine” goes well in tea or on its own as a sweet snack. From $14.99 at Amazon.
More heart-warming gifts
Finding that just-right gift for a special someone means knowing what they love.
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Not all technology is cold; pop these toasty gadgets into your pockets and keep the chill at bay. Rechargeable hand-warmers, $26.99 at Amazon. |
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What could be more romantic than a sleeping bag built for two? TETON Sports Tracker Ultralight double sleeping bag. |
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These long-distance touch lamps let you connect with someone you love wherever they are. When you tap your lamp, the other lamp in the pair lights up at the same time. Add more lights for a group hug! LuvLink friendship lamps, $179 for a set of two at Amazon. |
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Each set of these heart-shaped tea bags includes five English Breakfast, five Earl Grey, and five White Berry tea bags (pop a few in a card for a little extra love). Heart-shaped tea bags, $36 for a set at Uncommon Goods. |
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Weighted blankets are known for promoting sounder sleep and for keeping us extra cozy during midwinter naps. Luna chunky knit weighted blanket, $139 at Amazon. |
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Make breakfast a love-fest with heart-shaped waffles. Dash Express 8-inch waffle maker, $21.99 at Amazon. |
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This collection from the maker of chef-standard stoneware includes dutch ovens and pans in several sizes and colors, including these adorable mini cocottes with heart-shaped lids. Le Creuset Figural Hearts Collection stoneware mini round cocotte, 8oz, $32 at Amazon. |
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Picnic season is not as far away as you think; look forward to lazy summer afternoons with this everything-included basket that’s perfect for a re-creation of “Luncheon on the Grass.” Picnic Time heart wicker picnic basket, $155 at Amazon. |
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