The Gift of Love
Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and with it, the retail-enforced mandate to wow your sweetie with the perfect gift. No pressure! The idea of shopping for just the right token of affection could make anyone break into a cold sweat but don’t fret. Our Georgia Voice Valentine’s Day gift guide is here to rescue you from pre-Valentine’s Day purgatory. Whether your loved one is sporty, crafty, romantic, outdoorsy or all of the above, the gifts and ideas below are sure to earn you major points and maybe even a roll in the hay!
FOR THE CRAFTY TYPE
Are you ensconced with a would-be artist? Does the idea of being up to their elbows in clay turn your babe on? Atlanta is full of affordable options for the crafty sort, from iron smithing classes to those paint and sip options popping up on every corner. The best part: Most of them are offering Valentine’s Day specials. Drop by Ponce City Market for a session at Candlefish, a trendy boutique that sells high-end candles and offers workshops where you can make them. Their Valentine’s special includes a scented candle class where participants choose from an especially romantic selection of fragrances, pour two candles and kick back with hors-d’oeuvres. If your honey is more adventurous, go check out Decatur Glassblowing. This industrialstyle studio lets you create gorgeous glass specialties year-round, including a Valentine’s Day glassblowing session that yields a heartshaped glass paperweight. Grab your sweetie and put those lips to work!
FOR THE DIVA OR DIVO
If your lover has an affinity for the finer things in life, it can be tempting to default to high-end jewelry. Why not try something more creative? Treat them to a visit to Blend Custom Parfum Studio. Choose one of their affordable packages, and your partner can work with French-trained Master Parfumeur Susan Sexton and her team to create a custom fragrance – from learning about flower essences to mixing and bottling. They’ll leave with a delicious bespoke scent, and you’ll gain super boyfriend/girlfriend status. For the spa lover, try a unique twist on a couples massage at BlueFern Spa. It’s located in Johns Creek, but the drive is worth it for this decadent retreat specializing in ubertrendy salt room therapy. Choose from eight Valentine’s Day packages, including the “Unforgettable” – a 60-minute couples massage and salt room session topped off with gourmet chocolates and bubbly.
FOR THE ROMANTIC
Valentine’s Day is the signature holiday of love, so if your babe is a romantic at heart, you’ve got to bring your A-game. It’s trickier than just grabbing a diamond bracelet, but with a little thought, you can come out on top. The key is to think substance over flash. Spread out your favorite throw and enjoy a cozy indoor picnic, care of Valentine’s Day dinner delivery from Harry & David. Score a lobster dinner for two for just $100, add flickering candles and alluring music for an intimate evening. If your honey has a soft spot for the traditional sweet, pick up some award-winning, smallbatch chocolates from Xocolatl near Old Fourth Ward, a dazzling arrangement from Foxgloves & Ivy Floral Design Studio and a custom Build-a-Bear (their rainbow sloth is hilarious and LGBTQ-appropriate) for a cute, heartfelt surprise. The best part: It’s affordable! Valentine’s doesn’t have to be stressful. Whatever you give your honey, do it from the heart, and they’re sure to be happy.