Who doesn't love Valentine's Day? An entire day devoted to love, passion, celebration, chocolate, food of all kinds and, of course, plenty of gifts. It doesn't matter if you're single or spoken for. This is the one day of the year that if you're not in love, then you can certainly pamper and spoil yourself until you've met your perfect match. Even the color palette on this special day is amazing. It's no wonder this holiday is a $13 billion dollar day and has been estimated that 11,000 babies may be conceived on February 14 as a result.
Gifts are both decadent to give and get, but what to give varies. If you're in a new relationship, you might opt to hold back on the lavish and expensive. ChocolateShopWine.com has a sparking chocolate red wine that is perfect to split with your new beau over a nice dinner at the house. Or if you'd prefer, Godiva's fondue set for two is a cute idea for getting your dessert on. Speaking of dessert, HarvardSweetBoutique.com is the most incredible bakery we've ever sampled, and ships its freshly baked, clever and creative treats all around the country -- just order online at its website shop. A box of conversation heart cookies are so cute and perfect for the occasion but all the goodies this company makes are TDF whether it's Valentine's Day or not.
If you've got a love with dietary or other special eating needs, skip the treats and snap up on Dave's Tea, which offers two blends specifically for love which you can also order on its online store. Or, forget the culinary gift options and give something that keeps giving long after February 14 has moved on. West Elm has the cutest felt tech cases -- your significant other can wrap his or her tablet in three different cool colors. Speaking of wrapping things up, Coyuchi's wool blankets are all natural, stylish and so cozy. You might want one for yourself.
Of course, you can't forget the fresh flowers. These days its all about buying organic and eco-friendly. OrganicBouquet.com hits both as well as sources small and artisan farms to support farming both here in the U.S. and other countries. The site has a range of floral options to pick -- they come so fresh you're love will never know you bought them online.
If you do go the traditional box of chocolates route, mix it up a bit. Trends we saw at the National Chocolate Show this past year included an update to this classic culinary treat with hand painted pieces, unique and funky truffles and an update on chocolate bark. Flying Noir (available online at Flyingnoir.net) and bark by Stella Leona (Stellaleona.com) are favorites.
To see all of this week's articles on Condiment, visit www.getcondiment.com.