Gift Ideas for your Sweetheart(s)

By Margaret Gilmour

A love interest.  That special person.  Your darling, or little darlings.

Valentine’s Day is almost here…time to take a moment, or a day, or maybe an entire evening to celebrate your sweetheart. Revel in romance. Share your love.

And, in the interest of remaining practical, yet original, here’s a list of gift ideas to help you assert your admiration. All these shops are found in downtown Kennett Square.

Romance on?

How about showing your affections with flowers, traditional symbols of love, but you certainly don’t have to stick to the customary dozen roses.

In fact, over at Chansonette (201 S. Union St.), where the motto is “never ever boring,” owner Anne Eder suggests orchids for your Valentine.

Chansonette is French for Little Song, the name chosen by Eder because “Flowers are cheerful like little songs.”

Indeed, Eder’s orchids are cheerful and come in different sizes and color combinations to fill individual budgets and professions of love.

There’s the tiny weenie orchids that fit in a teacup, or the floor-sized varieties that fill a hand-made pot thrown by local potters.

But Eder’s specialty is fragrant orchids—so if you want to give your Valentine sweets without the added calories, pick up a chocolate-scented orchid. There are also orchids smelling of hyacinths, cupcakes, jasmine and vanilla, flavors for any palette in blooms that will last longer than the customary dozen buds. Besides, the container they come in will last forever.

And, with forever in mind, preparing that special meal for your sweetheart shouldn’t keep you locked in the kitchen for eternity.

The idea, of course, is to enjoy the celebration with your dinner guests (family, friend or lover)–and to do this, simple food preparation is a must and will leave you with the energy and interest to enjoy your company.

You could start by stopping into Talula’s Table (102 West State Street) for a ready-made meal made from fresh, local ingredients. The hardest part of your day will be in selecting a menu from the vast array of edibles in the display case or perfectly preserved cuisine in the freezer.

Another option is “The Foodie,” a gourmet gift box that includes a recipe and necessary ingredients for a delicious meal.

Or, you can let owners Aimee Olexy and Bryan Sikora help choose your Valentine meal. Who better, since they love sharing their knowledge and love of good food? And this day is all about love…

And hearts everywhere. Some of the prettiest found atop cupcakes at Sweet Christine’s Bakery (132 West State Street). These mouth-watering treats are all natural, gluten-free so that just about anyone can enjoy them, even those with wheat, barley and rye allergies.

The best part is that even if you don’t need a gluten-free diet, the baked goods at Sweet Christine’s will trick you into thinking you’re eating the real thing.

I sampled the chocolate brownie, and the chocolate chip muffin, my son gobbled up a pretzel. Will I be going back for more? On my next trip in town, for sure.

And because nourishment comes in all forms, Picone Beauty and Wellness (100 W State Street) is ready to fuel your Valentine’s body and soul. A gift of relaxation or time-off from daily life though massage or body wraps is one way to show you care.

They also sell soothing lotions or colorful, creamy soaps, offerings for your littlest angel or life-long flame that reminds them they are treasured.

Another idea for soul revival is giving the opportunity to unleash that creative passion, like a certificate for knitting lessons at Wool Gathering (131 State Street).  Here you’re surrounded by a natural fiber culture and knitting circles that form lasting friendships, and needlework that is twisted into wooly wonders.

Once you’ve decided what to give your Valentine, head over to The Paper Market (103 West State Street) for hand-made wrap and silky ribbons to customize your present.

Actually, teens will love the scores of patterned ribbons sold as individual strands they can use to make belts, necklaces or use as other adornments.

There is also an eco-boutique where accessories made from sustainable materials include sacks and handbags, hats and scarves. Maybe pack your goodies in one of the sacks and present it to the one you cherish.

Whatever your desires, enjoy playing Cupid for a day. I know I will.