To us, Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romantic love. No matter if you’re single, dating, recently engaged, or a great friend, there’s most likely someone in your life that holds a special place in your heart. What better way to let them know how much they mean to you than with a little treat?
We’ve done the heavy lifting and constructed a list of fail-safe gifts for your galentines, littlest loves, and even yourself—because self-care is just as important, and you deserve all the things. We also asked some local influencers for their favorite V-Day gift picks, and they found some fabulous items that you may not have known about yet, but you’ll be glad you do now. The best part? Every single item on this list is from an Indiana-area business.
THE ROMANTIC
Looking for the perfect date idea? You found it! Grab someone you love and pour your own candles at Unplug Soy Candles. They offer special “Open Pouring Hours” seven days a week, and feature a wide range of beautiful vessels to choose from.
Candle Pouring Experience, $18-$85, visit Unplugsoycandles.com for location and hours.
IN-THE-KNOW PICK
Nicole Hernandez, photographer and content creator @xnicolehernandez:
“When I saw this little date night set from Cream & Concrete, my heart couldn’t take it—it’s too cute! Perfect for cozying up with a loved one and making a treat together (I have a strong love for s’mores), pair this with a romantic movie and you’ve got a lovely date night in.”
Date Night Gift Set, $78 at Creamandconcrete.com.
Don’t worry about wearing your heart on your sleeve: You can proudly display your feelings right across your chest with this tee from Nolan James, a Cicero-area boutique owned by Melissa Bernero. It’s screen printed by hand and perfect to wear any time you want to spread a little love.
Love Bleached Tee (earrings sold separately), $28 at Nolanjames.net.
Shelley Hanmo Qian, owner of Junonia Arts, is a trained concert pianist who began working as a self-taught paper artist during the pandemic—and her work is absolutely jaw-dropping. Among her many talents, she can create custom portraits from paper, and we think that whether you’ve been with your partner for five years or twenty, her outstanding artwork is sure to make your Valentine feel extra special.
Junonia Arts Custom Paper Collage, $45 and up at Etsy.com.
Instead of your typical bouquet of flowers, consider this “Double Heart Hoya” potted plant from Crown and Cloth Flower Company. Not only unique in appearance, the heart-shaped plant needs very little care and minimal water, and will last way longer than those drugstore roses.
Double Heart Hoya Valentine Plant, $40-58 at Crownandcloth.com.
THE LOCAL FOODIE
In-the-know pick
Katey Velgis, blogger and co-creator of Siblings That Eat:
“For your favorite foodie or the person who wants to spice up their Valentine’s Day, the perfect gift would be from MetalHoney. I love hot honey on anything from sandwiches to pizza. Not only is it delicious, it is also local. My personal favorite is the ‘Sweet Stinger!’”
“Sweet Stinger” Hot Honey, $10 at Metalhoney.com.
Emily Houser’s 317 Charcuterie offers the perfect charcuterie board for your special someone. This sweet, heart-shaped board includes Genoa salami, prosciutto, cheddar, blueberry goat cheese, cherries, chocolate-covered strawberries, dark chocolate almonds, and a peanut butter cup to name a few, plus strawberry champagne macarons that are out-of-this-world delicious. Bonus: If you’re carrying out, you can also add some prosecco (at a discounted price, natch) to your order. Cheers!
317 Charcuterie Valentine’s Day Board, $25 at 317charcuterie.com.
For a yummy change of pace, try gifting some freshly baked bread or English muffins and a jar of Revival’s “Cinnamon Chai Spice” almond butter. Made with Vietnamese cinnamon and Indian ginger, a spoonful of this creamy spread is all it takes to make someone’s day.
Cinnamon Chai Spice Almond Butter, $13.99 at Revivalfoodco.com.
Send a Friend Lasagna’s Valentine’s Day deal is one of the best in town. Get one of Stephanie Daily’s delicious, fresh lasagnas and a heart-shaped cake from Circle City Sweets delivered straight to you or your loved one on February 13th or 14th—if you’re in the company’s generous delivery zone, of course. Note: There are only 25 of these specials left, so if you’re interested, you should act fast.
Valentine’s Day Lasagna and Cake Special, $37-$65 at Sendafriendlasagna.com; orders will be accepted until February 9th.
Sometimes it can be hard to pick just one foodie gift, so why limit yourself? A Taste of Indiana offers a variety of gift baskets to choose from, but we adore this “Local Love” version. It’s filled with yogurt pretzels, Indiana-shaped chocolates, and raspberry creams, to name a few.
“Local Love” basket, $35 at Atasteofindiana.com.
THE GALENTINE
Made with 14k gold and diamonds by Three Stories Jewelry, these “Love Explosion” earring charms represent the jewelry company founders’ individual and collective love for friends and family, as well as a love of humanity. Find them—and a host of other fabulous jewelry gifts—at Dana Friedman’s Petite G Jewelers.
Love Explosion Heart Charms, $940, (pave hoop earrings sold separately for $720) at Petiteg.com.
IN-THE-KNOW PICK
Jessica Bellamy, Owner of Rae Bellamy Media:
“Martina Jackson’s ‘After Hours” book is a unique gift that would be GREAT for a girl’s night in where you and your friends shake up some delicious tasting cocktails at home.”
“After Hours” Cocktail Book, $28-$40 at Dreaandcohome.com.
Treat your bestie to a festive galentine’s dinner at LouVino. You can enjoy a special three-course menu with champagne gummy bears from Feb. 8-10. Specials vary at each LouVino restaurant, but for the Mass Ave location, you can expect offerings like Brussels sprouts salad, fried chicken tacos, ricotta gnocchi, and chocolate chip cookie dough beignets for dessert.
LouVino Galentine’s Day Dinner, $40 per person (plus tax and gratuity), Louvino.com for locations.
V is almost certainly for vodka, right? Surprise your cocktail-loving pal with this cute-and-comfy tee.
V is for Valentine Vodka V-Neck Tee, $33 at Shopbluepeppermint.com.
Pay homage to everyone’s favorite Golden Girls (rest in power, Betty White!) by gifting your best girls this hand towel.
Thank You for Being a Friend Towel, $12 at Tangerinegifts.com
THE “TREAT YO SELF”
IN-THE-KNOW PICK
Martina Jackson, photographer, blogger, and owner of Drea & Co.:
“Okay, whether I am spending a romantic Valentine’s evening with my love or having a good ol’ galentines with the ladies, I have to TREAT MYSELF with some immaculate vibes and fragrance before I head out the door. 1983candleco does that for me with their ‘Love Potion’ room mist, and oh my goodness, the scent is amazing. Locally owned and crafted—they need to be on your list.”
Love Potion Room Mist, $12 at 1983candleco.com.
The brainchild of Christy Johnson, The Bountiful Board has put together a fabulous fondue tray that is sized to share—but we are fully supportive of you keeping it all for yourself. It features delicious hot fudge and salted caramel, as well as fresh fruit, a variety of pretzels, chocolates, cookies, and mini Rice Krispies treats for dipping.
Fondue Tray, $50 at Thebountifulboard.com.
Good skin is always in, so gift yourself a facial at Nomadic Skincare, where owner and licensed esthetician Maddie Wilmes will also share her tips on how to care for your skin.
Nomadic Skincare Facial, starting at $65 at nomadicskincare.com.
Pile on the arm candy with this chic bracelet set from Indianapolis staple, Dottie Couture Boutique.
Rose Bead + Tassel Bracelet Set, $18 at dottiecouture.com.
Make It Classy is making time for yourself a little easier with its new “Self Care Kit,” packed with everything you need to unwind after a long week. The kit includes body butter, lip balm, clay face mask, and a body bar, all packed in a reusable travel tote.
Self Care Kit, $34 at Makeitclassydiy.com.
THE LEADING LADY
Did you know that red is not only a power color, it’s also a neutral depending on your skin tone? That means you can go ahead and wear it under a white shirt, so expand your intimate wardrobe to include a ravishing red bra, like this beauty from Marlies Dekker. And while you’re at it, you can also pick up some lace panties by Montelle for $12, all at Carla Mackie’s Uplift Intimate Apparel in Carmel City Center.
Marlies Dekker Bra and Panty Set, $125 (bra) and $65 (panty), Upliftintimateapparel.com for store location, and more information.
IN-THE-KNOW PICK
Dawn Olsen, writer and owner of Make Words Go:
“I now have a satin fetish, thanks to this dress. It’s like you’re wearing the cool side of your pillow. Hell, even the words that describe this dress are sexy-sounding: silky, smooth, soft, flappy.”
Adriana Satin Ruffled Maxi Wrap Dress, $48.30 at Shopbluepeppermint.com.
Daniel’s Vineyard is a Central Indiana staple, and for good reason. The winery offers tastings of a variety of their vinos, including Circle City Red and Fireside Sangria, so whether you’re a wine snob or a casual day drinker, you’re sure to find a wine that suits your palette.
Daniel’s Vineyard Wine Tasting, starting at $12 at Daniel’s Vineyard, Danielsvineyard.com for more information.
If your eye bags have to be anything, they may as well be designer, so enjoy an extra luxurious sleep with this satin sleep mask from Bath Junkie in Carmel.
Satin Sleep Mask, $24 at Bathjunkiecarmel.com.
This magnet is a perfect reminder to be your own fabulous self, always.
Magnet, $6.25 at Shop.homespunindy.com.
THE BEAUTY AND GROOMING MAVEN
IN-THE-KNOW PICK
Nikki Brown, makeup artist and owner of Nikki Brown Makeup:
“I would like to suggest the ‘Butta Butta’ from The Pink Tub. I love this product, a whipped up moisturizer made of natural ingredients. The vanilla smells incredible—it ALL smells incredible.”
“Butta Butta” Moisturizer, $40 at Thepinktub.com.
Indiana Soap Co. is a Greenwood-based company specializing in natural, locally sourced soap. Its “You Are Loved” scent is a mixture of jasmine and rose—which is exactly what true love surely must smell like.
“You Are Loved” Soap, $6 at Indianasoapco.com.
Amp up your morning routine with one of Soap and Sunshine’s shower steamers. Just place it in the corner of your shower and let the mist from the water activate the wow-worthy fragrance.
Aromatherapy Shower Steamer, $4.50 each at Soapandsunshine.com.
Put your Valentine under a “love spell” with this sugar scrub. It boasts hints of mandarin, peach, and strawberry, and will leave skin feeling silky smooth.
“Love Spell” Goat Milk Whipped Sugar Scrub, $6 at Blueheronfarmindiana.com.
Made just for men, this body mist from Simple Goodness Soaps isn’t your average Axe spray. Handcrafted by Kelly Caldwell on her farm in Elwood, it has an inviting scent that isn’t overpowering.
Men’s Refreshing Body Mist, $6.50 at Simplegoodnesssoaps.com.
THE 12 AND UNDER SET
IN-THE-KNOW PICK
Maria Baer, owner of The Baer Minimalist:
“I have followed Nicole Lewis, the owner of Art 2 The Extreme, for a number of years and am continually impressed with her creativity (but also her turn-around time, her packaging, and her ability to catch Oprah’s eye)! Her name crayon sets are the perfect Valentine’s treat for the littles in your life, and the ‘Classroom Crayon Stix’ are the most adorable valentine your kiddo could package up for their class. I mean, ‘I’m Drawn to You,’ and ‘You’re So Sharp’ imprinted on crayons. It doesn’t get any cuter than that!”
Valentine Classroom Crayon Stix, $16.95 and up at Art2theextreme.com.
Let your little Indiana valentine know just how much you love them with this picture book that walks them through familiar landmarks across the state.
“I Love My Indiana Valentine,” $9.99 at Thestorkstop.com.
Roman and Leo is a clothing boutique made just for boys, owned by Angela Castelli, a local mom who wanted to bring cooler clothes for little dudes to Indy. This cozy set of jammies is festive and ultra-soft and the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for your youngster.
Little Sleepies Valentine’s Pajama Set, $32 at Romanandleo.com.
Gift your littlest jet setter this travel baby blanket set from Be the Boutique. Made from 100% organic cotton, it includes a burp cloth and a carry bag, so your baby will be ready for any adventure.
Travel Baby Blanket Set, $118 at Betheboutique.com.
Treat your kids to an afternoon of gliding around Zip City Indy, an indoor zip lining and trampoline park. Bonus: Mom and dad can join in the fun, too—if you’re into heights, of course.
Zip City Indy Visit, pricing starts at $24.95, Zipcityusa.com/indianapolis for more information.
Samantha Kupiainen is a regular Indy Maven contributor who is hoping her fiance gifts her something from this list for Valentine’s Day.
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