Local Valentine's Day gifts
With Valentine's Day a week away, a secret valentine asks:
What's a good local Valentine's Day gift? I'd like to stay away from the typical chocolate and flowers, but if I could find an interesting twist on those, that would be great too.
So, we get to play cupid. Our favorite romantic gift is time -- so one of the first things we thought of is a skating trip to the Empire Plaza rink -- which is fun and free. As an alternative to candy and flowers, candy apples from Sticky Fingersmight be fun. Or anything from Crisan.
How about it AOA romantics? Can you help a valentine out?
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Comments
I always enjoying receiving hand made gifts. I've been homebrewing my own beer lately, so if I had a valentine this year he would be receiving a case of my Sweetheart Ginger Saison.
But if you aren't very crafty then you could maybe do what a past valentine did for me: tickets for a local show/concert. And since they were will call only he drew out little tangible tickets on construction paper with the band's name, venue, and time.
... said Elise on Feb 8, 2012 at 11:10 AM | link
Bake For You has plenty of Valentine's Day treats to offer!!
I also always love the idea of "dinner and a movie"-- gift certificate to a favorite restaurant and movie tickets to the Spectrum. Sets up for a future date with your sweetie!
I also love the idea of chocolate covered strawberries instead of regular chocolates. Emack and Bolio's has them to order for the holiday!
... said Mary aka The Culinary Librarian on Feb 8, 2012 at 11:16 AM | link
If you're looking for something to do on Valentine's day, there is a fundraiser at Revolution Hall for the non-profit Love146, an organization that works to fight human trafficking.
www.love146.kintera.org/allforlove
... said JoJo on Feb 8, 2012 at 11:19 AM | link
The Botanic Studio in Troy is pretty dreamy :)
http://www.botanicstudio.com/
... said Laura on Feb 8, 2012 at 12:08 PM | link
The best gift is something that shows you've been paying attention to the little things. After a long work-week does s/he complain that their back is sore? Get a gift certificate for a massage (I recommend Spa Virgo on Lark St). Is there some place local s/he's mentioned s/he wants to go or something s/he wants to see? Plan a day trip there. Is their favorite wine/candy/soap/whatever really hard to find in the area? Mail-order it!
If all else fails, go with a card and something from The Chocolate Gecko.
... said Shannon on Feb 8, 2012 at 1:05 PM | link
Get her a ticket to the Heartbreaker Bash on Thursday. There's no need for you to accompany her.
... said Tim on Feb 8, 2012 at 1:12 PM | link
Going on the "dinner and movie" theme - there is a place called Amy's Dinner and Movie in Glens Falls where you can watch a movie and eat dinner at the same time. I'm planning to go there soon and I've been looking forward to it for a while.
Also, it's not exactly local, but you can't go wrong with Edible Arrangements. They're kinda expensive but what I've done in the past is bought one the arrangements then kept the sticks/vase they come with to make my own (for a lot cheaper) the next time around.
... said Danielle Sanzone on Feb 8, 2012 at 1:15 PM | link
A date to Spectrum theatre - share one of their brownies.
A platter of chocolate chip cookies from Professor Java's in place of the box of candy.
Wait. I think i'm making my own Valentine's wish list :)
... said Stephanie Snyder on Feb 8, 2012 at 1:34 PM | link
What about a set of classes? For example, classes at yoga studios are usually sold in packs of 5 or 10. You could also sign up and pay for a dance class, a cooking class, a couples massage class...something fun for you to look forward to doing together.
I also like the spa gift certificate or concert passes. In general, I agree with Shannon - it will be very meaningful if you remember something they said they were interested in doing or in need of.
... said Jessica R on Feb 8, 2012 at 4:03 PM | link
Try making a home-cooked meal. It does not have to be the height of epicurean achievements. Choose something simple that you can handle and that you know your audience will like. This is farming country (or near enough). Good food comes from good ingredients and we have a lot of great locally raised and produced food stuffs to choose from.
Little things like this can mean so much more than you might guess.
... said Jules on Feb 8, 2012 at 4:06 PM | link
We're making Bananas Foster Creme Brulee and Blackberry Chocolate Truffle Tartlets this weekend (both with housemade Vanilla Whipped Cream). Perfect for your sweet-toothed sweetheart. Fri 11-5, Sat 11-4, Sun 10-2 at 160 Quail St. :)
... said Britin @ All Good Bakers on Feb 8, 2012 at 5:12 PM | link
i'm liking the "spa" idea. I hear the Ivy in North Greenbush has a great massage plan. That's what I'm giving.
... said jeff on Feb 8, 2012 at 8:00 PM | link
Does he/she like craft ales and yummy food? Myself, I would be stoked to get tickets to something like this:
http://www.ticketweb.com/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail?dispatch=loadSelectionData&eventId=4269965&pl=webcbh
It's 2 days after Valentine's Day, adding to the element of surprise. :)
... said irisira on Feb 8, 2012 at 8:06 PM | link
Different Drummer's Kitchen has some really great cooking classes now that they've moved to their new space.
... said Ski on Feb 9, 2012 at 9:20 AM | link
my wishlist:
1. an afternoon alone - no guilt - to do whatever i want.
2. wine. if it is something i have been looking for or mentioned that i like. bonus points.
3. a massage
4. something decadent from crisan.
5. a bunch of cheap flowers. don't bother with the $60 bouqute from a crappy florist that i rip apart anyways (unless it was from my favorite things)
6. did i mention some time alone?
... said suburban mom on Feb 9, 2012 at 10:37 AM | link
Give them TWO gifts!
The gift of ROCK and the gift of THE FUTURE!
How, you ask?
clicky clicky link link:
https://www.facebook.com/hotcousinrocks#!/photo.php?fbid=10151277304565177&set=a.146941685176.223668.97896725176&type=1&theater
... said cousin on Feb 9, 2012 at 1:30 PM | link
A handwritten coupon for 5 dishwashes!
... said Lu on Feb 9, 2012 at 10:40 PM | link