Whether it’s a gift for your love, a gift for your pal or a gift for yourself, we’ve got something for everyone in this roundup of editor’s picks.
At ParentsCanada we work hard to keep the current state of our country in mind, so we’ve chosen items from small businesses and larger retailers, in a range of prices. But no matter what, just remember: Any gift you chose (or make!) from the heart is exactly the right gift for the lucky ducks on your gift list. Happy Valentine’s Day.
For much-needed relaxation: Love Me Do bath bomb
Why we love it: This is a sophisticated bath bomb. Wrapped in muslin, this limited edition fragrant fizzer will help your Valentine unwind with the scents of orange, rose, lavender and ylang ylang. The cloth, tag and raffia ribbon are all compostable when bathtime is over. $9.45, lush.ca
For a sweetly scented face: Lulu Organics Cedarwood + Cade Berry beard oil
Why we love it: Beards deserve some loving, too. Coarse hairs and the skin beneath are met with a nourishing blend of argan and olive oil infused with horsetail, rosemary and nettles. Cedarwood, a bit of bergamot, vetiver, and smoky cade berry give this handmade apothecary an irresistible scent. $39, likelygeneral.com
For the daily caffeine fix: Bodum Bean cold brew coffee maker
Why we love it: You might know cold brew more fondly from the lack of time you have to enjoy a piping hot cup. But some people prefer their coffee cold. It's actually delicious. This 12-cup maker takes the guesswork out of your fave coffee shop's signature variation. Add your grinds and cold water, then tuck it in inside the fridge for a perfectly brewed cup come morning. $34, bodum.com
For serious chocolate lovers: Markham and Fitz Ooh La Lavender chocolate bar
Why we love it: Dig into some special chocolate the kids will want no part off, like this lavender-infused, 64 percent dark chocolate bite. Artisanally crafted in the USA with organic cacao, Patagonia honey, vanilla, and lavender oil, this bar is as tasty as it is aesthetic. $15, oldfaithfulship.com
For the one who covets kitchenware: Le Creuset minimalist pitcher
Why we love it: We love a pop of blue. Especially in this minimalist silhouette that's perfect for serving drinks or holding the flowers you're also getting today. $80, lecreuset.ca
For the gift that gives all year: A floral subscription
Why we love it: Predictable, sure. A nice gift that keeps on giving? Absolutely. There are so many local shops that offer floral subscriptions, but one of our faves is Pictus Goods. Seriously, just look at that. Opt for weekly or monthly deliveries. Starting at $150, pictusgoods.com
For a spa day at home: Dermalogica Cooling Aqua Jelly moisturizer
Why we love it: We all want that glowy, dewy skin without the oil. It's easier than ever with this weightless tube of jelly-based moisturizer that has a surprisingly water-like texture upon application. Hyaluronic acid, blue tansy flower oil and blueberry extract work hard to give you a spa-like result without, well, leaving home. But you can purchase this at many local spas, so it's kind of the same? $33, dermalogica.ca to buy or find a store near you.
For your polished pal: expressie Quick Dry nail colour in “Crave the Chaos”
Why we love it: Happy pink nail polish will brighten any mood—and we all need a little a boost right now. This quick-dry option is great for just about anyone, not just nail experts (if your littles can sit still for a minute, they’ll love this one!). The expressie line comes in a range of colours, if you’d rather go darky and moody or pale and elegant instead of bubblegum bright.
$8.96, amazon.ca
Charlotte Tilbury Darling Eyeshadow Palette
A swipe of shimmery or matte eyeshadow is a quick way to brighten your day. But if you have the time, the six-shade palette—packed with beautifully pigmented bronze, pink, terracotta and brown shades—is very fun to play with. $72, sephora.com
For the one missing travel: Philips One travel toothbrush
Why we love it: For those with a touch of wanderlust, who always want to be exploring new places, the pandemic is painful (okay, it’s painful for everyone, but no travel is harder on some than others). Remind them that we will board planes, trains and automobiles again with a cute travel-themed gift (think a passport holder, sunglasses, Lonely Planet book, travel-sized cosmetics) and one of these pretty battery-operated travel toothbrushes. They come in four colours—mango, midnight, mint and Miami. $34.99, philips.ca
For your cynical friend: Purdy's Anti-Valentine’s Day chocolate set
Why we love it: We love sassy packaging, and this funny set is perfect for your anti-Valentine. This set has everything from Purdy’s signature Sweet Georgia Browns to six signature truffles to sweeten the day. $29, purdys.com
For unwinding after bedtime: Woodlot rose and palo santo 8 oz. candle
Why we love it: When the kids are passed out and you've got time to Netflix, try adding candlelight to your self-care ritual (yes, Netflix is self-care!). This floral-meets-earthy scent is pretty and not too overpowering. It's made from an organic coconut-soy wax blend and scented with essential oils for a clean burn. Love this for you. $34, allthingsbeingeco.ca
For the nostalgic Valentine: Pandora vintage cassette dangle charm
Why we love it: Back in the day, if someone liked you, they might make you a mixed tape filled with curated songs chosen just for you. The 2021 equivalent, a playlist, doesn’t exactly have the same charm—and doesn’t take nearly as long as taping songs off the radio! But you can remind your Valentine that you love them enough to make them a mixed tape with this sterling silver charm. $50, pandora.ca
For a pretty pout: Burt's Bees matte stick
Why we love it: Light and wearable enough for every day (even under masks), this matte stick is mega moisturizing and doesn't want to chap you like so many other lip stains do. It's an easy way to zhuzh up the loungewear we're all rocking and available in 12 fun colours. $11, shoppersdrugmart.ca
For serving Valentine's Day breakfast in bed: VÅRFINT bamboo tray
Why we love it: The only thing better than breakfast in bed is this bamboo tray that carries the promise of more breakfast in bed. But also that it's a pretty styling piece to corral your candles, objects, teething toys, rocks from your kid's pocket, a half-eaten muffin. You know, the usual. $20, ikea.com
For the amateur astrologist: Mejuri tarot moon necklace
Why we love it: Was it written in the stars? Maybe. Or maybe this dainty gold vermeil and white sapphire is just a really pretty keepsake. $95, mejuri.com
For much-needed relaxation: Love Me Do bath bomb
For a sweetly scented face: Lulu Organics Cedarwood + Cade Berry beard oil
For the daily caffeine fix: Bodum Bean cold brew coffee maker
For serious chocolate lovers: Markham and Fitz Ooh La Lavender chocolate bar
For the one who covets kitchenware: Le Creuset minimalist pitcher
For the gift that gives all year: A floral subscription
For a spa day at home: Dermalogica Cooling Aqua Jelly moisturizer
For your polished pal: expressie Quick Dry nail colour in “Crave the Chaos”
Charlotte Tilbury Darling Eyeshadow Palette
For the one missing travel: Philips One travel toothbrush
For your cynical friend: Purdy's Anti-Valentine’s Day chocolate set
For unwinding after bedtime: Woodlot rose and palo santo 8 oz. candle
For the nostalgic Valentine: Pandora vintage cassette dangle charm
For a pretty pout: Burt's Bees matte stick
For serving Valentine's Day breakfast in bed: VÅRFINT bamboo tray
For the amateur astrologist: Mejuri tarot moon necklace