Gone are the days of chocolates and flowers; cupid has gotten a little more creative. If your sweetie is sick of the traditional Valentine’s Day fanfare, then this is the list for you. From fun quality time to thoughtful acts of service, allow these non-traditional gifts to help you woo outside the box.
Where you can find it: The Wine Collective – Baltimore, MD
Keep the romance flowing all year round with a subscription to a wine club from a local winery. Choose from monthly or quarterly deliveries that will inspire you to share a glass with your special someone.
Where you can find it: Wildflower Stem + Sundry – Annapolis, MD
Brighten up your partner’s day with a bouquet of fresh flowers every month from your local florist. This little touch will keep their place feeling homey and keep you top of mind.
Where you can find it: Longwood Gardens – Kennett Square, PA
Take the plant-lover in your life on a little adventure to a nearby botanical garden. Allow your love to flourish while wandering hand in hand through rooms of tropical plants and romantic gardens.
Where you can find it: Tastebuds Kitchen – New York, NY
Tantalize your taste buds, and your significant other, at a local cooking class. Combine a fun date night with a useful learning experience for a memorable Valentine’s Day activity. Besides, don’t you want to show off your impressive knife skills?
Where you can find it: Lumiere Candle Studio – Baltimore, MD
Show them that they light up your life with a candle making workshop. Select a unique scent to your liking and bring it home as a reminder of the fun Valentine’s Day you had together.
Where you can find it: The Anthem – Washington, DC
Not into going out on Valentine’s Day? That’s okay, purchase some tickets to see your honey’s favorite band live at a later date. Bonus points if you can manage to catch the band who sings your song.
Where you can find it: Greedy Reads – Baltimore, MD
Indulge the bookworm in your life with a custom curated bundle of books. Local bookstores, like Greedy Reads, will have you complete a short questionnaire about your special someone and then select a handful of books most likely to please based on your answers.
Where you can find it: Clay by the Bay – San Francisco, CA
Have yourself a romantic pottery making moment, like that scene from that one movie (you know the one), at a pottery class from a local business. Whether you’re a pottery novice or expert, allow yourself to be a little more creative this Valentine’s Day.
Where you can find it: B. Willow – Baltimore, MD
Let your love grow at a terrarium building workshop. Not only will you learn a new skill, but you’ll have something aesthetically pleasing to bring home as a memento of Valentine’s Day 2023.
Where you can find it: Grotto Climbing & Yoga – San Diego, CA
Take your love to new heights with a visit to a local rock climbing gym. The thrillseeker in your life will appreciate the chance to try something new with you and work up a sweat.
Where you can find it: Baltimore Spirits Company – Baltimore, MD
Is your partner a spirits nerd? Take them on a behind-the-scenes tour of a local distillery to see how their favorite easy sipping beverage is made. To make things extra interesting, try finding a distillery that will allow you to blend your own whiskey to take home, like Baltimore Spirits Company, for example.
Where you can find it: Val’s Services Cleaning – Chicago, IL
If their love language is acts of service, a showy gift may not be the best option, but a professional deep cleaning of their house could be. Give them the gift of a spotless home without the stress by hiring a local cleaning professional to get the job done.
Where you can find it: Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden – Washington, DC
A visit to a local museum is the perfect way to experience something new while spending quality time together. Try snagging tickets to a modern art museum like the Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden and fall in love all over again under the glimmering lights.
Where you can find it: The Ivy Hotel – Baltimore, MD
Have a romantic getaway without having to board a plane by booking a staycation at a local boutique hotel. You’ll be in good hands at a hotel that also has an onsite spa and world class restaurant like The Ivy Hotel, for example.
Clearly, celebrating the loveliest holiday of the year can be anything but traditional. However you spend Valentine’s Day, make sure to show some love to the local businesses who make your city great. We’re sure that with one of these gift ideas your significant other, and local business owners, will be feeling all the warm and fuzzies!
