Love is in the air, as the scent of roses wanders underneath your nose, freshly cut grass in the distance. For tis the season where couples and new lovers come together to celebrate love, passion and unity, as they sample delicious food, romance each other with stolen kisses and make love until the early hours of the morning, as they hold each other in a passionate embrace. But for us singles, the concept of Valentines Day makes us want to gouge our eyes out with a fork, as we desperately pretend not to hear the couples next door humping all night. And when the sight of the couples holding hands make us vomit in the streets, is it little wonder that Valentines Day is like doomsday, as we run, hide and attempt to pretend like this holiday does not exist? Except for me, who claims not to be sentimental, but is somewhat of a romantic, I secretly love being treated on Valentine’s Day like I am someone else’s Queen and think that there is nothing more romantic than flowers, chocolates and a man serenading you outside your window, crooning about how ‘you are the only girl in the village’ for him. So whether you are single, in a relationship or somewhere in between, Valentines Day can be a special occasion that we can all enjoy, whether we choose to ‘gift ourselves’, a loved one, or friends, with sweet treats, romantic gifts and flowers galore.
Hummingbird Bakery Make The Cutest Valentines Day Cupcakes
I remember celebrating my first Valentines Day, being surrounded by gorgeous flower bouquets, my favourite chocolates at the time and a bottle of wine, as we drank with languorous sips, drinking in the passionate expression in each others eyes, before we unceremoniously ripped each others clothes off. And while it was ‘just another day’ to us, Valentine’s Day was a chance to celebrate the connection we had, with other people around us who were also in relationships. And while I have been single/seeing people/semi-dating and have not had an ‘official partner’ for a while, I still love the romance and mystique that surrounds the celebration of Valentines Day, to the extent that I believe it is a day where you can treat any loved one in your life. Which brings me to the ultimate Valentines Day Gift Guide below: from sweet treats like vegan cupcakes from the bakery gods themselves, to sensual lingerie that will leave his jaw on the floor, here are some last minute goodies that will make your Valentines Day a riot. Question is are you a single pringle that is ready to mingle, are you loved up with the boyf/gf / partner of your dreams or do you want to celebrate with all your pals in style?
The Food: Sweet Treats
Hummingbird Bakery
Is there anything more glorious than ‘love themed’ cupcakes on a day that is all about romance, love and passion? And what better way to tell someone that they are the person that you love than through vegan valentine’s day cupcakes from Hummingbird Bakery, who ensures that noone has to miss out on the sweet treat of their dreams this Valentines Day? Featuring wonderful double ‘vegan chocolate’ cupcakes emblazoned in love hearts and sprinkles, white marzipan rainbow cupcakes and pink fluffy unicorn themed cakes, these cupcakes are such a treat to behold both aesthetically and to taste. With the ability to have your cakes personalized, pre-made, delivered (within a certain radius) or available to collect in store, why not treat that special someone to a special treat that they can enjoy, even when they are vegan, vegetarian, gluten free or dairy free? The cupcakes are a wonderful way of showing someone that you care, and while likely to be gobbled as quickly as they are delivered, are a welcome romantic or platonic gift which will show that special someone just how much they mean to you. As for me, these ‘love themed vegan cupcakes’ became a Galentines treat for some close friends, who reveled in smearing icing on each others noses with deliberate abandon. We smacked our lips and the cupcakes were gone, a moreish sumptuous sweet delight that left us wanting more, more, more.
Oh and if sweet treats are your thing, Hummingbird Bakery are iconic for their red velvet cupcakes, which were enough to convert even me who is a self-confessed anti-red velvet lady, into gobbling them up like I was Henrietta the hoover. After all life should be sweet, so why not make Hummingbird Bakery your first stop on the way to Valentines Day Central. Who said that last minute gifts have to be thoughtless? Not Me!
Konditor & Cook
A Gorgeous Chocolate Cake That You Can Motorboat
Speaking of cakes, if your dream is to motorboat a giant chocolate cake laced with raspberries then look no further than the Goddess of chocolate cakes herself at Konditor & Cook, whose Chocolate Raspberry Velvet Cake- egg and dairy free- has been named Konditor’s cake of the month. Delightfully indulgent and perfect for a romantic Valentines Day treat, whether you choose to scoff the cake all by yourself, or want to spoonfeed a new found lover , this sumptuous chocolate cake won’t be the only thing getting moist this Thursday. Think that sounds dreamy? Well, this gorgeous chocolate cake has raspberry jam baked into the sponge and is sandwiched with raspberry compote, before being slathered in chocolate ganache, making it a sweet Valentines Day gift that will be sure to tickle more than your lovers fancy. And don’t worry if you are single either; this chocolate cake makes an ideal bribe to sweet talk your way into a-list parties, can put your cats through college and above all can turn you into a part time mermaid and unicorn at weekends like myself. Now how’s that for super powers?
Plus, for those among us who are ‘staunch dairy lovers’ coming from someone who knows her ‘sweet treats’ and ‘dairy delights’ you would not be able to tell that Konditor & Cook’s ‘cake of the month is vegan, that’s how good it is. In fact if I was to summarize it in one sentence it would be ‘ a mouthwatering foodgasm that turns Valentines Day into a chocolate feast’. But don’t just take my word for it. Try this chocolate beast today, trust me, you will not regret it. So whether you want to plunge your face into chocolate cake for a laugh or want to pretend this ganache delight is your Valentines Day date, how will you celebrate the cake of the month?
Planete Chocolate
No Valentines Day gift guide would be complete without some divine chocolate truffles, and who better to fly the flag than Planete Chocolate, whose truffles, pralines and gayettes, have curated a luxury Belgian chocolate collection with love in it’s heart? A magical variety of cocoa truffle’s ganache , pistachio and speculas truffles, 21 chocolates lie in wait for your lovers delight, as you feed each other until the sunrise shuts closed your sated eyes, a foodgasm at its best. The perfect gift for loved ones and friends on Valentines and Galentines Day, these richly flavoured truffle (speculaas, coconut, pistachio, cocoa) ganaches, use a traditional recipe which mixes cream, vanilla and cocoa powder to allow the semi-emulsified liquid or ganache to have a creamier, more luxurious consistency. Melt in your mouth, each truffle is like a gift from paradise, toying with your emotions sensually with the finesse of a practiced lover.All 21 truffles come in a gorgeous keepsake box that bears resemblance to Godiva chocolates and is kept safe in a plain black velvet drawstring bag, to disguise your chocolate from prying eyes.
So whether you are a coconut, pistachio or cocoa fan, find out what your ’14th’ chocolate will be this Valentines Day, for a sweet treat that has luxury indulgence at its very core. Question is once you eat can you stop?
Biscuiteers: Valentines Day Done Right
With a wide variety of stunning iced biscuits to suit any occasion, Biscuiteers is not only a gorgeous monochromatic cafe in the heart of Notting Hill but is also a beautiful online store selling the most exquisite iced biscuits, making it ideal for a Valentines Day gift guide treat. Whether you decide to treat your loved one to coffee at the cafe or are celebrating your ‘Valentine anniversary and want to give them a special gift to show them how much you care, Biscuiteers has the iced treat for you. My personal favourite are the ‘letterbox treats’ that Biscuiteers creates such as the ballet letterbox biscuits or personalized love letter biscuits, which means that your special someone could have a delightful delivery posted through their door and munch on delicious treats on the go. Or if you are after something more grand and opulent, then why not try one of their luxury gift boxes, featuring themed iced biscuit treats and a bottle of Gusbourne Sparkling rose, with the ability to add a message card at the checkout?
Romantic
Prestiege Flowers
Is there anything that is more romantic than being brought a bouquet of love themed roses on Valentines Day, swept away in the romance and sensuous intrigue of a day so fueled by passion and love? Imagine your delight and surprise as your loved one hands you a beautiful bouquet of red roses, with a hand written note professing their adoration for you, and how much you mean to them? Available in a variety of sizes, with the addition to add chocolate and freshly gathered blooms to mark the occasion, who could be more qualified to make Valentines Day dreams come true than Prestiege Flowers, whose bouquets are all arranged my highly skilled British florists?With the ability to get your magical flowers 7 days a week and even arrange for next day delivery, who says that last minute Valentines Day shopping needs to be stressful?
With 24 luxury red roses and the ability to add chocolates for an additional £5 or a bear for an extra £10, why not make this Valentines Day the most romantic one yet? And even if you are single, you can still treat a loved one like an aunt, a parent or some friends to beautiful roses, to show them how much you love having them in your life. Because who says that flowers are just for couples who are in love. Plus if you are thinking ahead, Prestiege Flowers would be an ideal choice for a mothers day present too.Could you think of a better memento to mark the occasion?
The Ultimate Date Night Outfit
Nothing says romance more than a beautifully put together ‘date night outfit’ that is sensual, sophisticated and utterly irresistible. And what better way to mark the ultimate day of love than through pairing pink and red together, in this flirty shirty number, featuring an asymmetrical ruffle hem, paired with bold pillar box red accessories. With a nod to Barbie meets flamenco dancer ‘sassy’, this date night approved couture will have pulses racing, as you stomp down your imaginary runway pretending that you are Naomi Campbell. And even if pink is not your colour and you wouldn’t be caught dead being seen in a ‘dress’, jumpsuits, smart trousers and skirts are equally as Valentines Day ready and are guaranteed to take your lovers breath away. But if this dress makes you go ‘I Likey’, then why not head over to Pretty Little Thing for romantic dresses that will turn that frown upside down.
You don’t have to be as extra as me either when it comes to accessorizing or styling your dress: simply pair the pink ruffle dress with rose gold heeled barely there sandals, a statement necklace and a pink shaggy longline coat for a 90’s inspired date night look with your own modern flair. Flower crowns are optional. Then again why wouldn’t you want to be the brightest, boldest flower in the building?
The Cult Bag: WOLF
Cruelty free, forest green and embroidered with flowers, the green velvet clutch from WOLF is every princesses’s dream, making it the perfect addition to a last minute Valentines Day gift line up.Known as the ‘Zoe Portfolio’, this clutch is no ordinary bag as it doubles as both the ultimate Valentine’s accessory, but also an organizer on the go, enabling you to increase storage with it’s space enhancing features that include 2 earring holders, 2 ring rolls, 1 medium zip pocket, 1 large zip pocket large, and 4 necklace holders. As you are able to store a wide variety of jewellery in one bag, the Zoe is ideal for romantic weekends away where you want to change up your look while you travel, meaning that your Valentines day can be one hot steamy weekend, as opposed to just the actual day itself. And WOLF’s bags are not just for Valentines Day either; whether you want to treat a loved one to a beautiful bag for mothers day or deserve a pick me up after a rough week, who needs a valid excuse to invest in the Zoe?
While WOLF does have non-cruelty free bags for those who like leather, the good news is that the Zoe is completely cruelty free as well as other bags they have available such as the gorgeous Zoe Large Jewellery Case, the Zoe Travel Round, the Zoe Travel Zip Case and so much more. So why not do yourself a favour and get your loved one a Zoe today. You won’t regret it.
Music And Entertainment
Gioteck Headphones
If flowers make you feel nauseated and you would rather not have a teddy the size of a house outside your door, then why not invest in something different this Valentines Day that is guaranteed to put a smile on anyone’s face. Entering the pioneers at entertainment central, Gioteck, who are launching two vibrant red headsets in time for Valentine’s Day – making them the perfect fun, bright and affordable gift for game or music lovers. Both the TX-30 and TX-40 are compatible with all major gaming and mobile devices. At only £19.99 inc., VAT*, the TX-30 offers funky red and black looks and impressive audio at an amazing price whilst the striking white and red TX-40 delivers high end styling at an incredible £24.99 inc. VAT*. The GIOTECK TX-30 has a vibrant colour selection including pillarbox red and neon green, while the GIOTECK TX-40 has slick styling that is available in ice white with chili red finish or copper and matt black, making them aesthetic music or gaming treats that makes a welcome change from traditional Valentines Day Gifts.
But it’s not just pretty either: GIOTECK is also ideal for gamers with both headsets being compatiable with Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PS4 and even your mobile in multi-format 3.5mm jack . With powerful audio, inline mic for instant fingertip control and lightweight, uncompromising quality, the powerful audio with incredible immersive sound is the cherry on top of this delicious Valentines Day sundae.
Buyagift: Dinner And A Stay For Two
If you want memories that can last a lifetime, then Buyagift and Red Letter Days are all about making your wildest and most romantic dreams coming true. At Buyagift why not treat a loved one to something magical this Valentines Day like a romantic break for two with dinner and breakfast with a variety of locations including Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and the Scottish Highlights for a staycation that is worlds apart from the hustle and bustle of the city in London. After all everyone needs a change of scenery now and again, so why not treat yourself and a loved one to a hotel break with this flexible ten month voucher for two nights, in some of the country’s most popular destinations. Whether you want to kiss your love in a new city or roam endless green lustrous fields in the countryside, with so much choice you will be hard pressed not to find the romantic getaway of your dreams. The generous gift voucher not only whisks you away to a location of your dreams but also includes a delicious two-course dinner for you both to enjoy on the first night, while breakfast is also provided for each of you in the mornings, to set you up for a day of exploring, relaxing, or whatever you fancy as you savour two nights away from life’s stresses.
After all, isn’t it about time that you both had a getaway?
Red Letter Days: River Thames Showboat and Dinner Cruise for Two
If you don’t have time for a staycation but still want to enjoy a fabulous experience then why not head over to Red Letter Days for experience days that will leave you both feeling on top of the world. My personal pick? An evening devouring a divine four course meal on a River Thames Showboat which is the perfect way to see some of London’s very best sights and beloved landmarks. Board at Westminster Pier to a warm welcome and glass of bubbly before being seated. Once the boat leaves the pier, enjoy a sumptuous four-course set meal accompanied by a half bottle of wine each, whilst gently cruising downstream to the sound of live music. And if wine, a cruise and dinner with your love wasn’t romantic enough you also get to take in panoramic views of celebrated sights including Tower Bridge, the Houses of Parliament, The London Eye, Tate Modern, Canary Wharf and the mighty Thames Barrier. If that isn’t romance then I don’t know what is. With exceptional food and service, unique views and great musical entertainment, this is an evening out in the capital not to be missed! Plus Red Letter Days and Buyagift attractions are always exceptional with dealing with dietary requirements and allergies so you will be sure to have a romantic getaway without going hungry this Valentines Day.
Something Naughty
Lingerie
No Valentines Day could be complete without some sensual lingerie to spice up the occasion. Whether you are into naughty but nice babydoll dresses, or are into fetish wear, Valentines Day is the perfect way to unleash your inner sex kitten. While babyboll dresses and stockings, complete with stiletto heels are great for tapping into your sexy alter ego, for some a bodystocking, or a lacy bra, thong and hold ups might be the key to awakening your sexy beast, so try a few lingerie options to see what can transform your Valentines Day into a night of passion. And don’t worry if you are a single pringle or currently window shopping, you don’t need to buy sexy underwear to sate someone else’s sexual passion. After all is there anything more satisfying than dressing up for yourself, for a wonderful evening getting to know you and your little lady friend that you call Mrs Vagina, AKA your own? From lacy embroidered bralettes, to baroque bustiers, what’s your lingerie preference? If it’s red, lacy and skimpy then it’s a toot toot from me!
What Would You Like For Valentines Day?
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