Valentine’s gift guide

Keep things sweet and simple this Valentine's Day and give the gift of damn good chocolate. Whittaker's is a premium chocolate producer from New Zealand that has been crafting the good stuff since 1896. Keep things classic with a creamy milk, dark almond or coconut block, or try a speciality block such as the pear and honey or the ginger and mandarin. And if your better half is vegan, spoil them with an oat milk block that is entirely plant-based. Because no one doesn't like chocolate (well, if your partner doesn't that may be a red flag, just FYI). 

Make bedtime a comforting ritual for your loved one by gifting them a set of soft, moisture-wicking pyjamas from Aussie sleepwear and loungewear brand, Magnolia Lounge. Choose from fun designs like summery pastel cacti or Alice in Wonderland-themed prints, or keep things neutral with sets in colours like yellow or mint. Browse the website here.

Treat yourself, your friends or any lovers in your life this Valentine's Day with Pidapipo's Lover's Profiteroles available at the Laboratorio. An Italian choux pastry ball is topped with vanilla bean gelato and drizzled with a hot chocolate sauce, and looks almost too pretty to eat. While you're at it, try some of the brand-new house-crafted chocolates such as the Amarena Heart, a love-heart-shaped chocolate case filled with Amanerna Cherrie and white chocolate ganache and kirsch liquor or the Palette Feuletine with a hazelnut praline a milk chocolate case. Pidapipo's Valentine's collection is available from February 8 to March 6, and on V-day itself, you will receive two complimentary chocolates of your choice between 5-7pm with every profiterole purchase. 

If you're not familiar yet with skincare brand Grown Alchemist, its ethos is offering products and services that treat the skin from the inside out and are free from harmful synthetics. It has heaps on offer, including cleansers, moisturisers, creams and more, and for easy gifting, we recommend the intensive body cream. Featuring pomegranate and cupuaçu butter, the formula is rich in antioxidants and is designed to nourish, soften and hydrate the skin. Shop it and other products here.

Some things just make a perfect pair - hopefully one of them being you and your chosen date this Valentine's Day - and there is no denying that the ultimate perfect match is wine and cheese. Spoil a special person in your life this V day with a wine-tasting experience at Quealy's Cellar Door followed by a cheese platter and a glass of your favourite wine for just $36 between two. Walk-ins are welcome or book online now to secure a spot.

Say "I love you" through baked goods this Valentine's Day with Black Star Pastry's range of loved-up goodies. Grab a pack of vegan chocolate cupcakes adorned with an adorable assortment of Valentine's Day-themed toppings such as flowers, hearts and "be mine" symbols. Or go for the limited-edition heart-shaped version of the famous strawberry watermelon cake, lovingly crafted with layers of rose-scented cream, fresh watermelon, strawberries and pistachios, also selling for $42. You can pre-order the cakes online from February 3, and the cupcakes are available from February 6.

Instead of sending a bouquet of plastic-wrapped flowers that'll end up in the bin after a week, consider sending your loved one a potted indoor plant that they can cherish for years to come. Indoor Plant Co is offering build-your-own and pre-made hampers that include a plant as well as other goodies like face and body scrubs, coffee beans, wine, candles and more. Browse the hampers here.

If your loved one isn't much of a mixologist but loves a tasty bevvie, give them the gift of a bottled strawberry and rhubarb Gin Sour by Batched. All they'll have to do is shake with ice, pour into a glass and garnish. So simple, yet so delicious. Order here.

Premium pastry purveyors, Miss Trixie Drinks Tea and Tarts Anon are teaming up again to celebrate the festival of love this Valentine's Day. The team are selling a limited edition Biscoff tart, topped with one of Miss Trixie's signature puns, which is the perfect sweet treat to spoil your loved one with this year. The last time the pair teamed up, the collaboration sold out within a few minutes, so don't sleep on this one. Pre-order your tarts from February, 6 at 6pm with pick up available from the Tarts Anon store in Collingwood. 

Shopping for someone who loves a carbonated beverage or who likes to knock off with a mixed drink? Give the gift of on-demand sparkling water with a SodaStream, now available in red, a symbol of your red-hot love. Purchase here.

If you think getting into a freshly made bed is the epitome of comfort, then just imagine how luxurious it would feel after adding a silk slip into the equation. Since 2003, Papinelle has been designing sleepwear, and its luxurious collection of silk slips make for a luxurious (and sexy!) V-Day prezzie. Add it to your cart here.

Balling out this Valentine's Day? Consider splurging on a timeless gift with utility: a watch by globally renowned brand Tissot. Some products start at as little as $350 and go all the way up to $3875, giving you heaps of options depending on your budget. Shop the range here.