Love is in the air

Shop4Plymouth resident blogger Lucy Young @_Oceancityliving browses Plymouth’s local shops looking to spoil that special someone.

With January now (finally) behind us and Christmas just a distant memory, it’s time to start thinking about the first of the calendar’s Spring celebrations. And love is most definitely in the air, as February brings Valentine’s Day and a celebration of all things heart-shaped. Whether you love it or loathe it, Valentine’s needn’t just be commercialised and corny. I think it’s a great excuse to spoil that special someone in your life – be that your true love or new love, best friend or bromance – and a little gift goes a long way to show how much they mean to you.

Now the sale rails have gone, the shops are full of ideas of what to buy your beloved. From traditional cards and flowers to quirky confections and crafted makes, there’s something for everyone, whatever floats their boat. A stroll through Drake Circus and the city centre revealed that romance is right up there for most High Street retailers this month, so why not shop for the object of your affections…

If you’re looking for dinner a deux for the 14th of February, then Marks and Spencer always comes up trumps with its excellent value Meal Deal to dine at home. But the Valentine’s treats don’t just end in the Food Hall. M&S have heaps of heart-shaped homewares and gorgeous gifts to celebrate the annual day of love including lots of chocs, pink fizz and plenty of Percy Pig perfection.

Sartorial stationers Paperchase have cards galore to send those hand-written declarations of love (no, a text isn’t the same) and Hotel Chocolat have their usual delectable selection of quality chocolates. But if you’re looking to add a little fizz to someone’s V Day then Lush have every kind of bath bomb imaginable with some cute and quirky Valentines designs. How about a Mr Loba Loba lobster-shaped fizzer? Or a fruity, floral four-wheel Love Bug? As well as super-scented shower gels, body scrubs and lotions to lather on, Lush have plenty of great gift sets to treat your beau to some blissful bathing.

If you’re planning a late-night love-in or just a little bit of me-time, then Flying Tiger has everything you need. From affordable decorations and partyware to fun home accessories and games, the Danish store always does seasonal celebrations so well. Why not practice a bit of self-love this Valentine’s eve with fluffy socks on, hot drink in hand and a candlelit date with Netflix. Sounds like bliss to me!

And keeping it cosy, how about continuing the romance theme between the sheets? House of Fraser have some heart print bedding sets and cuddly cushions by lifestyle and accessories brand Skinny Dip London. With spring on the way, it’s the perfect time to refresh your home after all the heavy dark colours of winter and pastel pinks or rose reds inject some light and bright fun for the new season.

If you’re looking to treat your Galentine this year (because lord knows we’ve needed the love and support of our besties during the Corona-coaster) then there are loads of little gifts out there to say a special thank you. You could buy your plant pal some new leafy loveliness, complete with beautiful hand-made pot, from Nook Houseplants on the Barbican’s Southside Street. A ‘Sweetheart’ Hoya Kerrii, trailing String of Hearts or delicate Heart Leaf fern would keep the love growing long past Valentine’s Day.

Southside Street neighbours Rockpool Trading also have lots of locally made gifts and cards that are perfect to share the love and Victoria Sewart Gallery has a wide range of beautiful original jewellery if you’re looking for a lasting token of your love for that special someone. Or if you want your home to smell divine for date night then pop along to Elsie Boo-tique to pick up some heavenly scented wax melts or heart bubble candles. Some brand-new February fragrances are about to hit the shelves, inspired by best-selling perfume and aftershave scents, that will certainly help create the mood for romance.

But if you’re after sweets for your sweetheart (or maybe you just want to treat yourself) then you’re spoilt for choice with what local chocolatiers have on offer. Barbican café and chocolate shop Chocaccino have a selection of handmade chocolates, brownies and a sweet Hug in a Box gift set complete with hot chocolate, marshmallows and cookies.

Meanwhile, beautiful, brightly coloured Hobbs Chocolates are available to buy in-store at Jacka Bakery on Southside Street and the gorgeous jewel-coloured creations taste even better than they look. Plymouth-based Hobbs Chocolates are also included in a Valentine’s Day hamper from Royal William Yard wine merchant Le Vignoble, so you can sample their delights alongside fine wine and continental cheese for the perfect romantic evening delivered to your door.

Domea Favour Chocolate, based in the Brewhouse building inside the Yard, also has a delicious selection of bespoke, handmade creations that Cupid himself would covet. From chocolate frogs to salted caramel hearts, award-winning chocolatier Nick Kittle makes tasty creations with bags of personality and bespoke flavours including Plymouth Gin truffles or Barbican Botanics rum balls.

So, there you have it, some romantic retail ideas to win someone’s heart this Valentine’s Day, even if it is just your own…you deserve it!