This year, surprise your valentine with a gift that is equal parts fun, thoughtful and put to good use. From a colourful box of brigadeiro chocolates to fine jewellery they will want to wear every day, here are 14 gift ideas from Canadian makers and brands.
Designer, gardener and botanical artist Sara Wetmore creates pressed flower collages using blooms grown in her Toronto backyard. Prints of her work start at $45, and custom commissions are available if you want to preserve a special bouquet or splurge on a made-to-order collage. Studio Fresh Press Spicy Valentine art print, buy at studiofreshpress.com.
Perfumer Ruby Brown, who hosts bespoke perfume-making workshops in Montreal, offers five ready-made scents. Cuir is a bold option with a leather and oud base, and also features notes of bergamot, freesia, cashmere and tobacco. Ruby Brown Cuir perfume, buy at rubybrown.com.
Available in two wrist sizes, this unisex chain bracelet by Montreal’s Deux Lions is made with 14k gold vermeil. It’s a classic design that looks great solo and can also be worn alongside a smart watch or stacked bracelets. Deux Lions Baby Eternal Link chain bracelet, buy at simons.ca.
Surprise them with a new pair of novelty socks each month; subscriptions are available in a variety of lengths. Friday Sock Co.’s fun, deliberately mismatched socks are available in men’s and women’s sizing. They are designed in Calgary and made in Italy using Egyptian combed cotton. Friday Sock Co. sock subscription, buy at fridaysocks.com.
A stylish robe that they will want to wear all day long. Made in Canada with a mid-weight terry material, this cozy hooded robe features thoughtful details including ribbed cuffs and roomy pockets. Reigning Champ midweight terry robe, buy at ca.reigningchamp.com.
Get his wardrobe ready for spring with this versatile belt from retailer Harry Rosen’s in-house label. In dark brown, it’s a go-to that complements khakis, linen pants and blue jeans. Harold stretch-woven belt, buy at harryrosen.com.
Made with sea salt from Salt Spring Island, B.C., these bath salts are made without artificial fragrance or preservatives. This set is available in all three of Sangre de Fruta’s signature scents, or you can select just the one you think they will love most. Sangre de Fruta Ménage à Trois bath salt trio, buy at sangredefruta.com.
Elevate their self-care rituals with Toronto-based Sidia’s elegantly designed body-care products. This set includes a hand and body cleanser and lotion in a woody scent called Soaked. Sidia Soaked duo, buy at sidiathebrand.com.
These delicate threader earrings are made in Canada with 14k recycled gold. They’re sold in singles as well as a pair, so you can curate a custom mixed set with other celestial studs if desired. Bluhobo Guidance Star Threader earrings, buy at bluhobo.com.
Ffiou’s knit hats are available in both kids’ and adult sizes, and a wide range of charming colour combinations. Each is made-to-order in Val-David, Que., using 100-per-cent merino wool. Ffiou striped toque, buy at ffiou.com.
This gift from Vancouver-based jewellery label Melanie Auld includes a pouch and a key chain that doubles as a bag charm. The two pebbled leather, heart-shaped accessories are also available separately. Melanie Auld Love On the Go set, buy at melanieauld.com.
Founded by Quebec visual artist Manuela Jarry, Dora Nola offers bold and colourful accessories and home goods. This square silk twill scarf features a rolled hem and hand-finished corners and is large enough to be styled as a headscarf or top. Dora Nola silk scarf, buy at simons.ca.
Brigadeiros are a Brazilian chocolate confectionery, and these ones are made in Toronto using fair trade chocolate and pure cocoa powder. This 12-piece gift box contains assorted flavours, but you can also customize your selection with salted caramel crunch, toasted coconut and more. Mary’s Brigadeiro 12 brigadeiro gift box, buy at marybsweets.com.
This year, instead of flowers, satisfy their sweet tooth with four packages of candies: love bears, pastel hearts, strawberries and sour strawberry swirls. The box also comes with a card that can be inscribed with a personal message, so you can ship it directly to a long-distance valentine. C’est Bonbon Valentine’s Day box, buy at laboiteabonbons.ca.
