Here’s the second in my guide on celebrating a slow Valentine’s in Sheffield. During lockdowns, illness and isolation, it’s especially important to remind your loved ones that you’re thinking of them.
So, here are my suggestions of gifts you can send to spread love to friends, family and Sheffield businesses. If you’re not local, these ideas can apply wherever you are, or you could even try your hand at homemade variations.
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Cards (and tea)
My first suggestion is a simple one – send a loved one a card to let them know you’re thinking of them. Make one yourself, see whether any local illustrators have designs you like or check out what’s available on Etsy.
My suggestion? Send them a brew too.
During lockdowns, we haven’t been able to get our fix of Birdhouse tea in person, so they came up with the perfect solution – deliver a bag straight to someone’s door! If you’re WFH at the moment, maybe you could send your work pal a card and have a Zoom tea break together.
Include a message at checkout and get Birdhouse to send the card straight to your friend, or get the card delivered to you and handwrite one yourself (also the perfect excuse to stock up on loose-leaf tea for yourself).
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Flowers
Another Valentine’s classic – and for good reason. A bunch of flowers really brightens up a room, which is something even more needed when we’re stuck inside for so much of the day. Plus, it’s another reminder that someone has thought of you.
Some great local options are:
Moonko, where you can find spectacular collections of dried flowers.
Plantology, who offer more traditional, but equally beautiful, bouquets.
These are two of my absolute favourite shops all year round, so I can’t recommend them enough!
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Chocolate
Continuing the cliché theme, my next pick is locally made chocolates. Honestly, who isn’t going to be thrilled when a box of chocolates lands on their doormat?
Treat yourself or a friend to:
Truffle Pig Vegan – The most amazing vegan chocolate truffles, if you can get your hands on them!
Look out for these in local shops and cafes like Beanies and Pom, or watch out for new items listed on the Truffle Pig site.
Bullion – Grab a carefully crafted Valentine’s Day Bundle from this artisan bean-to-bar chocolate maker based in Sheffield.
The beautifully packaged set includes a Chocolate Factory Scented Candle (made in collaboration with The Yorkshire Candle Company), Raspberry Coins and Salted Caramel Hearts of Gold.
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Cocktails
Missing Saturday-night drinks with your pals? Well, my final gift suggestion is perfect for that: grab a Valentine’s-themed set of cocktails from Kommune for your household or a Sheffield-based friend.
Choose 8 or 16 portions of either
- Wild Flower Sour
- Strawberry and Basil Margarita
- Chocolate Espresso Martini
- Raspberry & Hibiscus Gin Sour
Order the four bottles to your house, drop them off for your friends and host your own palentines cocktail night (or… keep all four for yourself).
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