It’s not long now till Valentine’s (or ‘Galentine’s’, for some) Day.
The shops are full of all sorts of gift and food suggestions, so I thought I’d share a few recommendations with you – in a range of budgets.
Hot Stuff to Start
As a precursor to your meal, try a little hot stuff with these new Sriracha flavoured seaweed crisps from Emily Crisps.
They have no artificial colouring or flavours, they are less than 100 calories a bag, which is an added bonus if you’re planning one of those special meal deals (see below). Available in 18g and 50g packs and priced at £1.10 and £2 respectively, Emily Sriracha Crisps join the current line up of Sea Salt, Salt & Vinegar and Cheese flavours, currently available from Tesco, Waitrose, Co-op, Holland & Barrett, Ocado and Amazon.
The spicy flavour of Sriracha comes from capsaicin which is known to enhance bodily sensations, another key ingredient is garlic which can improve blood circulation.
With hot sauces known to boost endorphins and dopamine …the rest is up to you.
Great Value from Bonne Maman
Still keeping the prices low, Sweet Hearts, these tasty little cakes from Bonne Maman, are individually wrapped, so perfect for a fun little treat to pop into your Valentine’s or child’s lunchbox.
Available in two flavours: Chocolate Sweet Hearts or Marbled Sweet Hearts, they’re made using the finest ingredients to a traditional French recipe.
The Chocolate Sweet Hearts are soft vanilla flavoured sponge, topped with milk chocolate, while the Marbled Sweet Hearts, combine vanilla and chocolate sponge.
Individually wrapped and in packs of seven, these Bonne Maman treats are available at around £3 a pack from Waitrose, Sainsbury’s and Tesco
Bakery Treats on the High Street from Ole & Steen
If you’re going to be passing a branch of Ole & Steen, check out this delicious limited edition Valentine Social, decorated with pink icing and pink chocolate hearts.
The Danish bakery has added a touch of romance to its soft, sweet, buttery cinnamon dough, it’s available now till 17 February in three sizes: £4.65 a slice, £12.45 half and the whole Social is £20.95
Scandi Love
Feeling fruity? Another Scandi treat for your sweetheart is from Danish confectioner LAKRIDS BY BÜLOW
The new LOVE SELECTION BOX offers something for every taste, with fruity options including passion fruit and peaches, along with decadent dark & sea salt and classic caramel. Each box features a mix of textures – chewy, crispy, and crunchy, all made from natural ingredients.
There’s a new small box option too. 450g £39, 175g £16.95 available to order online and in store at Selfridges, John Lewis, Harvey Nichols, lakridsbybulow.co.uk, and at the LAKRIDS BY BÜLOW stores in Canary Wharf, Monmouth Street Seven Dials, and Westfield
Make Your Mark
If you want to show someone that your relationship has really made its mark on you, how about a bottle of this delicious Maker’s Mark Bourbon?
Maker’s Mark is America’s only handmade American whiskey, known not only for its soft, wheat-forward character, but also its iconic red-wax-dipped bottle. Using wheat, rather than rye, as the second grain in its recipe gives a less spicy character than many bourbons, resulting in a soft and sweet character with a touch of fruit.
£33 a 70cl bottle from Tesco, Morrisons or The Whisky Exchange.
Seriously Good Red Wine
I was lucky enough to visit the Robert Mondavi vineyard when I was in California, and love the bold, tannic reds.
Whether you’re planning a night in with a home cooked gourmet meal, or wanting to give a lovely present to a red wine aficionado, this stonkingly good red will fit the bill. It isn’t cheap, but do consider what it would cost in a restaurant.
The Prisoner Red Blend 2021 is a vibrant wine inspired by Napa Valley’s Italian heritage. Combining Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Syrah, and Merlot, it offers notes of blackberry, dark cherry, sweet spices, and a smooth, balanced finish. Around £56 a bottle from VINVM and other fine wine stores
Send Love in a Hamper
There’s still time to surprise your loved one with a lovely hamper, (and you might be allowed to share it!).
Hampers.com has a brand new website, which makes it even easier to choose the most appropriate gift by occasion, content or recipient. There’s something for all tastes and budgets and the contents are always beautifully packed.
I was very taken with the idea of the ‘Hot Stuff’ (Chilli lovers) hamper at £39, so that you can show your sweetheart how you feel about them!
Or there’s “Charcuterie and Fizz” – a lovely snacky one to start the evening including a really unusual bottle of Argentinian fizz to accompany the range of indulgent savoury treats £69.
There’s the most fabulous range available here
Other Valentine hampers are available from The British Hamper Company and at some stores like John Lewis and Marks and Spencer
Meal Deals You’ll Love
Talking of M&S, we’ve been excitedly waiting to find out what they are offering for this year’s M&S Valentine’s Meal Deal and it certainly doesn’t disappoint.
It’s unveiled its “most luxurious” Valentine’s day menu to date, with returning favourites and new dishes.
This year’s romantic three course meal with drink and side dish is £25, with a maximum saving of £17.50. The extensive offering is seven starters, eight main courses, eight side dishes, seven desserts and 15 drinks and even includes both vegan and pescatarian options.
All the supermarkets seem to have a meal deal: Tesco has two options at two different prices. At larger Tesco stores, the deal offers a sharing menu for two with a starter, main, side, dessert, and drink for £18, but with a Tesco Clubcard. However, those with a smaller appetite may want to head to a Tesco Express Store for the same menu excluding a starter for £12. (And I’m told the included cocktail alone costs more than the entire Tesco Express menu.)
Waitrose is offering a £20 three-course meal for two from its No.1 range, including a drink. Sainsbury’s has an £18 deal which serves two and includes a starter, main course, side dish, dessert and drink.
Asda is offering shoppers the chance to enjoy a dine-in meal for two including starter, main course, two sides, dessert and drink for just £11.97.
At the Co-op couples can pick up a main course and side each and a bottle of booze for £10 if they are members or £12 otherwise.
There’s still plenty of time to check out other suitable gifts and meal deals – and of course, almost every local restaurant has a special Valentine’s menu.
Have fun, whatever you decide to do!
