Keep it simple this year. Even if you can afford over-the-top pimp-style gift giving, like diamonds or a new car with a bow on it for Valentine’s Day, don’t do it. It sets a really bad precedent that you’ll come to regret on birthdays and in December.
But you can still stoke the fires of passion on that special day without breaking the bank. Here are a few sure-fire — and relatively easy — gift ideas for Valentine’s Day.
Sade’s “Soldier of Love”
Just in the nick of time! The queen of sexy rock siren is back with her first new album in almost a decade. And she has still got it, too. Sade may be rocking a more stripped-down sound this time around, but she is still on top of her game with slow-burning tracks like “Morning Bird” and the sultry “Babyfather,” alongside groovier songs like the title track and “Bring Me Home.”
Is doesn’t matter who you are; if you and your significant other can’t get your groove on to this record, you need to break up.
The Melting Pot’s Dip Certificate
We don’t know what it is about two (or more) people poking assorted bits of whatever on long forks into hot steaming pots of cheese or oil or chocolate that screams intimacy. Or maybe we just don’t want to think too much about it.
Anyway, we do know that the fondue experience that is The Melting Pot, 1219 Filbert St. and 2112 Atlantic Ave., Atlantic City, is probably going to be packed to the rafters on Valentine’s Day. But it’s worth it to either make your reservations right now or make plans for a rain check with a “dip certificate.”
Lush Cosmetics
Our favorite fresh handmade cosmetic company, Lush, 1428 Walnut St., offers some nice aesthetic treats for Valentine’s Day. The limited-edition love soap ($3.95), shaped as a red glittery heart, is sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. The Be Mine Gift ($24.95) is overflowing with pampering goodies, like Flying Fox Shower Gel, Shimmy Shimmy Massage Bar and Honey Trap Lip Balm. The True Love Gift ($44.95) includes the aphrodisiac-infused Sex Bomb Bath Bomb, Love Soap, Yummy Yummy Yummy Shower Gel and Dee-Lite Lotion.
Visit www.lushusa.com for more information.
Miel Patisserie
Anything in a heart-shaped box, no matter how fancy, is going to look like you picked up a gift at Walgreen’s while stocking up on toiletries. So elevate your chocolate game by visiting Miel Patisserie, 204 S. 17th St., whose talented team of experts, led by executive chef Rocco Lugrine, create dazzling high-end confectionary gift boxes ranging from nine pieces ($12.50) to 37 pieces ($37), and offering a wide range of decadent and flavorful chocolates.
For more information, visit www.mielpastry.com.
Peregrine Coffee’s Valentine’s Day Tasting for Two
Specializing in our second favorite addiction, Peregrine Coffee, 5017 Friendship St., is a Philadelphia-based coffee roaster specializing in supremely fresh, artisan-roasted, single-origin beans.
Coffee-loving couples can celebrate their passion for the world’s most-popular beverage with Peregrine Coffee’s Valentine’s Day Tasting for Two, a cozy Valentine’s tasting breakfast at Peregrine’s roast shop. Guests can sample an array of fine single-origin coffees from around the world while nibbling on handmade breakfast pastries, all while learning more about every aspect of producing their beverage of choice from Peregrine’s roaster, Kevin Lawrence.
For more information, visit www.peregrinecoffee.com/taste.
Larry Nichols can be reached at [email protected].