A trivial Hallmark holiday to some, and to others, the only day of the year couples can express unbridled devotion: Valentine’s Day is a strange 24-hour period. If not having to worry about a gift until the last minute is a sign your relationship is in a stress-free coast, congrats. But if you need something quick and it’s got to be good, relax and continue reading. Here, some local gift ideas to load in Cupid’s bow, today or tomorrow. Good luck.
Papa Chocolat
Master chocolatier Bernard Callebaut has been dishing up Valentine’s Day gold for more than 20 years with his delicious and carefully considered chocolate arrangements. Since his very public dispute and heartbreaking split from the global chocolate empire he created (which still bears his name), Callebaut has gone back to his roots, helping one customer at a time find sweet gifts at his small Papa Chocolat operation in Willow Park Village. Not only is a purchase at Papa a good way to start a new chapter in your own love story, it’s a nod to a once-defeated never-done local titan, hungry for a comeback. #226 10816 Macleod Tr. S., 403-264-7212
Riverside Spa Packages
Riverside has put together three Valentine’s specific packages that will likely fit any budget and desire. Packages include the three-hour Couple’s Retreat (massage, organic facial, and pedicure for you and your lady) and the Essential Escape (hot stone therapy, facial, and pedicure for just her, you get to stay at home for the coveted “couch spa treatment”). Whatever option you choose, Riverside also adds peace of mind by being extremely environmentally-friendly; the spa is wind-powered and supports several local businesses, such as the Rocky Mountain Soap Company. 110 Point McKay Cres. N.W., 403-270-7500
Couples Cooking Lessons
The couple that cooks together usually stays together. Well, at least if the food they’re flambéing turns out halfway edible. Whether she’s expressed a desire to refine her kitchen chops or you’d like to expand your own repertoire beyond perogies and KD, the Cookbook Co. has a class for the two of you to learn professional techniques in a fun, hands-on environment. Limited space remains for the Couples Valentine’s Day class, and spaces for their popular A Night Out: A Couple’s Cooking Class open back up in early March). 722 11 Ave. S.W., 403-265-6066
Jade Hart Kimonos
Instead of mastering “the sharpshooter,” Jade Hart (daughter of Calgary wrestling royalty Brett “The Hitman” Hart) worked tirelessly to create this small collection of elegant kimonos. And though she may never follow the steps of her legendary father into the WWE, her Hollywood glam-inspired traditional kimonos, handmade in Canada, will likely pin a few hearts to the canvas this February.
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Image courtesy of Spa Edinburgh.
