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The Ultimate Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for Food Lovers

8 minute read

From an avid home chef to a food-obsessed friend who’s always trying the newest hot spots, you’re sure to find something to please every kind of culinary whiz in our finely curated gift guide. For the ultimate in decadence, Charbonnel et Walker’s chocolate champagne truffles — a rich, tasty delight, in and of themselves — arrive in a beautiful pastel pink box with gold lettering on top. If your Valentine prefers baking and measuring over sautéing and searing, they’ll appreciate the effort you put into designing a custom cookie cutter: You can select an image, text, or shape that is meaningful to the two of you, complete with custom embossing or raised edges. For the significant other who is slightly fanatical about that perfect cup of coffee, try a delicious twist on the hard-working classic: Merlot Coffee. Aged to perfection in oak wine barrels, they’ll have trouble deciding what time of day this brew would be most appropriate. Why not both morning and evening? And, if your chosen one is more of a tea drinker, why not surprise her with an assortment of custom made heart-shaped sugar cubes? They are so pretty she may just have trouble deciding whether to use them or display them in a candy dish.

1. Salted Honey

So you think your friend is the bee’s knees? Tell him that with an oversized bottle (each one is 13.5 ounces) of honey. And, no, this isn’t just any honey—it’s a raw wildflower honey from the Hudson Valley that’s been infused with sea salt. The delicious condiment will add an irresistible sweet and salty finish to toast, cheese, oatmeal, yogurt parfaits, or even a standalone scoop of peanut butter (no judgments here!). Each bottle is handmade in small batches to guarantee quality and freshness. A spicy honey, peppered with chili, is also available for those who like a little more heat.

To Buy: $14; uncommongoods.com.

2. CucinaPro Heart Shaped Waffle Maker

There’s something special about Saturday morning breakfast as a family. Make that time together even sweeter by adding a heart-shaped waffle maker to your roster of kitchen appliances. The standard recipe or even a chocolate chip version will do just fine on most days, but may we suggest a red velvet version for Valentine’s Day? And why stop at breakfast? Use the gadget to create savory waffles and even grilled cheese, too. Six browning settings ensure each waffle is done to perfection, just the way you like it. When not in use, the waffle maker stands upright for easy storage.

To Buy: $40; crateandbarrel.com.

Read More: 5 Delightful Valentine’s Day Cards

3. Farm Fresh Apple Pie Filling

Nothing says home like the smell of apple pie. Give the college student who’s away from home for the first time a jar of apple pie filling. Each jar contains crisp apples grown and harvested in upstate New York spiced with cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, cane sugar, and pure vanilla extract. All he’ll need to create a piping hot, fragrant, and utterly delicious pie is the crust—and we fully support the use of the frozen supermarket variety—and maybe some ice cream. Think of it as a Valentine’s Day dessert from you to him… and all of his dormmates.

To Buy: $22; uncommongoods.com.

4. Valentine Belgian Milk Hot Chocolate on a Stick

On a cold winter day, there are few things more satisfying than a rich, creamy cup of cocoa. Give your Valentine an excuse to indulge in a cup with this hot chocolate on a stick. Blocks of couverture chocolate are molded onto the end of a popsicle stick, and for a seasonal spin, each is studded with a conversation heart. To make cocoa, simply swirl one into a mug of steaming milk. Each pack contains three, so she can share with a friend or two—though, of course, we wouldn’t blame her if she kept them all to herself.

To Buy: $16; domino.com.

5. Belvoir Elderflower & Rose Presse

You may be married to your sparkling water, but one sip of this lightly scented soda and you’ll wonder why you’ve waited so long to branch out from lemon-lime. The spritzer comes in an array of flavors (raspberry and rose, elderflower, and more), but we especially love the elderflower and rose for Valentine’s Day. Freshly picked elderflower, rose petal extract, elderflower juice, lemon juice are combined with carbonated water to create a flavorful bubbly beverage you’re not likely to find in the grocery store. Drink it alone—or mix it with a spirit, like gin or vodka, for a happy hour delight.

To Buy: $10; shopterrain.com.

Read More: 17 Gifts That Celebrate Galentine’s Day

6. Chocolate Truffle Hearts

Packaged in a beautiful vintage-inspired tin that honors the iconic Parisian chocolatier, Masion Boissier, these 16 aptly shaped chocolate truffles are a certain way to her heart. The tin is pretty enough to gift without any extra paper or bows, and doubles as a vessel for sewing supplies, tiny baubles, or other candies once empty—and, trust us, these decadent chocolate bites won’t last long. Alternatively, this makes a great option for dessert if you’re hosting a Galentine’s Day party. Simply set it out with some dessert wine, and you’re sure to end your night on the sweetest note possible.

To Buy: $22; food52.com.

7. American Girl Valentine’s Day Apron

For the budding chef, gift this bright red and white apron to keep her clothes tidy during even the most frenzied baking sessions. Wrap and gift the present first thing in the morning, and then spend the day together making sweet treats for the whole family or even the neighbors. There’s a matching version for both adults and dolls, so all three of you (yes, even the doll!) can get in on the fun. Roomy front pockets hold tools for tiny hands, and a Velcro tab ensures a comfortable fit. Includes a heat-resistant oven mitt, but we can’t help but recommend Mom or Dad handles that part.

To Buy: $30; williams-sonoma.com.

8. Chocolate Makin’ Kit

Rather than splurge on a fancy dinner out this Valentine’s Day, settle in for a romantic evening at home. This chocolate making kit will help ensure an interactive experience and a sweet finish—all you need to do is plan the main course. Each box comes with all of the supplies to create 60 pieces of fine chocolate: a high-quality reusable silicone mold and organic ingredients, like Peruvian cocoa butter, Dominican Republic cocoa powder, raw crushed almonds, shredded coconut, and California honey (for a hint of sweetness in each bite). The artful packaging means this present is ready for gifting—no wrapping required.

To Buy: $79; ahalife.com.

Read More: Easy DIY Valentine’s Day Crafts

9. Petrified Wood Serving Board

If she loves a meat and cheese plate paired with a glass of pinot at the end of a long day, consider this gorgeous serving board this Valentine’s Day. Each distinctive piece is sliced from natural, petrified wood that’s polished to create a glossy (and food safe!) display. Because of the natural material, each piece will vary slightly in color, shape, and even pattern, so her new serving board will be just as unique as she is. When not in use, leave this particular piece out—with an array of candles or a terrarium atop it, the board looks like an intentional piece of home décor.

To Buy: $78; shopterrain.com.

10. Champagne and Strawberries Macaron Box

Treat your partner, friend, or even your boss to the quintessential French sweet this Valentine’s Day. This set of 12 features two flavors: fruity strawberry shortcake and sweet Champagne. Just enough frosting is sandwiched between two flaky almond flour cookies for a snack that’s hard to resist, no matter what time of day it is. If you’re hosting a dinner, the iridescent gold finish on the Champagne flavor and soft pink hue of the strawberry make these suitable for the dessert buffet. Or, consider packing each one in a clear individual cellophane bag as party favors.

To Buy: $31.50; domino.com.

Read about the rest of the gift ideas on Real Simple.

This article originally appeared on RealSimple.com

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