By Molly Given
Valentine’s Day in Philly can be romantic without being predictable. Skip the last-minute roses and heart-shaped panic buys — this year’s most thoughtful gifts come with great food, cozy stays, and a little local flavor baked in.
Hotel Anna & Bel
There are two kinds of unique stays you can opt to gift from Hotel Anna & Bel. The chic, Fishtown locale is offering both a Galentine’s Day and Valentine’s Day package for Philadelphians. The former comes with a welcome bottle of bubbly, two Le Labo travel sets and custom eye masks, as well as a $50 dining credit to enjoy brunch at the hotel’s restaurant, Bastia. Gal pals can book it for a two-night stay between Feb. 12 and 16. The latter, on the other hand, features a welcome bottle of bubbly, a box of chocolates, and a $100 dining credit to enjoy at Bastia, and/or its sister cocktail bar, Caletta. Couples can book this experience for a two-night stay any weekend between Feb. 6 and 28. Both stays (prices vary) are available to book online.
1401 E Susquehanna Ave., annaandbel.com
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
Do you have someone in your life who loves ‘Bridgerton’ and ice cream? Jeni’s has the perfect gift option for just that combination, with two new flavors hitting their scoop shops inspired by the Netflix hit series.
The first, the Queen Charlotte Sponge Cake is available now in stores and online. The flavor mimics both a classic Victoria sponge and a Princess Cake, with bright berries, soft cake, and custardy notes all wrapped up in a lavender-tinted ice cream. The Earl Grey Crème Brûlée on the other hand will be available online Feb. 9 and in shops Feb. 12—just in time for Valentine’s Day.
The latter features Earl Grey melted into a silky custard base with burnt-sugar candies that mimic the flavor of a just-torched crème brûlée. Both pints come out to be $12, and locals can also find plenty of other flavor options from the brand including Gooey Butter Cake, High Five Candy Bar, Powdered Jelly Donut, Savannah Buttermint and more.
Various locations, jenis.com
The Pathfinder
For a Valentine’s Day gift with a distinctly Philly twist, The Pathfinder Hemp and Root ($39.99/700ml) is a standout zero-proof spirit that delivers the intensity, aroma, and ritual of booze—without the spirits. Blended from a heady mix of botanicals rumored to be aphrodisiacs—think wormwood, angelica root, ginger, sage, juniper, saffron, orange peel, and wild-crafted Douglas fir—the drink is a perfect pick for a pink, low-ABV Valentine’s cocktail at home.
The Pathfinder Espresso Tonic ($20/4-pack, $114/24-pack), is another zero-proof, ready-to-drink sipper, but this one is made through a collaboration with Seattle-based roaster, Caffè Vita. It features notes of juniper, sage, saffron, orange peel, and Douglas fir with milk chocolate, caramel, and dark cherry undertones. Both are available locally at Herman’s Coffee, Wallace Dry Goods, and Whole Foods.
Levain Bakery
For anyone on your mind with a sweet tooth, Levain has the perfect gift package. The popular brand is currently running its Dark Days of Winter assortment. The seasonal package of sweets ($32 to $82) features their limited edition coffee toffee, black & white, dark chocolate peanut butter chip and dark chocolate chocolate chip cookies. The brand also has a special Valentine’s Day Tin Gift Set ($69) with plenty of different assortments available as well.
The best part? When you go to pick up the bites (note, they are also available for delivery), you can also scoop yourself Levain’s limited-time Toffee Latte or Toffee Hot Chocolate as an extra treat.
1518 Walnut St., levainbakery.com
Hilton Philadelphia Penn’s Landing
With the Hilton’s Harbor of Hearts package (available Feb. 1 to 28) this romantic escape includes late checkout, chocolate-covered strawberries, sparkling wine, breakfast for two at Keating’s Rope & Anchor, and complimentary parking.
Just steps from the hotel, the Philadelphia Hope Fence also offers a meaningful way to commemorate relationships. Couples can purchase a lock from the hotel’s lobby shop and add a lasting symbol of their love to the waterfront fence to complete their stay.
201 S Christopher Columbus Blvd., hilton.com
Night Kitchen Bakery
Night Kitchen offers a little sweet something for anyone on your list. The Chestnut Hill bakery is offering bites like mini chocolate mousse heart cakes, conversation heart shortbread cookies, chocolate truffles, chocolate-covered strawberries, classic heart-shaped cookies, red velvet cake and more for the holiday.
7723-25 Germantown Ave., nightkitchenbakery.com
Ghost Light Inn
This 12-room boutique hotel in New Hope offers a special stay experience for couples looking to gift a night away. Their Romantic Indulgence Package features a selection of in-room amenities, including chilled champagne, a gourmet charcuterie board, a $150 gift card to the hotel’s in-house restaurant, Stella of New Hope, chocolate-covered strawberries, a dozen red roses, freshly baked breakfast pastries and scattered rose petals. The stay (prices vary depending on your selected night ) can be booked anytime throughout the month of February.
50 S Main St, New Hope, ghostlightinn.com
Famous 4th Street Delicatessen
Famous 4th Street is offering some heart-shaped treats for the occasion. Specialty holiday desserts here include linzer cookies filled with apricot and raspberry, strawberry shortcake and cheesecake. These limited-time treats (prices vary) will be available at the dessert counter throughout Valentine’s week and can also be pre-ordered for pickup. Walk-ins are welcome for dine-in, and orders for pickup or delivery can be placed online as well.
700 S. 4th St., famous4thstreetdelicatessen.com
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