Valentine's Day Gifts on the Hill

A moment on the lips...originally uploaded to flickr.com by Kodamakitty

I’m convinced Valentine’s Day was created by Hallmark, Teleflora, and the chocolate producers of America.  Sure, you can call it St. Valentine’s Day, but that doesn’t legitimize the millions of dollars people will spend on items to show someone they love how much their love is worth in flower petals, nougat centers, or folded paper notes.  Still, I too will more than likely purchase something for my Valentine.  Whether you plan ahead or are a last-minute gift-er, there are options on the Hill for purchase to warm someone’s heart on V Day.

Flowers are traditional, and different species and colors have different meanings.  If you’re going the floral route, stop by Surroundings at Lincoln Park for a special discount: orders placed by February 11th get 10% off.  Mention The Hill is Home to have that discount extended by one day — get 10% off until the 12th on both flowers and plants. As late as Sunday, you can swing by Blue Iris Flowers at Eastern Market for roses, daisies, or a nice boxwood depending on your style.  Note Eastern Market is closed on Mondays, so a last-minute bouquet cannot be bought inside the Market on V Day itself.  Local supermarkets like Safeway and Harris Teeter will have a bounty of roses on hand but supplies may not last all day on Monday.

CVS may be a one-stop shop for last minute cards and candy, but take some time at Eastern Market this weekend to peruse the selection of unique and imported greeting cards offered for sale in the open-air market across 7th Street.  You can make the card more personal by buying a blank one and composing your own short and romantic poem.   There are also many vendors at the Market on weekends offering unique and hand-made jewelry, which your Valentine may appreciate.

We don’t have a ton of options for fancy chocolates on Capitol Hill, though a trip to Union Station can net you sweets from Godiva Chocolatier and Neuhaus Chocolatier.  It may be time to think outside the heart-shaped box though and bring your sweetie something sweeter as the Hill is slowly gaining bakery cred.  How about a winter berry pie from Dangerously Delicious, or a box of pop tarts from Ted’s Bulletin?

I’m always a proponent of experiential gifts, and Valentine’s Day is a great occasion to get your loved one something you can do together.  Maybe it’s a couple’s massage at Spa on the Hill, or a night of theater at the Atlas, H Street Playhouse, or the Folger.  Don’t feel pressure to splurge on a fancy dinner on V Day either; restaurants will be overcrowded and it’s a school night this year.  Instead, give a gift of a special dinner out later – maybe the beer tasting menu at Belga Cafe in an upcoming month or a dinner of wines and cheeses at Sonoma.

Whatever you decide and whether you are giving or receiving a gift this Valentine’s Day, remember it truly is the thought that counts and the sentiment behind the gift.