Guide To Spoiling Your Loved One

– By Martini SeverinValentine’s Day is soon upon us.  If you’re in need of a bit of inspiration for gifts for your loved ones, look no further.  Our gift ideas stay true to the classics—if not cliché— of chocolate, flowers, candy and indulgence in the form of the spa.  There’s a reason why these ideas are classic. That’s because they work.  Our picks won’t steer you wrong.  All you have to do is walk, call, or internet shop away to keep one step ahead of Valentine’s Day.

Hour: Sun 12pm-6pm; Mon-Sat 11am-8pmChocolate contains a large amount of flavonoids that can have health benefits for those with high blood pressure.  Even better, it tastes delicious.  Hotel Chocolat (a chocolate store, not an actual hotel), features the most decadent hand-finished chocolates in Boston.  Chocolates prices begin at $10. You know you can’t go wrong giving the gift of fine chocolate!

Hours: Sun 10am-6pm; Mon-Sat 9am-8pm

The team at Twig has won the Best of Boston award for four years in a row.  Twig is the one stop shop for everything flower related.  Sure, you can place an order of long-stemmed roses for your loved ones, but why not go one step further and gift them a subscription to fresh cut flowers each month.  Choose from an orchid subscription of $50 per month or from fresh cut flower subscription based on your own budget.  If you would like to keep to roses, they retail at $90 for a box of a dozen long-stemmed roses.

Spa Hours: Mon-Thurs 11am-8pm; Fri-Sun 9am-8pm

Give the gift of relaxation.  Even a few hours at the spa will guarantee a tranquil and relaxing day for your loved one.  The Mandarin Oriental’s Half-Day Spa Treatments are the best in the city.  Starting at $360 for 3 hours of pampering, your loved one will no doubt leave the Mandarin feeling spoiled and relaxed.

In the mood for something sweet aside from your sweetheart?  Visit Boston Confection and Creamery in Faneuil Hall.  Choose from numerous bins of jellybeans, licorice and gummy bears.  As with most sweet stores, be prepared to pay for your candies by the pound. It’s a different spin on the traditional chocolates for Valentine’s Day.