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You can do much better than roses and chocolate this year. We’ve got a few ideas on how you can surprise the one you love for Valentine’s Day (or really any occasion) with a unique and thoughtful gift you can find in the Bay Area.
For the food lover
One tasty gift you can pick up on the way home from work is a heart-shaped pizza from Pizza My Heart. All 20+ Bay Area locations will be offering this Valentine’s Day special and even tossing in free delivery.
Another foodie gift: Assemble a gift basket of locally-sourced goods from your favorite market. Along Highway 101 near Gilroy, for example, you’ll find stands to pick up gourmet garlic products, raw honey and fresh fruits and vegetables. Go a step further and personalize your basket with hand-mixed seasonings from Oaktown Spice Shop, coffee blends from local favorites such as Chromatic, Blue Bottle or Verve, and other treats like jam, olive oil and cheeses from award-winning Bay Area crafters.
For the fitness lover
A new year typically breeds new workout goals. So if your loved one is looking for a gym home, consider buying them a membership to West Coast Aesthetics (WESTCA) in Santa Clara. This boutique gym touts its “modern style in an approachable atmosphere” as a place to find community and support for all fitness levels. If your partner would rather ditch the weight lifting and treadmills for a more fun exercise, think about purchasing classes for rock climbing or pole dancing. Ms. Tryss Boutique’s pole dancing classes in Monterey are great for a full body workout — and your first class is free. For hikers, bikers and runners, a California State Parks annual pass is a great gift the whole family can use at Half Moon Bay, Point Lobos and other parks throughout the state.
For the tech lover
As America’s tech hub, the Bay Area is full of gadgets and experiences to make your loved one feel ahead of the game. At San Francisco-based B8ta, you can shop for neat gifts of all technological varieties — from smart wallets and power massagers to electric skateboards and personal robots. Or if your significant other has startup ambitions, enroll them in a workshop or class at General Assembly SF. Courses come in full-time, part-time and online programs for topics like digital marketing, UX design, and IOS and Android development. There are also a handful of free classes offered regularly, including one on Valentine’s Day: “Couples who Code”.
For the fashion lover
Keep your lover trendy and civic-minded with threads from Oakland’s conscientious clothing store, Oaklandish. You’ll find graphic tees, hoodies, hats, Warriors swag and more urban apparel centered around city pride. The store even donates a portion of proceeds to local grassroots movements. In Walnut Creek, Bella Mar Boutique’s chic storefront offers a seasonal mix of women’s clothing, including flowy wrap dresses, cozy sweaters, and printed rompers. And half a mile away, you’ll also find artisan retailer Makers Market where you can purchase handmade jewelry, handbags and home decor by local crafters. Other locations are San Jose, Napa, and Mill Valley.