It's that time of year again, Valentine's Day, that special day when you show some love to that spacial someone in your life. Feb. 14 is the date that was set aside hundreds of years ago to honor St. Valentine. Legend has it that Valentine was a Catholic priest in ancient Rome who defied Emperor Claudius II when Claudius outlawed marriage for young men after deciding unmarried men made better soldiers. Valentine performed marriages for young lovers in secret, but when Claudius found out the emperor had Valentine put to death. Another legend says Valentine was imprisoned and sent a love letter to a young girl who visited him there. The legend says he wrote her a letter signed “from your Valentine. Whatever its origins, Valentine’s Day is celebrated today with the exchange of small love notes and gifts.
Stuck on an idea for a gift for your Valentine this year? There are many local options to choose from. From the traditional of chocolates and flowers to more creative gift ideas, such as a mobile hair salon, here are just a few of the local options to choose from so you can surprise the love of your life with a special gift.
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Rose All Day. Come and enjoy a bottle of rose wine at Crystal Ridge Winery, for 10 percent off on Valentine’s Day! There will be live entertainment by Martin Piggot and food by Cousins Maine Lobster. Crystal Ridge Winery, 257 Belltown Road, 860-657-1004, crystalridgewinery.com
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Ultimate Spa Retreat. Treat that special someone in your life to a spa package at Sensations Day Spa with the ultimate spa retreat. For $190 they will escape to tranquility and calm with aromatherapy massage, customized facial and a spa mani and pedi. Sensations Day Spa, 39 New London Turnpike. Suite 128, 860-633-4377, sensationsdayspa.biz
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Body and Soul Package, Fuller Yoga. Grab a friend, partner or family member and enjoy an afternoon relaxing in our Far Infrared Sauna followed by a private yoga lesson for just the two of you. This Body and Soul package will release toxins and open your body so your heart will follow. The package fee is $169. Fuller Yoga, 39 New London Turnpike - Suite 301, 860-430-9642 or email hello@fulleryoga.com to book.
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Topical Relief Cream. Give the gift of health to your loved one with our award-winning Topical Relief Cream. Sold exclusively at Your CBD Stores, our topical has a proprietary blend of Arnica and MSM offering a tremendous synergistic effect when combined with CBD. This top selling product, along with our full line of certified organic CBD products, can be purchased. Open Daily 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Your CBD Store, 2239 Main St., 860-324-0897, cbdrx4u.com/find-us/connecticut/glastonbury.
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The Perfect Pair at Fearless Fitness. Give the gift of fitness this year with Fearless Fitness’ Valentine’s Day special of 50 percent off coupon for couples workouts. The gym is also offering 10 percent off their Elite Membership for couples who join together! Fearless Fitness, 98 Commerce St., 860-999-2046. fearlessfitness.com.
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Petite Diamond Pendants from Gozzo Jewelers. Get her a 14 karat white or yellow gold diamond pendant. Our pendants come on adjustable 16-inch to 18-inch chains. Choose from a selection of small V, moon and star, circle, or leaf. designs. These are perfect for every day wear. Wear them alone or as a layering piece. Gozzo Jewelers, 120 Hebron Ave., 860-652-0806, www.gozzojewelers.com.
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SVB Signature Facial & Solo Blowout, Sarah Victor Beauty. Treat her to our Signature SVB Facial that utilizes all natural, vegan and cruelty-free products by Earth Harbor Botanicals as well as the clinical grade power of GlyMed Skincare. After your loved one has finished obtaining skin nirvana, we whisk her off to get her hair styled by one of our BlowDry Specialists inside SVB Glastonbury’s first BlowDry Bar. Everyone loves the spa, nobody loves spa hair! She can also opt-in for some extra love by indulging in a 10 minute scalp massage. Pure heaven brought to you by the talent at SVB. Sarah Victor Beauty Studio & Salon, 476 Naubuc Ave., 860-430-6651, sarahvictorbeauty.com.
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A Sweet Gift: Coffee and Dessert from RaonJena. Give the gift of sweet love this year with coffee and dessert at Raonjena, a specialty coffee and dessert shop. RaonJena, 39 New London Tpke - Suite 108, 860-430-5006, raonjena.org.
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Give the gift of a one-of-a-kind salon experience. Let Lauren & Company Mobile salon bring a state of the art salon right to your driveway. Your loved one will enjoy this private oasis while receiving expert hair styling, coloring &/or make up application. Book now as space is limited. Lauren & Company Salon, 860-850-0713, laurenandcosalon.com.
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The Gift of Flowers. Give a loved one the gift of a monthly flower arrangement. The Flower District offers a floral subscription called District Blooms. You can purchase a three-month, six-month, or 12-month subscriptions of fresh seasonal flowers offered as a wrapped bouquet starting at $50 a month or an arrangement of seasonal flowers designed in a container starting at $60 a month. Each subscription includes delivery in the greater Hartford area. Call the Flower District to set up your subscription. Flower District, 2377 Main St., 860-633-1965, theflowerdistrict.com.
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The gift of a professional photo session. Frame your love in a professional photograph by Carrie Draghi Photography. A couple’s photo session (with or without kids) is a wonderful way to let your special someone know that you just can’t get enough of their smile. Gift certificates for full or mini sessions are available. Carrie Draghi Photography, 860-633-4054, CDraghiPhoto.com.
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Give the gift of health. Go for the nontraditional this Valentine’s Day with a the gift of health at Get Tight Spa in West Hartford. This medical spa focuses on scientific, non-surgical methods to boost the body’s natural anti-aging processes. “Our practical purpose is to empower our clients to develop and function in the world with a powerful purpose. Get Tight Spa, 1216 Farmington Ave., West Hartford. 860-206-4825. Gettightspa.com.