Valentine’s Day is about letting the people we love know how much they mean to us. So crush, significant other, family, friend, or co-worker — everyone deserves some attention.
Here at the Gazette, we love our local businesses — and know we can rely on them, even in the dead of winter. So while you’re gathering up tokens of affection to share, shop local for Valentine’s Day treats.
Here are some gift picks from members of our Island Directory.
Jewelry, apparel and home decor
Shop the 8Knots online store with free home delivery to Islanders, and it’s like Cupid himself is your dispatcher! Our favorite picks include soap-on-a-rope, bronze oyster bottle openers, and 100 percent linen deck blankets. Shop now through February 28 and get 15 percent off when you use the code 8KCRUISE22 at checkout. For home delivery, place orders via email to info@8knots.net.
“There’s always something special at Marika’s,” Marika Kaasik said when we asked her about Valentine’s Day gift ideas. Antique and costume jewelry, vintage decanters, mid-century modern furniture, lighting, artwork, mirrors, and more — treasure hunting through the shop is always a delight. Open daily, 10 AM to 4 PM.
Does your special someone love jewelry? In honor of the February 14th celebration, Mimi Page offers 14 percent off any item. Designs include beautiful Shelter Island beach stones wrapped in silver with heart-shaped cutouts. Shop now through February 15 for the discount. Follow Mimi Page Jewelry on Instagram to see her latest designs. Visit her Airstream studio by appointment only; call 631-935-3134.
Not sure what you’re looking for? Check out the home furnishings, art, apparel, and jewelry all under one roof at SIMM’S. The Shelter Island Makers Mart is open by appointment only. “We will come to open the door to help you find a beautiful present for the house or fashion,” co-proprietor Marie Eiffel says. Call or text Marie at 212-945-8492.
Is your sweetie a BBQ master, bird lover, or gardener? Maybe he’s a DIY crafter? Or she’s a tinkerer? If so, then Shelter Island ACE Hardware is an ideal resource. So wander the aisles of this old-fashioned place that has a little bit of everything. You’re sure to be inspired.
Shop local for flowers, chocolate, and bubbly
The Shelter Island IGA is our go-to stop for fresh flowers, greeting cards, and classic Valentine’s Day candies. You can also pick up ingredients for a romantic dinner or fun family breakfast or make some home-baked goods to treat a neighbor or colleague.
Speaking of classics, the Shelter Island Pharmacy carries Whitman’s chocolates in heart-shaped boxes and an array of greeting cards, Soda-Drugs apparel, and beauty products. Heck, show up with the Soda Fountain’s hot-off-the-griddle egg sandwiches, and we won’t kick you out!
Can you say pink and sparkly? From Veuve Clicquot to Champagne Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé, Shelter Island Wine and Spirits has delicious bubbly to share with your loved one! Or select your Valentine’s favorite wine or spirits. The knowledgeable staff is there to guide you.
Coffee lovers will rejoice with a bag of roasted beans and a custom mug from Stars Café. And who can resist one of Lydia’s amazing pastries! The café is warm and cozy, with sunlight streaming in the windows. Stop by for breakfast or lunch, or give a gift certificate for Thursday Burger Night.
Need a box of assorted homemade chocolates, cookies, or candies delivered to your Valentine’s door — call or text The Lettuce Lady by Friday, February 11, for your curated gift 631-678-8066. Or, find grab-and-go items at the Sylvester Manor Farmstand, open Saturday from 10 AM to 3 PM.
Perhaps a romantic dinner is in order? Reserve a table at Vine Street Café, or stop by the VSC Market for all the ingredients for a meal at home, complete with handmade chocolate bombs from Joe and Kira’s chocolates. This weekend, VSC hosts a pop-up vintage barware shop – see details in this recent Gazette post.
Beauty, fitness and wellness
From head to toe, pamper your Valentine with an appointment at Analy’s Salon. The full list of services includes manicures, pedicures, waxing, hair treatments, coloring, bridal styling, and barber services; call for a gift card at 631-749-4293.
Spoil your loved one with a special day of beauty at NIKKI Salon with the proprietor and former stylist to celebs, Nikki Ianelli. Ready to try a new look? Add highlights or a balayage with color specialist Juan. Nikki can also put together a gift pack of luxurious Masami hair products. Give her a call at 631-749-9400.
Treat the fitness lover in your life to a 5- or 10-pack of classes at Shelter Island Pilates & Barre. Online and private sessions are available. Or, consider a tandem experience with your sweetie for a fun, healthful gift.
And surely Cupid would approve of a massage and a healing session at Better. Dynamic treatments with proprietor Cassandra Bliss offer balance and integrated, free-flowing energy to ignite creativity, inspire love, and restore joy.
Spread the Valentine’s Day love year-round
You can also visit our Island Directory to learn about nonprofits in the community. Then, donate in honor of someone special. Or volunteer to help these worthwhile organizations elevate our quality of life here on Shelter Island. Spread that Valentine’s Day love year-round!
