Sweeten Up: Unique Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

Tired of the same old candy and card routine for Valentine’s Day? Need to think outside the box of chocolates, so to speak? Even though American consumers spend billions of dollars each year to express their emotions, it’s sometimes hard to come up with something unique to give a loved one. Whether it’s an evening with your sweetheart or special time with friends, here are some holiday ideas that will give this year’s event a special twist:

Express yourself. When is the last time you sat down and wrote an old-fashioned letter to your beloved? And no, texting or emails don’t count. Discover the fine art of love letters and surprise your sweetheart with words on paper, written by hand. But plain old copy paper won’t do, so you’ll need to visit the Westwood Paper Company, 20 Executive Drive, Carmel. Owner Jill Sowder prides herself on offering customers unique finds and one-of-a-kind items. Specialty papers, fine stationary and personalized gifts will help inspire your inner poet.

While you browze and pick out the perfect love letter supplies, you’ll also want to take a look at the array of products just right for personalizing your gifts.

“We produce customized beverage labels, including those for wine bottles,” explains Sowder. “In fact, we were so excited when one of our customers actually used one of the labels to ask someone to marry them,” she adds. “It was so romantic.”

In addition to paper products, the store offers delightful cupcake sets, including gift boxes, decorative paper cups, toppers and gift bags. See www.westwoodpaper.com for more details.

Speaking of cupcakes … Roses are great, and chocolates are too, but if you really want to make an impression, why not send your love a box of … cupcakes? Holy Cow Cupcakes takes the art of scrumptious treats to a new level, with seasonal, fresh ingredients sure to make any mouth water. Owner Karen Sutton says this Valentine’s Day will feature a selection of decadent cupcakes with wonderful chocolates, new flavors, all available for delivery or pick-up in decorative boxes.

“For Valentine’s Day, we’ll for sure feature The Ryan, a red velvet cupcake drizzled with a dark chocolate genache,” Sutton says. “We’ll have other wonderful flavors of cupcakes available, in addition to heart-shaped brownies, bon bons and other delights,” she says.

The store also carries gift cards and custom-made aprons. But you’d better get your orders in early. Sutton says as they have an order cut-off for special deliveries after the first week of February. However, carry-out orders are always welcome. Holy Cow Cupcakes is located at 545 S. Rangeline Rd., Carmel. Visit www.holycowcupcakes.com for more information.

Take It Easy. Who doesn’t need a little pampering, especially after enduring the cold, dry winter months? Treat your honey (and yourself) to a special package at the Villaggio Day Spa and Salon, with locations in Fishers and Zionsville. Owner Barbara Rush says their special holiday packages include the XOXO.

“This is the perfect way to help your sweetheart prepare for a night out or for a special evening in together,” says Rush. “This sweet package includes an invigorating Sugar Kiss Body Scrub, a thirty-minute Relaxation Massage, and a European Pedicure,” she explains. You’ll also get a complimentary box of chocolates.

Other special Valentine’s Day packages include Couple Therapy, which is an hour Relaxation Message for Two and a 30-minute Classic Spa Facial. Champagne is included! And who says you have to have someone else buy you something for the holiday? Treat yourself to the Single and Satisfied Spa Package, and you (alone or with friends) will enjoy a 30-minute Classic Spa Facial, a 30-minute Relaxation Message, and a European Pedicure. For package details and spa locations, visit www.villaggiodayspa.com.

Trim and Tone. If you and your sweetheart are avoiding calories in order to get ready for bathing suit season, why not give yourselves the gift of good health? Personal Trainer Liz Burton, who helps clients all over the Northside, is offering special Valentine’s Day packages designed for couples, as well as for individuals. Burton says she has seen an increase in the amount of couples interested in training as a team over the past couple of years. In fact, Burton sees Valentine’s Day as the perfect time to make healthy commitments and get your body beach-ready.

“Many couples want to train together, just as they might golf or go play tennis with each other,” says Burton. “There’s great benefit to it for everyone, especially when Spring Break and summer vacations are just around the corner,” she adds.

Burton enjoys showing couples different workout techniques and activities that they can do with each other, which helps clients stay motivated and be accountable. Valentine’s Day packages include goal setting, personal training, and private in-home sessions, if desired. To find out more about personal training packages, visit www.lizburton.com.

Wine and Dine. Eating out is almost always a given when it comes to a romantic occasion. Why not make it extra special by visiting one-of-a-kind, locally-owned restaurants?

If a waterside location is your preference, enjoy a table with a view of the Geist Marina at Bella Vita Restorante, 11699 Fall Creek Road, Indianapolis. Owned by Shelley and Henri Najem, there’s nothing quite like the ambiance provided by this romantic setting. “It’s definitely a couple’s destination for Valentine’s Day,” says Shelley. “With our fireplace lit, the waterside glistening and ice or snow on the lake, diners can enjoy a truly unique atmosphere on a special day,” she says.

Henri, who serves as chef and creates the scrumptious menu from the kitchen, will work up a special entrée for the night not available on the regular nightly menu. A special couple’s package will include a bottle of wine or champagne, two entrees and a signature dessert to share.

Live entertainment and special giveaways will also be a part of the evening, as Shelley explains. “We usually have jewelry or bottles of liquor that we give away throughout the night for added fun.” The mezzanine will be open upstairs for guests to enjoy a cocktail and the panoramic view. To make reservations (recommended), and for specific menu information or pricing, visit www.bellavitaatthemarina.com.

For a unique, cozy and warm dining experience, you’ll want to check out Woody’s Library Restaurant, located at 40 E. Main St., Carmel. Owners Kevin and Richelle Ryder promise a special night in their restaurant, which is the renovated Andrew Carnegie Library originally built in 1913.

The historic landmark is located in Carmel’s Arts & Design District, with library shelves featuring works of art created by local artisans, and a unique collection of books donated by customers over the years. For Valentine’s Day, a reservation will get you one of three seating times for the evening. You and your beloved will be treated to a glass of Pink Moscato to set the romantic mood, and the menu will feature an array of entrees and decadent desserts to choose from, including their famous Chocolate Fondue or Raspberry Romanoff.
After dinner, you might want to wander down to the basement to play shuffleboard and extend your evening in a comfortable, casual setting.

“Our restaurant really promotes an intimate atmosphere,” says Kevin. “It’s quiet and you can have a real conversation with your date,” he adds.

“Our bar is a friendly, neighborhood place, kind of like the one from Cheers,” adds Richelle. “We have a great jukebox with internet connection, so you can play any music under the sun,” she adds. To make reservations, and to find out more about the restaurant, visit www.woodyscarmel.com.

Hit the Wine Trail. If you want to spend the day with your sweetie doing something together, it doesn’t get much better then pairing wine with chocolate and traveling the Indy Wine Trail. In a one-day excursion, you can visit seven trail wineries, which includes Carmel’s Grape Inspirations and Ferrins Fruit Wineries. Participants can enjoy wine-tasting at each stop, do a little shopping and sample sweet chocolate treats. Choose your day: Saturday, Feb. 13 or Sunday, Feb. 14, from noon to 6 p.m. Each winery will feature an array of chocolates perfectly paired with their own unique wine creation. Once you finish the trail, participants will receive an Indy Wine Trail glass as a keepsake.

If a day of wine just won’t do, take advantage of The Wine Lover’s Package, which includes a room at the Hilton Garden Inn, Downtown Indianapolis, breakfast for two, valet parking, two Indy Wine Trail glasses, and a ten percent discount off Indy Wine Trail merchandise. To see a list of participating wineries and trail details, visit www.indywinetrail.com.

Stay The Night. Getting away to a local hotel is just what the doctor ordered for some couples in need of alone time.

Get all the benefits of leaving town without draining the gas tank by heading over to The Renaissance Indianapolis North Hotel in Carmel. Their Valentine’s Day Weekend Getaway includes two special weekend package options. Each option can be enhanced with additional special touches, such as champagne or chocolate-covered strawberries, arranged by contacting the hotel directly after you book.

Option One of the special offer includes: luxurious accommodations; two dinner entrees at Grille 39 restaurant, and; breakfast for two the next morning. Option Two includes accommodations and breakfast for two. Visit www.marriott.com/renaissancehotels for more package details and important promotional codes.

If a little nostalgia and old-time charm is more your style, then visit The Fredrick-Talbott Inn, a country bed and breakfast getaway in Fishers on Allisonville Rd. This large colonial brick manor stands overlooking the William Conner property on the White River. Many of the Inn’s refurbished decorations came from neighboring Indiana businesses, such as the 18-foot dining table which was formerly in an executive board room, and the large wooden locker from downtown’s Union Station.

This year’s Valentine’s Delight package is available Feb. 12, 13 and 14, and includes a one-night stay in the room of your choice, a floral bouquet, a chilled bottle of non-alcoholic sparkling wine, a $50 gift certificate for an area restaurant, and a full breakfast the next morning. The Inn will even arrange your restaurant reservation for you. To make reservations, or to find out more about the Inn, visit www.fredericktalbottinn.com, and look under “Specials.”