Love and Other Drugs

Eight Local Valentine's Day Gifts Your Loved One Will Actually Like

From cheeky candles to pretty lingerie to a psychic trolley tour, there's something for everyone.

By Megan McDonald February 12, 2025

Simon Pearce heart vases with fresh tulips
Simon Pearce heart vases with fresh tulips

A Pretty Vase and Flowers

A heart-shaped vase by Simon Pearce ($175 for the small size, $300 for the large), available at Pecky in downtown Sarasota, is perfect for Valentine's Day but pretty enough to use all year. Best of all: It's available to purchase with a clutch of fresh tulips, meaning your shopping can be one-and-done. (P.S. If real flowers aren't your thing or your loved one is allergic, these Lego flower bouquets are awesome, too.) Pecky, 100 Central Ave., Sarasota, (941) 957-0300, peckysrq.com

Good Liquid Distilling Co.'s small-batch spirits are made by master distiller Clara Robbins.

A Bottle of Something Delicious

Good Liquid master distiller Clara Robbins has major industry bona fides. The first female master distiller in Florida, Robbins earned her stripes working at distilleries in Kentucky, where 95 percent of the world’s bourbon is made. Now she's whipping up her award-winning, small-batch spirits in Lakewood Ranch. Offerings include gin, whiskey, agave spirits, rum and more (prices vary by bottle). Grab one at Good Liquid's Waterside Place outpost and toast to love. 1561 Lakefront Drive, Unit 102, Sarasota, (941) 259-1787, goodliquid.com/distillery-and-cocktail-lounge 

Rogue Pac's "Send Nudes" candle trio

A Cheeky Set of Candles

How fun is this trio of "Send Nudes" candles from Rogue Paq, available—and on sale for $69—at Rabbit Rabbit in the Rosemary District? Made from organic soy wax and therapeutic-grade essential oils, they come in a chic gift box with three sets of equally tongue-in-cheek matches. The Get Lit candle contains notes of black pepper and citrus; the Lit Up candle has notes of vanilla and orange; and the Stay Lit candle offers notes of peppermint and lemon. Rabbit Rabbit, 1361 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota, rabbitrabbitsrq.com

Fujifilm's Instax camera is a guaranteed delight.
Fujifilm's Instax camera is a guaranteed delight.

A Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Camera

In 2025, we're going analog, baby. This candy-colored camera is portable and spits out charming 2-inch-by-3-inch photos in five seconds. Using one feels like a throwback to the days of disposable cameras and waiting for film to be developed at the drugstore. (Of course, because it's 2025, there's also a built-in selfie mirror.)  Target, 5350 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, (941) 379-6660, target.com

Kilo Brava robe
Kilo Brava robe

A Fancy Robe

This lipstick-red robe with fuchsia lace trim ($90) is a guaranteed mood-booster, even on the grayest, rainiest day. Designed by Kristin Bear, the former head of design at Cosabella and the owner of Sarasota's Bambola lingerie shop, it's available in sizes small through 3X. The colorway is also available in a midi-length slip and playful onesie, too. Bambola, 4045 S. Tamiami Trail, shopbambola.com

The Baltimore Orioles at year's Spring Breakout

Spring Training Tickets

Pitchers and catchers are reporting for duty in Bradenton, Sarasota and North Port, which means one thing: Spring training is almost here. The Baltimore Orioles and Atlanta Braves kick off their spring season on Feb. 22, and the Pirates' home opener is on Feb. 23. Late-February and early-March weather is traditionally glorious, and spending time at the ballpark with your favorite person is a guaranteed win. Save room for a hot dog and an ice-cold beer or soda (spring training essentials). If you really want to hit a home run, call your stadium of choice to arrange a "scoreboard surprise" and proclaim your love for all to see. Baltimore Orioles, 2700 12th St., Sarasota, (941) 893-6300, mlb.com/orioles; Atlanta Braves, 18800 Villages Parkway, Venice, (941) 413-5000, mlb.com/braves; Pittsburgh Pirates, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton, (941) 747-3031, mlb.com/pirates

Level up your couple energy with a psychic trolley tour.
Level up your couple energy with a psychic trolley tour.

A Psychic Trolley Tour

Move over, Cassadega. A 90-minute trolley tour ($49.99 per person) highlights Sarasota's reputation as a psychic and spiritual energy center and is led by psychic and tarot reader Deni Dreazen. After toasting with a complimentary mimosa, you'll visit Pixie Dust Gift Shop, partake in a sound healing at the Crocker Memorial Church and be treated to mini-readings by Dreazen throughout the tour. It's a perfect out-of-the-box activity for any couple. To really level up your relationship vibes, add on a private, 15-minute tarot reading post-tour for $30. Discover Sarasota Tours, 1826 Fourth St., Sarasota, (941) 260-9818, discoversarasotatours.com

Beau, acrylic on canvas, by Karen Chandler

A Portrait of Your Four-Legged Valentine

Love transcends species—and our non-human family members deserve to be celebrated, too. Local artist Karen Chandler takes commissions for digital or acrylic pet portraits that she creates in her vibrant Pop Art style. They're excellent gifts anyone who loves a pet. Because there's a lead time, we recommend getting on Chandler's list now and giving your loved one a card with a small pet-themed item—like a bag of Buddy Brew Coffee beans or a donation to Cat Depot. The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime, 821 Apricot Ave., Sarasota, karenchandlerfineart.com

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