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All You Need Is Love— and These Five Gifts

Get your partner something they’ll actually want for Valentine’s Day.

By Megan McDonald February 3, 2026 Published in the February 2026 issue of Sarasota Magazine

A sexy-but-sweet babydoll nightgown from Bambola.
A sexy-but-sweet babydoll nightgown from Bambola.

We admit that Valentine’s Day has become, in many ways, a Hallmark holiday. But we’re also romantics at heart and are happy for an excuse to tell our people we love them. Here are five presents that will make your partner smile. 

Lovely Lingerie

Kristin Bear began her career working for celebrities like Madonna and brands like Cosabella before starting her own line and opening her store, Bambola, in Sarasota. Her designs span the gamut from sweet to sexy—like this Valentine’s Day red babydoll nightgown (pictured at top). $66. 4045 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, shopbambola.com

Colorful, jewel-like chocolates from Norman Love Confections.

Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate

Norman Love Confections chocolates look like jewels and are every bit as wonderful to eat. Choose from flavors like Key lime pie, Tahitian caramel and Mexican hot chocolate, plus special Valentine’s Day offerings. From $17 for a five-piece box. 8109 Cooper Creek Blvd., University Park, normanloveconfections.com

Toast to your love with a great bottle of wine.
Toast to your love with a great bottle of wine.

A Special Bottle of Wine

Candlelit dinners might be traditional for Valentine’s Day, but a romantic night at home with a bottle of wine can be just as sweet. At Seagrape Wine Co., owner Thomas Morgan can guide you to something great, whether it’s a fizzy French Champagne or a big-bodied Barolo. Price varies per bottle, 4333 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, sgwineco.com   

Framed photographs are never a bad idea.
Framed photographs are never a bad idea.

A Gift You Can Frame

Take your love story analog with an artfully framed photo from this local biz, run by longtime owner—and Sarasota native—Dari Williams Goggans. Your beloved photos are safe with her—and will look great on your wall when she’s done. Prices vary, 1507 Second St., Sarasota, jessicaspictureframing.com

The best part of waking up is coffee in this cute SRQ cup.
The best part of waking up is coffee in this cute SRQ cup.

Love at First Sip

You can never have too many coffee mugs, especially when they’re this cute. Pair with a card and a bag of beans from your favorite local coffee shop. Or, if you really want to win the game, bring a fresh-brewed cup to your partner in bed. $85, 1409-B First St., Suite B, Sarasota, tgeorgianos.com/collections/true-blue-vibes-exclusive-shop

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