February 14th is the perfect time to treat that special someone in your life. Whether you're having a Zoom party with your fellow single ladies or cooking dinner with your other half, Valentine's Day is all about showing the love.
To give you a helping hand this year, and to support Irish businesses while we're at it, we have found some decadent delights and tantalizing treats for you to pick up ahead of the big day.
Grá Chocolates
Created by head chef Grainne Mullins, each and every piece of Grá Chocolate is crafted with care in painstaking detail. Made in small batches in Kilchreest, Co. Galway, the bonbons are hand-painted and take a total of three days to create.
If your sweetheart has a sweet tooth give them the ultimate chocolate indulgence by pre-ordering this Grá go deo for €35 now.
Read more: 8 Irish restaurants offering Valentine's Day experiences
Sarah McKenna's Irish Handmade Ceramics
Sarah McKenna has been developing her unique handmade Irish pottery at Bridge Street Studios since 1999. Having gained a Bachelor of Ceramic Design from the University of Dundee, she has been creating beautiful handmade Irish pottery over the past twenty years including bowls, lamps, vases, wall art and candle holders.
There are plenty of ceramic gifts on offer but we particularly like the 'Love Makes Our House A Home' framed tile for €95.
HOLDEReight
This Irish company creates beautiful earth-friendly products that will bring a spark of joy to your other half's next yoga session. If you're shopping for a wellness guru this Valentine's Day, check out Holdereight's yoga mats and blocks, temperature-controlled bottles, and comfy hoodies.
This 'Birds of a Feather' 1.5mm Travel Mat costs €60, and will be sure to go down a treat with your yogi.
Kennedy & Co
As well as being a TV presenter, stylist, fashion journalist and Dancing with the Stars contestant, Darren Kennedy has a beautiful skincare range that includes moisturising gels, beard oils and peat scrubs.
We recommend the €9.95 daily moisturiser with SPF 20 for the man in your life.
Dublin Herbalists
Founded in 2012 by Claire Brett, these beauty products are made from 100% natural ingredients and are never tested on animals, making them as ethical as they are beautiful.
You can pick up their Revitalising Face Cream with Wu Zhu Extract for sensitive skin for €21.95.
Buachaill
According to the website, Buachaill underwear is underwear with a strong Irish identity. These boxers shorts are for young men who want to wear stylish, well-made, and durable clothing. Made from quality cotton and elastane underwear, they come in black, white, and red.
For Valentine's Day, these underwear enthusiasts are selling the Cúig pack - an offer of five boxer shorts for €54.99.
Laughter Lounge
Have a laugh with your other half this Valentine's Day by organising a night in with a virtual comedy gig complete with snacks. The Laughter Lounge box will include a bunch of goodies while the online gig will feature six of your favourite comedians, and will be full to the brim with quizzes, interactive games and guest appearances.
The show takes place live on Saturday, February 13th at 8.30pm and costs €49.95 (was €54.95).
Up Cosmetics
In 2020, Pippa O'Connor and Úna Tynan launched a new cosmetics brand to the market. The debut Up Cosmetics collection includes two trio face palettes, three quad eye palettes, a 10-pan palette, four lipsticks and three lip glosses.
The 'Perfect Nude' lipstick already making waves with make up lovers and costs €20.
Read more: 9 Irish beauty & skincare brands to check out in 2021
Milk Bath
Run by a busy mum of four, this small Irish business in North County Dublin uses natural ingredients, fully recyclable packaging, and as many Irish suppliers as possible. With both real Irish grass-fed wow's milk and vegan organic coconut milk, you can create your very own wellness retreat at home.
This relaxing Lavender & Ylang Ylang Milk Bath costs €7.95.
Jiminy
Plant a memory this Valentine's Day with these plantable experience gift cards. Made from a recycled paper pulp which whilst drying has living seeds added to it such as Birdsfoot Trefoil, Black Knapweed, Black Medick, Meadow Buttercup, Musk Mallow, and Ox-Eye-Daisy. Simply bury the card under 2cm of soil, water it, and then you and your special someone can watch your wildflowers bloom!
Order a plantable gift card for €4.43 from Jiminy.ie.
Conor Merriman
This Dublin-based illustrator has launched a gorgeous range of inclusive Valentine's cards to his online shop that you can order for your loved one this year. From mid-century inspired tandem bike riding to the glamazons of drag, each card carefully tells a story and celebrates our diverse love landscape.
The cards can be found online for €3.50 a piece.
MIMI+MARTHA
Mimi and Martha are a mother-daughter duo with a background filled with music, art, design, and culture. The eco-conscious women bring a unique collection of crafts and designs to their website, supporting artists from both home and abroad.
For Valentine's Day, the duo have highlighted some of their favourite pieces including the Kopper Kreation Grá Heart - a clever reuse of old gas copper pipe bent by hand into the traditional form of a heart, €50.
Blackbird
Based in Ennis, Co. Clare, Blackbird is a boutique-style jewellery store owned by Katie Rogers. Home to contemporary pieces from Irish and European designers alike, you're bound to find something fabulous for your special someone.
Our top pick for Valentine's day? This simple but beautiful silver heart pendant for €40.
Jando
Founded in 2015 by husband and wife duo Julie and Owen Mc Loughlin, Jando is a multi-award winning printmaking studio based in Dublin. Blending a combination of both traditional and modern printmaking, these pictures will evoke some of your most romantic memories of Ireland whether it be time spent at Hook Lighthouse or summer trips to the Blackrock diving board in Galway.
If you're shopping for a smaller piece of art, we love these very Irish Valentine's Day cards for €3.50.
