Looking for a perfect little gift for your honeypie? These Arlington-area shops and makers offer handcrafted items that will leave your significant other (or close friend) feeling loved.
Sugar Mama
Here’s a sweet gesture: Treat your sweetie to artisanal sugar cubes by Arlington confectioner Cheri Larkins of Kaleida Treats. A “corporate girlie” by day and self-taught candymaker in her off-hours, she makes little sugar bombs ($15.95 for two sleeves) in a kaleidoscope of colors and flavors, from peach, strawberry and hibiscus to bitters-infused nuggets for cocktails. Pop one in a glass of bubbly or mix up some old-fashioneds and bring on the romance. Then perk up your tea the next morning with a hit of orange or mint.
Love Story
Remember your first apartment? The time you got lost and missed the train in Madrid? The crazy dog that ate your birthday cake? Celebrate your journey as a couple with a one-of-a-kind “relationship map” ($200-$400) by graphic illustrator Renee Dawn Thomson of Dawning Designs. You provide the memories, milestones and photos of special places, “then I take it from there!” says the Arlington artist. Her creative repertoire also includes smart-alecky stickers, pins and custom holiday ornaments.
Flower Power
Why send the same old roses when you can dazzle that special someone—be it a gal pal, your mom or your boo—with a floral arrangement by Kat Flowers? Originally from Belarus, shop owner Yekaterina Charnashei has a flair for the dramatic, blending romantic blossoms such as lilacs, lilies and peonies with unexpected elements, from evergreen boughs and hydrangea pods to citrus fruits and cut pomegranates. Bouquets start at $125, but if you stop by the shop she can create something for as little as $25 upon request. And yes, if you do want classic red roses or tulips, she has those, too.
Heart of Gold
All of the jewelry pieces in Arlington designer Lisa Maurer’s collection are named after inspiring women. The muse behind the 14-karat gold Claudia pendant is a teacher known for her empathy. “High schoolers today are navigating uncharted waters, but a fortunate few have Claudia to light their way. Her classroom is a safe haven,” explains the owner of SisterSister Jewelry. Embedded with a petite pink sapphire, the charm can be purchased by itself or as a necklace with an oval-link cable chain ($493-$680).
Love That Lasts
Cottagecore devotees will swoon over these cozy “forever flowers” by local textile artist Maliyah Henry of Mimi Crochet Apparel LLC. Bonus: They don’t wilt! A standard arrangement includes tulips, carnations and forget-me-nots, but you can also build your own custom bouquet ($50-$65) with alternatives such as roses, sunflowers and daisies. Or keep it simple with a single stem ($12).
Dangle All the Way
Everyday jewelry simply can’t get more “lovely” than these sweetheart earrings by Nickel & Suede ($39). You’ll find them amid all sorts of sweet and sassy treasures at Covet boutique in Bluemont, a Best of Arlington winner for everyday jewelry. The shop’s merch also includes edgy greeting cards and unique finds for home.
Glass Menagerie
Amid the pandemic, restaurant industry veteran Maria Milton left her career to pursue a longtime interest in glass art. Working from her Arlington-based MarzDM Studio, she now crafts etched vases, suncatchers, planters and more. This dazzling piece ($145), which doubles as a plant propagator, is made with silver and brass, and includes a small vase perfect for an air plant, a philodendron cutting or a rose.
Steamy Romance
No bath tub? No problem. Try a little shower pampering courtesy of Thulisa Naturals in Falls Church. Founder Anusha Moodley conveniently organizes her bath and body products by scent, including eucalyptus, orange-mint, and that quintessential Valentine’s Day fragrance—rose. “This scent helps to ease tension and balance your mood,” says Moodley. The shower steamers ($17) offer a transportive experience, she says, and leave a heavenly aroma in your shower even after the water’s turned off.
Sweet Sentiments
A box of chocolates may not be an unusual Valentine’s gift, but an affordable one can be hard to find. Clarendon-based Artisan Confections specializes in decadent truffles that are nearly too gorgeous to eat, in packages built for any budget. For the sweetie in your life, a four-piece sampler box ($12) won’t break the bank, and you can customize it with the flavors of your choice.
Quite a Dish
A special piece of jewelry deserves a special spot on the nightstand. Falls Church artist Nafia Syeed, the talent behind Nafiart Studio, turns natural found objects into romantic keepsakes, including decoupage trinket dishes made from gilded oyster and scallop shells ($40). In the kitchen, the pretty shells can also be used as salt-and-pepper cellars, or to hold sugar cubes for tea time. Visit her online shop for home accessories, as well as wearable art made from found flower petals, butterfly wings and other organic materials.
Love and Lust
Say “I love you” with aromatherapy. Arlington-based Antik Lakay—whose products have been mentioned in Vogue, Elle and The Strategist—creates intoxicating candles ($42) using soy and coconut wax as well as essential oils. For a seasonal scent, try Love (jasmine, amber oud and muguet) or Lust (sandalwood, patchouli, rose musk), depending on your mood.
Simple Statement
Help your sweetheart feel loved each day with a bracelet ($12) that spells it out from Shirlington boutique Diament Jewelry. The vintage, bangle-style accessory comes in silver or gold and can be adjusted to fit your wrist.