Lina LecaroWhether you’re married, dating, got a FWBB (friend with benefits … in your bubble) or single with platonic “galentines” or “bromances,” the hearts-everywhere holiday doesn’t have to be stressful or same ol’ same ol’ when it comes to gift-giving. Here are some of the best we could find, all of which are either L.A.-based, have local ties and/or support inclusive small-owned business models. Spreading love can go more ways than one when you buy local and mindful, especially during tough times.
(Courtesy Sweet Lolli)
SWEETS & TREATS
Heart shaped box o’ chocolates might be passe, but candy gifts can still be a treat. L.A. based Sweet Lolli offers a new kind of conversation candy that goes beyond those chalky hearts, with curated charcuterie and candy boards you can personalize with names and endearments like “Bae, UR Cool, Miss You,” and “XOXO.” sweetlolli.com
(Courtesy Squirrel Brand Ruby Royale)
Someone in your life obsessed with RuPaul Drag Race? Make ‘em feel like a queen with former contestant Latrice Royale’s new confection called Ruby Royale. The bodacious blend of ethically-sourced ruby cacao-covered almonds, pistachios and cranberries from Squirrel Brand makes for a sickeningly sweet snack. qvc.com/Squirrel-Brand-Ruby-Royale-Assortment
(Courtesy 19 Crimes)
Snoop Dogg wants you and your boo to get your drinkizzle on this Valentine’s Day via his wine brand Snoop Cali, which features AR “8th Wall technology” and interactive web-based augmented reality on any smartphone. Go to www.askthedoggfather.com on your mobile device, scan the bottle and ask a miniature holographic Snoop a question about love or life. 19crimes.com/wines
(Courtesy Typsy Gypsy Bars)
Typsy Gypsy Bars have been providing unique bar rentals for Southern California events like weddings and engagement parties, but now that most events are on hold, the woman-owned company has found a new way to offer festive cocktails for lovers. Their jar-packaged Gypsy Drinks kits feature fun flavors and whimsical touches like dried fruit and marshmallows (for their ‘S’More-Tinis) – just add the booze and your beau. thetypsygypsybar.com/shop-gypsy-drinks/
(Courtesy Lootcrate)
BOXES FOR YOUR BABE
The LA-based subscription box company called Loot Crate aims to provide pop culture driven prezzies for the nerd in your life. Give a surprise bundle of collectibles, ephemera and more from your favorite movies, TV shows, games, comics and more each month. For Valentine’s Day, they are offering 20% off for new customers (with code VDAY20). Specialized box themes include the basic Lootcrate, Lootcrate DX (premium collectables), Loot Remix (surprise), Loot Fright (horror), and Loot Sci-Fi (science fiction stuff). lootcrate.com/
If you have a cannabis lover in your life there is no better gift out there than a subscription to Nugg Club. N.C.’s team of certified cannabis curators put the boxes together every month, allowing subscribers to specify favorite strains (sativa, indica, hybrids) and ways to consume (pre-rolls, flower, vapes, etc.), all of which come packed inside a beautiful box. And it’s a deal too. At $99 a box, most Nugg boxes value at double or more, and though it’s a subscription, you can arrange frequency and cancel at any time. For V-Day, the February box offers top brands and an array of add-ons (including tasty THC-infused treats) for a nominal extra fee. nuggclub.com/
(Courtesy Cannakits)
Cannakits are out to not only normalize cannabis use in modern culture but make it cute too, tying in nostalgic references into adorable “joint kits.” Krystal Moore’s smoke box line includes: rolling papers with a magnetic backing (so that they stick to the lid of the tin), a ying yang or smiley face metal grinder about the size of a quarter, mini bic lighter with hemp string wrap, RAW tips, and a handmade clay ashtray. Fans of Mean Girls (design: “Burn Box”) and Scooby Doo (design: the “Munchy Machine” van) will be high on anyone who gives ‘em these – just don’t forget to add some weed! instagram.com/shopcannakits/
(Courtesy Caliva)
BUD-DING ROMANCE
The perfect complement for whatever you keep your stash in? The newest product from Caliva called DELI Roll Ups. The 14g portable pack of freshly ground indica, hybrid or sativa flower is made for those who love the process of rolling their smokes (papers + crutches included). caliva.com/search?q=Deli%20Roll%20Ups
(Courtesy Mirayo)
For the Black Magic Woman (or man) in your life, this “smooth” pre-roll brand from Mirayo by Carlos Santana features colorful packaging ans an artisanal/spiritual smoking experience that’s likely to get you into the mood for music and maybe even making out. caliva.com/preroll/mirayo_5-pack-preroll–acapulco-gold
For more Cannabis-related Valentines Day ideas, see Jimi Devine’s Pandemic Weed, Sex and Chocolate Guide.
(Courtesy Candid Home)
SHOPS (IRL or ONLINE)
Check out Candid Home’s storefront in Silver Lake or order online. Either way you shop, goodies here will add pizzazz to your valentine’s home decor. Owners Brooke Golding and Ashley Leahy both have backgrounds in styling and art so their store offers a fun mix of one of a kind and multiple stocked items. We like their vibrant gradient puzzles by Areaware and the candle selection including hand poured L.A. brand Mar Mar, which gives to an organization that provides jobs for adults with disabilities. 3039 Sunset Blvd. Silver Lake. candidhome.co
(Courtesy Orly)
Make your own custom nail shades for you or your partner for V-Day at Orly Color Labs. You can create your colors via socially distanced visits to their storefront or online and get it shipped after a virtual session too! 7621 Beverly Blvd. L.A. colorlabs.com
(Courtesy Fred Segal)
If you’re one of the lucky ones who hasn’t been hurt by the pandemic or want to go luxe with your stimulus check, L.A.’s own Fred Segal has the online spot for you. “Fred’s Love Lounge Valentine’ Day Shop” features curated clothing, signature sleepwear and loungewear, accessories, jewelry, watches and home decor to make your significant other feel richly pampered. 8500 Sunset Blvd. West Hollywood. fredsegal.com
(Courtesy Saint Laurent Rive Droite)
More luxe to love for the label-minded man or woman in your life: Saint Laurent Rive Droite‘s V-Day line of heart shaped mugs, lip print masks and totes, games, lighters, cards, jewelry and more in association with the boutique’s new photo exhibit by Derek Ridgers (curated by Anthony Vaccarello). A fanzine and Rive pieces with Ridgers work will also be available, as will bouquets of baccara paper roses sealed with a black ribbon and a complementary condom, and a selection of chocolate from La Maison Du Chocolat heart, truffles and glazed chestnuts. In store and the website. 469 Rodeo Drive, Los Angeles. ysl.com/en-us/search?cgid=valentine-rive-droite
(Courtesy Lola Blue)
BEAUTY & SKINCARE
For a healthy treat that you don’t eat, but your skin will devour, give Lola Blue. This California woman-owned company’s “Food For Your Skin” makes body polish and scrubs in yummy flavors like creamsicle, vanilla latte and turkish delight. We think the trio makes a tantalizing gift. lolablueorganix.com
(Courtesy Trixie Cosmetics)
More queen things! Brian Michael Firkus aka Trixie Mattel from season 7 of RuPaul’s Drag Race isn’t the first drag superstar to put out a makeup line, but Trixie Cosmetics does have the most appropriate packaging for the season, with lots of heart-adorned products and girlie shades. The “Summer of Love” blush palette is a lovely example, and with shade names like “Side Chick,” “Girl On Girl” and “After School Special,” it’s a gift that should leave everyone rosy-cheeked. trixiecosmetics.com
(Courtesy Bite)
If you plan to do a lot of kissing on Feb. 14, you better have a clean mouth. The local tooth-care brand called Bite features toothpaste bits/pellets in jars that work just like the gooey stuff in a tube and make for a refreshing gift idea. They’ve got a “Mint to Be” set for Valentine’s Day, which includes one Mint and one Charcoal bottle, plus a two-pack of their Bamboo toothbrushes. Bring on the smiles. bitetoothpastebits.com
(Courtesy Lucky Lash Co.)
Our vote for coolest makeup palette to give and get for V-Day has to be Lucky Lash Co.’s Chicano culture-inspired “Sad Girl” and “Thinking of You” lines. Both designs (which are also available on notebooks and other items) from the Texas-based company were created by L.A. and California-based artists including Art de Cecelia and Em Scott. luckylashesco.com
(Courtesy Roen)
Soft lips are just as important as nice breath and L.A.’s Roen has created a trio of liquid lip balms to give and gloss. This non-sticky alternative to the classic lip goo offers high shine that won’t glop on your makeout partner. It comes in a Valentine-ready trio gift set with a shiny nude, dusty rose and deep berry hues. roenbeauty.com
(Courtesy Z Supply)
LOUNGE & LUST WEAR
If you’re going to buy your significant other something to wear in 2021, here’s a tip: make it soft and comfy. Z Supply’s “Z Lounge” collection of loungers, joggers and PJ-inspired pieces are perfect, especially their “Love Notes” line which offers cuddle-ready clothing to wear at home and heart-covered facemask sets for those who must go out. zsupplyclothing.com/collections/z-lounge
(Courtesy Dippin Daisy’s)
Designed and created in Los Angeles, the woman-owned brand Dippin Daisy’s has more cozy, loungey styles to covet. From tie-dye tops and bottoms to hoodies and onesies, their plush designs offer a more practical but still sexy alternative to typical lingerie. dippindaisys.com
(Courtesy Blacklickerish)
Even though we don’t exactly have opportunities to go out on the town right now, who says you can’t have a fetishy fun night at home? Blacklickerish Latex designed naughty/haute-y new pieces for V-Day and they’re offering 20% off on all orders until Vday. blacklickorish.com
(Courtesy Miss Tosh)
World renowned burlesque star, LGBTQ activist and designer Miss Tosh has a new collection for Valentines Day that pinup and girly fashion femmes will adore. Influenced by old Hollywood and vintage fashion, the line includes eyewear, accessories, shoes, blouses, and curve-hugging dresses that’ll make ladies in any size (XS – 4X) feel like a siren. Misstosh.com & beauytofburlesque.com
(Courtesy Marco Marco)
Lingerie may not be marketed to men on most holidays but there are sultry undie items out there and L.A.’s Marco Marco is one of the best- at least for guys who prefer fitted/skimpy undergarments. They’ve got stuff for boxer boys too, but their Valentines line (as seen above) is definitely for fellas who loved to be hugged. marcomarcounderwear.com/
(Courtesy Please Notes Goods)
STYLISH GOODIES
Men and women alike will appreciate Please Notes Goods’ line of affirmation-filled paper products to help with focusing on goals and finding inner confidence. The Black woman-owned L.A. company makes guided journals (for gratitude and clarity), mirror decals, water bottle labels and more to provide positive reminders about life for the ones you love. pleasenotes.com
(Courtesy By Dilly Dally)
Give the gift of creativity this V-Day with By Dilly Dally’s color-your-own cell phone cases and design-your-own options. The pre-made designs – lighting bolts and the timely message “Wash Your Hands” to name a couple – come with permanent markers to personalize as one wishes. bydillydally.com
(Courtesy Creepy Gals)
A multimedia artist based in Los Angeles, Linda Chen makes ghouly/groovy gifts for Creepy Gals and those who love them. The Lolita goth in your life will love to get her kitschy valentines, vintage fetish art, and Fleischer-esque cartoons, reinterpreted with sexy-flair on t-shirts, paper products and accessories. linktr.ee/Creepygals
(Courtesy Zero Gravity)
Make sure your lover never forgets to text back by giving him/her/them a gorgeous cell phone case from Zero Gravity. The local brand says they draw inspiration from “the hustle of Downtown L.A. and the breeze from the Pacific Ocean,” and their well-crafted, embroidered cases protect your phone and look chic at the same time. The rainbow “LOVER” design is great for the loud & proud in your life. zgla.com
(Courtesy Micheline Pitt)
Monster fans will scream for Vixen’s By Micheline Pitt’s Frankie, Bride and Creature bags, and the local designer’s equally sultry clothing line. Check out her new floral affair collection for a wearable alternative to flowers that’ll last a lot longer than a bouquet. (Read more about Pitt in our 2020 L.A. People Issue ). michelinepitt.com
(Courtesy Laser Kitten)
It’s a thin line between love and hate. And if you happen to have a “complicated” relationship status, the holiday of love can make it even more so. Have fun with it and give one of Laser Kitten‘s passive aggressive “haters collection” designs on necklaces and hoop earrings you’ll want to leave in during a rough and tumble. laserkitten.com/collections/the-haters-collection
LA Weekly cover story: A condensed version of this guide appears in print this week.
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