7 Local Places to Shop for Your Valentine
Give the gift of [insert something from this list here].
Valentine’s Day often gets pegged as a “Hallmark holiday,” but I like to use it as a reminder this time of year that there’s lots to love. Friends, family, pets, and places could all use some reflection and affection. Grab dinner with a loved one at your favorite spot, take your pup for a stroll around the neighborhood; celebrate however you see fit. And if you’re in the gift-giving mood, we know a few Richmond shops that offer great ways to say, “I love you.” Or even just, “I like you A LOT.”
— by Kelsey Heintz, Contributing Writer
Cards, Sweets & Other Nifty Gifties
Paper Source
Paper Source has shops all over, and it’s for good reason. Here, you can find classroom Valentines, heart-speckled wrapping paper, and even craft supplies. They also carry an assortment of festive candy and party-throwing essentials, if you’re really looking to go all out in the name of Saint Valentine.
Location: 3124 W Cary St (Carytown)
Hours: Found here
For the Love of Chocolate
I made my Valentine’s Day breakfast/lunch/dinner/dessert(/dental appointment?) plans as soon as I laid eyes on this shop. They feature international chocolates, retro candy, locally-made treats, and walls—walls, people—of M&M’s and Jelly Belly beans. You’re drooling, too, right?
Location: 3136 W Cary St (Carytown)
Hours: Found here
Mongrel
I can’t not visit Mongrel when I’m in Carytown. Punny cards? Lining the entire shop. Richmonder-made gifts? A whole section for them. Eclectic books you might not find in your everyday bookstore? Yes; adding Peanut Butter: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Midnight to my TBR pile immediately. Basically, I once wore a Mongrel sweatshirt out and about, and someone asked me if I worked there, and I don’t, but I would. It’s the cutest spot.
Location: 2924 W Cary St (Carytown)
Hours: Found here
Need more inspo? Check out A Guide to Local Card and Gift Shops.
Flowers
Vogue Flower Market
This family-owned shop has been in the blooms biz since 1985. They grow some of their in-store offerings on their own family farm, and you can shop for pre-arranged bouquets or dabble in their DIY option, making your own arrangement with their collection of blossoms, ribbons, vases, and other supplies.
Location: 1114 N Arthur Ashe Blvd (Scott’s Addition)
Hours: Found here
Strawberry Fields: Flowers & Finds
It’s a fan favorite and a Fan favorite. If you’re looking for flowers, they offer a beautiful selection available for pick-up and delivery, or you can opt to attend one of their floral-arranging workshops and learn how to pull a bouquet together yourself. If you’re looking for finds, Strawberry Fields also sells a collection of local artisan pieces, including stained glass, pottery, prints, and much, much more.
Location: 423 Strawberry St (The Fan)
Hours: Found here
Sparkly Things
Sun & Selene
This shop’s jeweler introduces herself with her signs, ruling planets, birthstone, and *favorite Beyoncé song*. Does it get more swoon-worthy? … Well, yes. Because her collection reflects that energy and whimsy, too. There are gemstones, there are goddess vibes, and there is certainly something your SO will love and wear all the time.
Location: 3408 W Leigh St (Scott’s Addition)
Hours: Found here
Maslo Jewelry
I learned about Maslo early in my Richmond residency, and I’ve been a loyal (see: very obsessed) customer ever since. Their pieces are vintage-inspired, yet modern, and it’s very hard for me not to click that “Add to Cart” button every time I’m scoping out their latest gold-and-silver release. I’ve jokingly (but seriously) asked if there’s a way I can set up a monthly auto-draft payment to the shop, and there isn’t. But a girl can dream.
Location: Online store only
Need more inspo? Check out Jewelry Shopping: 12 Local Makers for Every Style.
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