Valentine’s Day Gifts to Warm Your Home—and Your Heart

They say home is where the heart is, so ditch chocolates and roses this year and give your Valentine something to make home a little homier. Here are some ideas for putting romance into the kitchen, living room, and—of course—the bedroom. By Jessica Sidman

Comments () | Published February 2, 2009

This chocolate-fondue pot from Williams-Sonoma, usually $29.99, is a steal at $9.99. A romantic way to share a rich indulgence, the porcelain pot and tea-light candle come with six stainless-steel fondue forks that can be used to dip strawberries, marshmallows, brownies, and more. These heart-shaped sugar cubes ($14.99) from Sur la Table would make a cute gift for a coffee or tea drinker. They fit snugly on a cup’s rim and come in white, amber, and ebony.

Show your love for the planet—and your Valentine—by snuggling beneath an organic cotton blanket ($69 to $99) from West Elm. The cotton is grown without herbicides, pesticides, or other harmful chemicals, so you can feel warm and fuzzy inside and out. It comes in twin, full/queen, or king sizes and in three colors: sea spray, natural, and clay. Everybody loves breakfast in bed. The Palau Bed Tray ($54.95) from Crate & Barrel provides a romantic way to surprise your sweetie with scrambled eggs at sunrise. And, hey, if the romance dies, you can always use the tray for eating Lean Cuisines in front of the TV. If your Valentine loves trying out new recipes in the kitchen, check out this personalized red apron with embroidered hearts ($34) from Williams-Sonoma. Its two pockets are perfect for stashing cooking utensils, recipes, or love letters. These intertwining candlesticks ($49.95) from Redenvelope.com would make a romantic centerpiece. Made with a polished-nickle finish, they can stand separately or link together like arms. They come with two ten-inch ivory candles. Raw oysters have long been considered an aphrodisiac, but there’s nothing sexy about prying them open. That’s where Sur la Table’s Dubost Oyster Knife Set ($8.95) comes in. Just place the oyster flat side up in the wooden holder, insert the stainless steal knife blade, and twist.