With everything else going on in the world these days, if you’re anything like us you just flipped over the calendar and noticed that big red circle on the calendar highlighting February 14th: Valentine’s Day. Every day is feeling a bit like the last so it totally slipped your mind that it was coming up this month and you haven’t even begun to think about what you’re getting yet… Don’t panic! We have you covered with this Valentine’s Day gift guide featuring fantastic local shops that are offering curbside pickup and/or delivery options to make Valentine’s Day shopping during a lockdown a snap; mix and match the different gifts listed below to make your Valentine’s Day magical!

Order to early to ensure availability and have this Valentine’s Day in the bag!

Get them a good read from Beggar’s Banquet Books

A trend we have LOVED recently is purchasing a book and writing on the inside cover in lieu of getting a disposable gift card from the supermarket. Not only do you still get to write down your heartfelt message to your sweetheart, but then they also get a nice new book to enjoy, with the added plus that they get reminded of you every time they open the cover! Beggar’s Banquet Books on King Street in Gananoque is the perfect place to snag your book-made-valentine’s-card, with a massive selection of new and lightly loved books for you to peruse, you are sure to find the perfect book that suits your valentine! Shop online and get the option of free curbside pickup or delivery right to your door for a fee!

Spoil them with some sweet treats

Chocolate and Valentine’s Day go together like peanut butter and jam – a perfect combination. This year why not elevate your classic box of chocolates with handcrafted creations from Ridgway Confections in Seeley’s Bay? Not only is their online store super easy to navigate, but the creations that they have for sale are to die for! From wild combinations like Maple Bacon (yes, that’s actually a chocolate they sell!) to classic tastes like Mint Chocolate, there is no going wrong when creating your own custom chocolate box.

Not a chocolate fan? No problem! Panache Bakery & Cafe on King Street in Gananoque has tons of tasty treats that are sure to make them absolutely swoon! Adorable floral cupcakes, French macaroons, and heart shaped sugar cookies are just some of the amazing treats up for grabs that are sure to put the sweet in sweetheart! Check out their menu online and then call in your order for pickup at their location on King Street in Gananoque.

Pick up a beautiful floral arrangement from Magnolia Flowers

Flowers are another one of those iconic Valentine’s Day gifts. Magnolia Flowers in Gananoque has a selection of beautiful blooms that are sure to impress that special someone. Go classic with roses, surprise them with flowers that match their favourite colour or change things up with a stunning mixed bouquet – any way you choose to go with this will be sure to thrill them! They also make it super easy with their online ordering system, so you can customize your perfect bouquet from home and pick it up curbside or have it delivered the day of.

Treat them to an experience

Sharing an experience with that special someone can create some amazing memories – and that really is something money can’t buy! While the province remains locked down, that doesn’t mean you can’t plan for once things are opened back up and you’re able to get out and explore the area again. So look into some activities that would fit your adventuring type and order up some gift cards to use at a later date (maybe when the nice warm weather and sunshine has returned!). Some of our favourite recommendations for an unforgettable experience include 1000 Islands Helicopter Tours for breathtaking views, the Thousand Islands Playhouse for the theatre fanatic with their incredible live Canadian performances and 1000 Islands Kayaking Company for a day out on the water, paddling your way among the 1000 Islands!

Get them something cozy to wear

There are lots of awesome stores in the 1000 Islands region that offer some amazing threads to gift your special someone so they can wear your heart on their sleeve! The Arts & Craft Collective in Gananoque not only has some fabulous hand crafted gifts in their maker shop, but they also have the Drawing Room Vintage, a carefully curated selection of unique clothing finds. They offer shipping anywhere in Canada and free contact-less delivery between Kingston & Brockville. Steel Style Garage has a large selection of new clothing available for curbside pickup or shipped directly to your doorstep – they have a collection of both men’s & women’s styles, handbags and accessories that are sure to deck your significant other out in style! And out in Lyndhurst you’ll find The Green Gecko, which offers everything from cozy shawls & scarves, to dresses to stunning jewelry pieces that all ship directly to your doorstep. Finding it’s hard to pick out something on your own? Both Steel Style Garage and The Green Gecko also offer gift cards for purchase online so your special someone can pick out something that speaks to them.

Enjoy a romantic dinner in

Just because you may end up being stuck at home on Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy a romantic dinner that has been freshly prepared by one of the amazing restaurant options in Gananoque and the 1000 Islands region. Order some pre-dinner drinks for pick up from the Gananoque Brewing Company or BUSL Cider in Mallorytown, and check out our 1000 Islands Takeout Guide to pick out the perfect meal to fit with your budget. Be sure to check in with your favourite restaurants to see if they’re offering any specials that day that might fit perfectly with your date night in!

Help them find a moment to relax

With everything that has gone on in the past year, everyone deserves a chance to just sit back, relax and think about nothing for a little while. Grab some Arrow It Forward hand poured, soy wax candles to help set the mood, available in a variety of scents you’re sure to find one that will tickle their fancy. Stop by Nature’s Tonic as well for a wide variety of essential oils, bath bombs, bath salts and skin care treatments to help them unwind. Or, check out Charleston Lake Botanicals for locally produced soaps, bath bombs, beard balm, body and bath oils and so much more! No matter what, you’re going to be setting that special someone up for some much needed “me time”!

Go on a wintery adventure

Not every gift needs to be one with a dollar tag – often the greatest gift you can give someone is your time! Bundle up and surprise your special someone with a day trip out on one of the beautiful trail systems in the 1000 Islands region.

Bring along some bird seed and try to feed the chickadees, or pack a frothy thermos of hot chocolate to enjoy at the top of a lookout point. Or, hit the trail on your snowmobile or ATV and spend the day ripping around in nature. For a full list of trails nearby visit our trails list.