Where To Buy Unique Valentine's Day Gifts

(credit: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)

This year surprise your Valentine with a gift that speaks from your heart. Show her that you didn't wait till the last minute to hit the chain drugstore candy aisle or pick up wilted flowers from the supermarket. No, not this year. Romance your lover with a selection of small-batch ice cream, French flair and a chocolate love letter.

(credit: Sweet Rose Creamery)

Sweet Rose Creamery
225 26th St. #51
Santa Monica, CA 90402
(310) 260-2663
www.sweetrosecreamery.com

For Valentine's Day, surprise your sweetie with a treat from Sweet Rose Creamery, Santa Monica's small-batch ice cream shop. Chef Shiho Yoshikawa presents a limited edition Valentine bon bon gift box (choose from 3 or 6). Select from Guava Frozen Yogurt, Spicy Chocolate and their all natural Strawberry flavors for this beautifully presented gift. Known for home-spun frozen desserts, this neighborhood ice cream store makes its desserts on the premises. In addition to the bon bon gift box, Sweet Rose is also offering a Valentine's Day Cake which is half frozen and sits on top of a light sponge cake. It's delicious and makes for the perfect Valentine's Day gift for your loved one.

RelatedBest New Ice Cream Treats In Los Angeles

(credit: Monsieur Marcel)

Monsieur Marcel
6333 W 3rd St. #150
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 939-7792
www.mrmarcel.com

Channel your inner amour with clever international food gifts from Monsieur Marcel. The premier gourmet market treats your Valentine's palette with a domestic heart shaped chevre, imported caviar, French artisanal chocolates and a Fresita raspberry sparking red wine. Surprise loved ones with the market's signature Valentine's Day gummy candies simply presented in cute, clean canisters filled to the brim with big smacks (gummy-shaped lips), and tokens from cupid (heart-shaped gummies).

(credit: Stephanie Grace Designs)

Stephanie Grace Designs
912 Montana Ave.
Santa Monica, CA 90403
(310) 458-6010
www.stephaniegrace.com

If flowers are your thing on the sweetest day of the year, consider a sophisticated floral centerpiece by local designer, gift shop owner and event planner Stephanie Grace. Grace's exquisite Saint Valentine's Day works of art include the designer's namesake arrangement, the "Stephanie" ($180), "Lisa" ($125) and "Susanna" ($75). Grace's signature succulents always make a lasting impressions, designed with elegance and "grace." The Montana Avenue boutique is also filled with sweet gifting ideas like porcelain ring boxes, sweetheart pillows and other lovely entertaining knick knacks.

RelatedBest Places For Last Minute Valentine's Day Flowers In Los Angeles

(credit: Sweet! Hollywood)

SWEET! Hollywood
6801 Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90028
(323) 809-4380
www.sweetlosangeles.com

For Valentine's Day, go ahead and make your favorite chocoholic an irresistible gift at the new ultra indulgent candy store SWEET! Hollywood. It's a little slice of heaven for anyone with a sweet tooth. The store's Chocolate Lab gives you artistic license to build a chocolate bar with a customized wrapper or print chocolate button with a special photo. It's a perfect way to send a love letter, in your own writing on a chocolate postcard.

(credit: Diesel Bookstore)

Diesel Bookstore
23410 Civic Center Way Suite A-3
Malibu, CA 90265
(310) 456-9961
www.dieselbookstore.com

In the world of Kindles and iPads, hardcover books are becoming a lost treasure. Diesel, an independent bookstore, brings Valentines together through reading. With its astounding selection of art, science, children's and literature, you'll be sure to find a title that speaks to your sweetheart. Check the store for author Jamaica Kincaid's new title "See Now Then," the new series release "Vampires in the Lemon Grove" by Karen Russell, and "Data, A Love Story" by Amy Webb.

Sheryl Craig is a writer with a passion for interesting finds and treasures in Los Angeles. She has a background in journalism and public relations. A mother of two daughters, Sheryl integrates her healthy lifestyle into raising her children. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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