12 last-minute local Valentine’s Day gift ideas

Find the right gift for one on your list

For the past couple of weeks, you’ve probably brainstormed gift ideas for your sweetheart, but nothing seems to be the perfect fit. Now it’s less than a week from Valentine’s Day, and it’s panic time.

Instead of frantically looking for two-day shipping options on Amazon, take a breath and stop at one of these local shops that will have exactly what your special someone wants for Valentine’s Day.

For the Home Cook
Add a little spice to your relationship with a gift box from Penzeys Spices. Do they like to grill? There’s a box for that! Are they bakers? There’s a box for that! Are they experimenting with new flavors? Guaranteed, there’s a box for that, too! 4244 E. Towne Boulevard, 241-7760;
3252 University Ave., 238-5776

For the Avid Reader
Not only will you find current popular books at A Room of One’s Own, but you’ll find plenty of great books from local Wisconsin authors (check out some of our book suggestions here). If you know what genre you’re looking for, the helpful staff are bound to have a great suggestion. 315 W. Gorham St., 257-7888

For the Music Lover
At Strictly Discs, there are plenty of options to gift some romantic mood music. Find vinyl records from some of today’s hot artists, including Justin Timberlake, Sam Smith and Taylor Swift. Or opt for classic discs from Elvis Presley, Prince, Marvin Gaye and the Beatles. 1900 Monroe St., 259-1991

For the Chocoholic
Instead of buying a generic heart-shaped box from a drugstore, buy your loved one something a little more special: a decadent box of chocolates from a local maker. There are plenty of amazing options, including Madison Chocolate Co., Chocolaterian, Gail Ambrosius Chocolatier, Candinas Chocolatier and CocoVaa. If you want to get in the holiday spirit, Infusion Chocolates has special Valentine’s Day truffles that are heart-shaped. 2503 Monroe Street, 233-1600

For the Art Admirer
After taking a look at the art installations or sampling the bone broth pop-up in the lobby, wander over to the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art’s Museum Store. The shop has an extensive selection of fine jewelry, art books, cards and children’s gifts (for your littlest valentine). Plus, sales support designers, studio artists and help keep admission free to MMoCa. 227 State St., 257-0158

For the Wine and Beer Aficionado
Does your special someone like both beer and wine? Then head to Atwood Avenue, where Table Wine and BarleyPop Tap and Shop are next-door neighbors. At both places, it’s easy to pick up something new to try or enjoy an old favorite. Either way, you’ll find something to accompany your Valentine’s Day dinner. 2045 Atwood Ave. #111 and #107; Table Wine, 284-9732; BarleyPop, 422-5433

For the Coffee Drinker
There’s nothing like the smell of coffee and love in the air. At Tuvalu Coffeehouse & Gallery in Verona, you’ll find both. Find organic coffee and tea from Just Coffee and Rishi Tea as well as plenty of other gifts to choose from including pottery, books, fair trade gifts from 40 different artisans, artwork, specialty cards and more. 300 S. Main St., Verona, 845-6800

For the Sustainable Shopper
At the nonprofit Serrv, fair trade is the focus. Serrv partners with 55 small-scale groups to support disadvantaged artisans, farmers and their families. All home decor, kitchen supplies, specialty food items and women’s apparel and accessories sold help provide educational programs, resources and more to small-scale businesses. 224 State St., 251-2370

For the Sweet Tooth
Chocolate isn’t the only Valentine’s Day sweet treat option. At Curtis & Cake, everyday calls for a celebratory cake. Create a customizable four-layered cake complete with Italian meringue buttercream. As Marie Antoinette would say, “Let them eat cake.” 1219 N. Sherman Ave., 504-7751

For the Difficult Shopper
Make it easy on yourself and hit up the 702WI Midwinter Giving Market on Johnson Street in the 702WI co-working space. The market will have a variety of vendors including Zip-Dang, Sjölinds Chocolate, Paper Bird Studio jewelry and Leah Evans Textiles. It’s like having 12 different shops in one! The event will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Feb. 9, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 10. 702 E. Johnson St., 702wi.com

For the One Who Wants an Experience
Sometimes an experience is the best present. If you’re looking for something to do on Valentine’s Day, The Bartell Theatre is hosting “A Valentine’s Affair: Love Scenes From Shakespeare.” Feel the love with some of Shakespeare’s greatest love scenes. $15, 8 p.m., Feb. 14, bartelltheatre.org

For the Person Who Plans Ahead
Plan a special future date night! Madison Eats Food Tours and Capital City Food Tours are joining forces to “Spread the Love.” This event will feature local chocolate, cheeses and wine pairings. You’ll also be spreading the love yourself, since 10 percent of ticket sales go to Second Harvest Food Bank. $60, 6 p.m., Feb. 26, eventbrite.com

Maija Inveiss is the digital content editor at Madison Magazine.

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