This Valentine’s Day, why not show your warm feelings by gifting a locally made item? That way, you can share the love with your special someone and support a nearby craftsperson or artisan simultaneously!
Here are some of our choices for distinctive products from talented New England makers that would be perfect for whomever you want to surprise and delight on February 14 (maybe even yourself!)
Sweet Treats:
“Whether it is our mini 4pc or 8pc Valentine’s Day chocolate gifts, they are both a delightful way to express love and affection,” says owner Pam Griffin, who founded Chocolate Therapy in Wayland, MA, with her husband David in 2011. The collections feature a luxurious assortment of chocolate, beautifully packaged to make a stunning impression.
Flavors include smooth and milk chocolate creamy caramel, decadent dark chocolate, a refreshing twist of lemon lavender, and strawberries with sweet cream. “Each piece is adorned with elegant decorations, such as delicious drizzles, vibrant colors, and whimsical hearts,” says Griffin. “Perfect for sharing with a loved one or friends, these gift collections embody the spirit of Valentine’s Day.”
Hearts to Wear or Display:
Located in Connecticut, Stonington Design’s Slivers Collection are stunning necklaces, bracelets, and earrings that blend a unique style of artisan wood components with Nantucket basket weaving techniques. All are handcrafted in New England from reclaimed premium woods and lovingly woven by artisans in our Military Spouse Weaving Program.
“This collection started with slivers of reclaimed wood from our woodshop in Connecticut,” says Co-founder/Jewelry Designer Michelle Yozzo Drake, who views the collection as special for this time of year. “The heart image was inspired by our love of country and the beautiful materials. We have etched each piece with a heart to tell a story of resilience and to give back to those who sacrifice so much for our freedom–our military families.”
At Farmhouse Pottery’s Woodstock, Vermont studio, potters craft each piece by hand, including some heart-themed pieces perfect for the season of love. From charming mugs to a versatile dish perfect for baking or storing treasures, these pieces are made to warm hearts and brighten days.
With an oversized hand-painted design, the Heart Mug makes “every sip feel extra special.” Whether fueling up with coffee or winding down with tea, this mug brings warmth, charm, and joy to your daily routine. It is a sweet little reminder that love is always just a sip away, perfect for gifting or keeping all to yourself.
Thanks to Farmhouse Pottery’s authentic process, each piece is shaped and glazed by hand—making any slight variations in size and shape something to celebrate!
Something Special to Sip:
New England Sweetwater Farm & Distillery in Winchester, New Hampshire, is a family-owned and operated business founded by Robert Patton-Spruill. Their approach emphasizes tradition, craftsmanship, and a dedication to quality. NESW produces a full line of spirits, including whiskey, vodka, gin, rum, moonshine, and ready-to-drink cocktails, including a Clark & Chesterfield chocolate whiskey infused with cacao nibs, ideal for gifting to the spirits -lover in your life.
“As big fans of Chocolate, we wanted to create that perfect blend of Chocolate Whiskey by using our aged Bourbon with Cacao nibs instead of artificial flavoring to get that real chocolate taste,” says Karl Lawrence, Head Distiller representing Team Sweetwater. The flavor combination is rich, bold, and semi-sweet. “Sip it over ice or use it as a classic bourbon cocktail for a new experience,” suggests Lawrence.
Hugs are right up there with kisses when it comes to signs of affection, so why not make your sudsy? Liquid Hugs is a craft beer from Ragged Island Brewing Company in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, available at its farmhouse taproom or local liquor stores, bars, and restaurants.
“Our first sip of this Citra hopped beer made us instantly fall in love,” says owner Matt Gray. “It was like a much-needed Liquid Hug, and the name stuck.”
Ragged Island’s 37 acres of farmland and woods at 54 Bristol Ferry Road offer much to explore and discover alongside the tasting fun at the on-site taproom. “Our taproom lineup is constantly rotating with new options available weekly.”
Good, Clean Fun:
Two lines of handmade soaps from Maine offer lovely scents for bath product aficionados of all genders.
Old Port Patchouli Rose from Maine Island Soap, in Ellsworth, is a tribute to the heart of Maine’s largest city with a rosy blend of patchouli and natural pink clay. “Maine’s coastline is lined with Rosa Rugosa, its scent drifting through the salty air—a reminder of summer days and untamed beauty,” says owners Christina and Russ Fye. “We wanted to bottle that feeling into a soap, so we paired Geranium Rose essential oil with patchouli to create a blend that’s both refreshing and comforting, just like the coastal breeze.”
“I have been making soaps for over 15 years here on the coast of Maine,” says Shannon L. Grauer, soap maker and owner of Casco Bay Soap Company in Harpswell. “My grandfather used to make soap with my great-grandmother in their backyard over a kettle and a fire in Oklahoma. My recipe is a bit more sophisticated but still pure, simple, old-fashioned soap.”
Casco Bay Soap is wholesaled to over 50 shops along the Maine Coast, and Grauer also has a retail website for her more than twenty-five scents and blends, including Maine Pine, Wild Sea Rose, and Spring Lilac. “Soap makes a great gift!” she says. Everyone uses it!”
Love Notes:
El’s Cards, in Greenland, New Hampshire, creates unforgettable paper goods and gifts with a personal touch. “Our original designs are hand-painted and feature hand-lettered calligraphy,” says founder and designer Ellen Greely Braley, who runs the studio with her husband Bob. “Creating daily in our New Hampshire studio, we make unique gifts, invitations, cards, and goods that bring joy in life’s seasons.”
“Valentine’s designs are among my favorite to paint!” says Braley. “ Besides an affinity for all things pink, sending sweet messages of love and friendship surely tops the list of sentiments.” Whether looking for a simple Valentine’s card for a new special someone, your “first Valentine,” or your spouse, El’s Cards has many choices. “And if you aren’t into pink and red, we have great alternatives,” she says. “Coffee Lovers-got it! Beach Lovers-got it! For something a little friskier, try our Checkers Valentine card! We even have cute Valentines for the kids to send to grandma or auntie. Have fun sharing your love with the perfect card.”
