#SmallBizBigPride: 2021 Valentine's gift guide
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and, while we at Pride In Business are fans of spreading love 365 days a year, we also love a good excuse to support local businesses. If you’re looking to express your feelings for an SO, a virtual fling, or just want to treat yourself for the holiday of love, look no further than these #SmallBizBigPride gift ideas curated by the Pride In Business team.
Pride In Business 2021 Valentine’s Gift Guide, in partnership with TD.
By Pride In Business team
Bring Back Brunch with Black Sheep
Black Sheep has been a top-rated bakery in Calgary since it opened in January 2019. When you walk into the space, you are immediately embraced by the delicious smell of freshly baked croissants. A sensation no one can resist!
When you surprise your partner with some of the best croissants in the city, you will most certainly win brownie points. Take out and delivery available.
For the Bookworm
Shelf Life Books inhabits the Fourth Street Building that some Calgarians may remember as the home of the historic Parkside Continental, a gay bar that operated from 1973 to 1986. Housing a collection of best sellers and local treasures, Shelf Life is sure to have the perfect gift for the special bookworm in your life. Did we also mention that they have an amazing collection of LGBTQ+ content?
Online bookstore available for browsing for a contactless experience
For Plants Wetters
Does your significant other have a fervor for plants? Fuel their plant parent passions without having to leave your home with YYC Plant Delivery. Order hard-to-find tropicals for delivery within Calgary or treat your flame to a monthly subscription box for just $50 a month so they can really get their jungle growing.
Romantic Getaway at Azuridge Estate Hotel
Escape to Azuridge Estate, located in the Foothills of the Canadian Rockies Azuridge Estates is an intimate 13 room boutique hotel with impeccable design. Covered in indigenous Rundle rock, Azuridge transports you to an oasis out of the city. Dine at the Opal lounge and relax with in-house spa services.
Dinner for Two at Ten Foot Henry
Enjoy a fabulous dinner of uniquely prepared dishes from Ten Foot Henry. This local eatery is an all-day-restaurant that offers a fresh vegetable-anchored menu and fun, family-style dining. They bridge the gap between what you should be eating and what you really want to eat.
Take-out is stress-free and can be placed in advance for those Valentine’s Day planners out there!
Refresh your senses with Shokunin + Nupo + Greenfish
Let Chef Darren Maclean dazzle your senses with exquisitely fresh ingredients this Valentine's, with Shokunin and Nupo favourites like the Bison Tataki and Miso and Whitebean Tostadas. You can also impress your special someone with your cooking skills by picking up a DIY dinner kit!
Cook Something...Dirty 😏
Pick up a copy of Calgary food expert Julie Van Rosendaal’s Dirty Food from The Cookbook Co. Cooks online store (delivery or curbside pickup available) and create a sticky, gooey, saucy shareable meal from scratch. Cookbook Co. is also open for in-store shopping if you need to up your kitchen game with a few extra tools and gadgets.
Say It With Rainbows
Cut Hallmark out of the holiday by ordering your V-Day card needs from local Etsy shops like Little Rainbow Paper Co. Whether you’re expressing love for your quarantine cohort, platonic passion, or you’re just feeling Queer AF, creator Heather has the selection you need! Instagram account
Spice Things Up at NUUD 17th Ave SW!
Since we’re home anyway, why not take an adventure of a different nature with your partner (or even solo!). Add some fun, laughter, and naughtiness to your Valentine’s Day with titillating toys and accessories from NUUD. NUUD is an LGBTQ+ ally and provide great service and advice. Check out our article on them or follow them on Instagram.
Instagram:
@shopnuud for Hush on 17th SW
For Four-Legged Friends
Whether you want to find the best treats, healthiest food, or some luxury threads, Doodle Dogs can definitely meet your needs for your best friend. After all, they’ve put up with you working from home for the last year. Shop in-store or online.
Cronuts This Valentine’s
Patisserie du Soleil’s cronuts were recently voted the best in Calgary! Haven’t tried a cronut before? There’s no time like the present. They have locations in Woodbine, East Village, and in the Bow. Follow this French bakery and bistro on Facebook and pre-order your Valentine’s cronuts from the Woodbine location to avoid FOMO. Order online.
A Beaujolais Valentine’s
At $19.99 this is a great Valentine's gift idea. Joseph Drouhin is well-known to Vintages customers who are very familiar with this iconic producer's Burgundy wines. You can expect this to be vibrant and approachable, with plenty of bright red fruit and spice. Available for purchase at Craft Cellars.
Distributor: Pacific Wine & Spirits
Elements of Islay — Whisky
Hailing from a medicine cabinet on the Whisky Island itself, the Elements of Islay range is easy to spot via its quirky “Pharmaceutical” packaging. Each bottle is blazoned with an “Elemental” symbol which corresponds to the make of one of the islands' eight distilleries. This is an elegant gift in a sophisticated vintage looking bottle. Enjoy this whisky neat or in a deservingly indulgent cocktail today.
The Elixir team have cultivated somewhat of a cult following for the range with some absolute stonking whiskies in the past, they usually don’t stay on the shelves for too long. Available for purchase at Craft Cellars.
Distributor: Pacific Wine & Spirits
Photoshoot with Felipe Jasso Photos
Treat yourself and your loved one(s) to a private photo session (physically distanced and outdoors, of course) with Felipe Jasso! Whether you are looking for something fun, romantic, sexy, or artsy, Felipe is a great choice! Learn more about this amazing local LGBTQ artist in our artist spotlight interview:
Spotlight: Felipe Angel Jasso Perches — Pride In Business
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