Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to show your sweetheart that being with them is a dream come true, but shopping for the right gift can be a nightmare.

This year, instead of searching through piles of disposable, heart-shaped gifts, try these local alternatives that will let you treat your honey and support the local economy at the same time.

Something classic – with a twist

Flowers are a Valentine’s Day classic. While there is nothing more iconic than a gorgeous red rose, in reality, flowers are expensive and short-lived. Within a few days, your gorgeous bouquet is a pile of wilted petals. A cheaper and longer-lasting alternative is a live plant that will continue to make your loved one think of you every time they see it.

One place to get an adorable potted plant year-round is Bill’s House of Flowers. Founded by Bill Ellis in 1962, the business is family owned and operated. They offer a charming selection of plants and gifts. The friendly staff at Bill’s are committed to providing an exceptional experience, and they will be happy to help you pick out something special.

Something that sparkles

Another timeless gift is jewellery. While many of us love unwrapping a necklace or bracelet, commercial jewellery pieces aren’t always unique or special. A local piece with some Saskatoon flare can be more meaningful and memorable.

While there are a number of wonderful shops that sell locally made jewelry, one of Saskatoon’s best is is Joyne Marketplace. This store is a creative marketplace that features Canadian creators. Joyne is special because it offers affordable and customizable retail space for entrepreneurs without taking a cut from the sales. You can find them in their new space on Second Avenue South.

Something bold and boozy

Nothing pairs better with romance than alcohol. Wine and champagne are a bit boring, but nothing says Saskatoon better than craft beer. This year, High Key Brewing Co. has created a limitededition Valentine’s Day brew. Their chocolate cherry stout is sure to impress your partner with its romantic flavours. This seasonal beer is available at the High Key Brewing taproom on Quebec Avenue.

High Key Brewing Co. is truly a Saskatoon-made business. The founder, Madeline Conn, was raised in Saskatoon and fell in love with the craft-beer industry. When Conn met Daniel Rommens, another Saskatonian with ambitions to open a brewery, the two founded High Key together. Their business embodies the values of community, creativity, collaboration, and most importantly, good beer.

Something to broaden your mind

A carefully selected book can show that you know your partner, you care about their interests, and above all, you took the time to select something unique just for them. Instead of spending money at a large corporate store, why not support Saskatoon’s favourite independent bookseller?

Turning the Tide has been open for over 10 years. They offer a selection of fiction and poetry as well as a broad range of non-fiction books. Being an independent bookstore allows them to focus on meeting the needs of the community, and they carry books authored and published by local creatives.

Something Swayze

If you’ve ever fantasized about Patrick Swayze and that one scene in Ghost, you’ll know that pottery can be a romantic and sensual gift for your partner. It is less romantic, however, when it was made by hundreds of people in a factory somewhere across the world. One great place to shop for locally made pottery is Clay Studio Three.

Clay Studio Three opened in 1975. It is a collective of Saskatchewan ceramic artists made up of 15 potters who contribute their works to the studio collection and help run the storefront. For affordable prices and great quality, there really is nowhere that beats Clay Studio Three!

This is just a small selection from the abundance of local gift shops in Saskatoon. With a bit of searching, you should be able to find a one-of-a-kind Valentine’s Day gift for that special someone on your list.

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Sydney Boulton

Photo: High Key Brewery / Supplied