We rounded up the resident romantics of the CIRA team and had ‘em pull together a curated .CA gift guide with ideas for everyone that’ll hit just right – whether you’re all in for Valentine’s Day—or not. Also don’t stress, all gifts included are from Canadian businesses so you can expect Canada wide shipping and all prices in CAD! Ah the power of a .CA domain.
Set the Valentine’s tone with these tasty eats and treats
Sure, when it comes to Valentine’s gifts, there’s a lot of, “Oh, it’s the thought behind it that counts.” But can we eat (or drink) those thoughts? Nope. But you can eat your feelings.
Hit your special someone right in the sweet spot with these tasty .CA eats and treats.
Bees always have your back
For my honey bundle
Speaking of sweet spots, you can’t go wrong with this honey. Here’s a taste of what to expect: creamy, organic honey infused with flavours like creme brulee and yuzu and berries.
Come to the dark (chocolate) side
La Totale 10-bar chocolate package
Montreal-based Avanaa creates true “bean-to-bar” dark chocolate that’s as ethical as it is delicious. Go for the gusto with their “La Totale” package that brings together all 10 of their artisanal chocolate bar flavours, including chai, latte and coffee. Sure, it’s a lot of chocolate to get through, but you need to be willing to make those kinds of sacrifices for love.
Tea that truly fills their cup
The warming tea bundle
Treat your top tea lover to something far better than the typical, boring bagged stuff. Toronto-based Genuine Tea has gained a rep for pulling in the finest, most flavourful whole leaf teas from around the world. Check out their specially curated Warming bundle that brings together four of their coziest (and spiciest) flavours. Perfect for sharing and discovering together!
For the incurable coffee snob
Bà Chúa Xứ coffee
Ah, but what if your special someone is craving a solid cup o’ joe? In that case, we heartily recommend a bag of Golden Triangle’s dark-roasted, Vietnamese Bà Chúa Xứ coffee —featuring notes of chocolate and tangerine. Flavourful, aromatic and a true treat for the tastebuds!
Thoughtful things for plucking heartstrings
You don’t want your Valentine’s gifts to be too throwaway. We get it. You’re a sentimental type that wants to go straight for the feels. Here is where you’ll find some of the most thoughtful, heart-stirring gifts from across the .CA domain.
Craft a custom keepsake
Bespoke rings
Let’s start with a classic destination: the jewelry department…but with a twist. Toronto-based goldsmith Emily Gill creates stunning, handmade, bespoke rings meant to be treasured for years to come. It’s the perfect way to give your Valentine something that truly captures their look and personality.
Celebrate your special place
Hand-embroidered heart map
Everyone has at least one place on this planet that means something to them. It could be the city where you met, your honeymoon destination, or maybe the all-you-can eat seafood joint where you set a record for crab legs consumed. Celebrate the story of your special place with an ultra-cute, hand-embroidered heart map.
Elevate the humble houseplant
Colour block pot planter
Bring pizzaz to your special someone’s houseplants with one of Common House Studio’s lovingly hand-painted plant pots. We love the Colour block pot planter, and how its clean, colourful and modern lines effortlessly zhuzh up any space.
For the sentimental puzzler in your life
Custom wooden jigsaw puzzle
Remember the satisfying feel of an old-school, all-wood jigsaw puzzles? That’s Palmaris’ whole gig. And they create some of the most gorgeous puzzles on this side of .CA! Even cooler: you can create your own custom puzzle from a photo—be it a landscape from your favourite travel spot, or even that great selfie from Cousin Ashley’s wedding.
A little spoiling and pampering goes a long way
Valentine’s Day doesn’t need to be a high-stakes, maximum-stress situation. So, slow things down and focus on some quality spoiling and pampering with these gift ideas:
It just makes scents!
“Deja Brew” scented candle
Sorry—we couldn’t resist the pun. But, in all seriousness, do check out the Copper Bell’s selection of handmade (and cheekily named) soy-based candles. Go with “Deja Brew” for a scent that feels like walking into your favourite coffee shop.
Butter ‘em up
Luxurious holiday scrub & body butter gift set
As far as pampering goes, you really can’t go wrong with the Lovely Body’s luxurious body butters and scrubs. Pick up one of their winter-themed gift sets, with scintillating scents like peppermint marshmallow, butterscotch swirl and applejack and fir.
The most man-tastic gifts per square inch
Classy gentleman liquor basket
Show the bros in your life some lovin’, by sending them a box packed with whiskey, gourmet snacks, cigars—and more—courtesy of BroCrates. A great place to start is with their Classy gentleman liquor basket, which is about as classy and gentlemanly as it sounds.
Soak, snack and feel relaxed
“Hug in a box” gift set
Check out Cheerfetti’s all-Canadian made gift boxes designed with love in mind. For Valentine’s, we love their “Hug in a box” gift set, which includes a luxurious lavender bath soak, facial mask, gourmet shortbread cookies—and more!
Epic and unforgettable Valentine’s date-day experiences
Are these ideas maybe a little over-the-top vs. your typical dinner-and-a-movie? Sure. But if you’re in the business of creating lifelong memories, here’s a handful of Valentine’s date experiences that will do just that—and more!
Refresh and reconnect in the wild
Forest bathing experience
Let’s start with something tranquil and rejuvenating! Victoria, B.C.’s Meander Wellbeing offers Forest bathing, a guided time in the woods meant to get you de-stressed and reconnected with yourself—and nature.
Alons-y a Montregie!
Wine and cider tasting for two
Want ALL the date-day options? Giftjoy.ca offers a huge slate of experiences—from chill (romantic dinner for two) to thrill (ziplining in the Laurentians). But for Valentine’s, we suggest keeping it intimate with a wine and cider tasting for two in Quebec’s gorgeous Montregie region.
Front row at the greatest cosmic light show
Yukon Northern Lights viewing tour
In the mood for an adventurous multi-day excursion? Escape to the Yukon for a three-to-five day Northern Lights viewing tour with Fresh Adventures. Just picture it: you and your special someone snuggled up next to a bonfire on the shores of a frozen lake as you take in nature’s most spectacular light show each night.
Get your hands dirty
Intro to wheel throwing class
Indulge your inner artist by booking an Intro to wheel throwing class with Montreal’s Cone10 Workshop. In a guided, two-hour session, you’ll learn the basics behind creating unique art pieces from balls of clay.
Anti-Valentine’s gift ideas (because you’re still awesome)
Look—you do you on Valentine’s Day. If that means lounging in your sweats instead of indulging in all this romantic hoo-hah, that’s fine by us. But it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t spoil yourself. Here are a few ideas on that front:
Cut out the clichéd cards
Friendship greeting cards
Sick of all the sappy, overwrought Valentine’s Cards? Send your besties a friendship card from Inkwell Boutique that’s funny, quirky and sassy in equal parts.
For the person who ADORES their pup
Watercolour pet portrait
When the humans in your life break your heart and disappoint, who’s got your back? That’s right: your ever-loyal, furry friend. Immortalize that unbreakable bond with a gorgeous, museum-quality watercolour pet portrait from Paint My Pooch.
Nothing but the finest sweats
Bow River shacket
As any anti-Valentine-r will tell you, there’s no substitute for comfy clothes. Local Laundry’s Canadian-made Bow River shacket is super warm (made with 100% cotton fleece), and downright stylish. Whether you’re going out or staying in—the Bow River shacket is a fashion and coziness win. Consider it an official CIRA staff pick!
Spin the perfect anti-Valentines soundtrack
Jagged Little Pill vinyl record
Do your ears a favour: ditch Spotify and grab yourself a beautiful new slab of vinyl from Kops Records. To keep it Canadian, we humbly suggest the ultimate, belt-able breakup album of all breakup albums: Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill.
From all of us on the CIRA team, happy Valentine’s or anti-Valentine’s Day! We hope it’s one to remember (or tolerate). Remember: for all your other gifting, spoiling or self-care needs, you can visit our .CA Small business gift guide for inspiration year-round!
Kira is the Marketing & Channel Specialist at CIRA. She focuses on content, digital marketing and channel strategies to help Canadian business owners make the right domain choice for their business website so they can find success online.
