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The gifts you really want for Valentine's Day

Posted at 12:02PM, 06 February 2013 by Roxanne Fisher - Writer/Sub-editor, bbcgoodfood.com

If gooey hearts and wilting flowers make you feel more rageful than romantic on February 14th, take a look at our different gift suggestions that every foodie Valentine will fall in love with...

Gifts under £25

Looking to bestow a token of affection without having to resort to bright red boxes of candy, adorned with more ribbons than a majorette? Consult our pick of presents under £25 and give your beau something they really want this Valentine's Day...

The Cake Nest - cake slice club
Say it with a slice and sign up your cake-loving Valentine to The Cake Nest's sweet treats club. Every month they'll deliver a piece of handmade sponge through your letterbox. There are also weekly and wheat-free options.
Prices from £18.50, http://thecakenest.com

Harrods - diamond salt with grater
Connoisseur salt is the next big thing if the increasing popularity of flavoured flakes is anything to go by. Extracted from the Himalayas, this rose salt and grater will add a touch of novelty when seasoning your suppers.
£11.95, www.harrods.com

The Cornish fishmonger - fresh oysters
If you're a firm believer in the aphrodisiac properties of oysters, than stay true to tradition and have fresh shellfish delivered to your door and treat your partner to a special Valentine's Day dinner.
99p each (minimum delivery order £25) http://thecornishfishmonger.co.uk

Confectionary

If you're spending the evening in the company of a serious chocoholic, and simply nothing else will do, here are a couple of our favourite cocoa luxuries...

Amelia Rope - Valentine's Day chocolate
With dark, pale and sea salt chocolate cubes and beautifully packaged flavoured bars, Amelia Rope's selection is perfect for those serious about their chocolate. Order early and you can request your bar be adorned with a Valentine's memento.
Valentine's bars from £11.95, http://www.ameliarope.com

Damian Allsop - the chef's collection
Damian Allsop's luxury water-based ganache comes in six flavours from rhubarb and rose to banana and passion fruit.
£14.85, www.britishfinefoods.com

Loving combinations (under £60)

Does your Valentine have a particular penchant that you're looking to indulge? We've come up with a couple of ideas to inspire some truly creative gift combos...

For the cheesy lover...

The Handpicked Collection - natural slate cheeseboard
Serving your favourite curds on a slate board ensures they stay at the perfect temperature for longer. There's an option for the classic rectangular version or - for the soppy cheese-fiend - a heart shaped slate.
£19.95, www.handpickedcollection.com

Combine with...

Pong cheese hampers
From the Ultimate Pong Box, filled with the smelliest selection on offer, to the Valentine's package, packed with oozing, heart-shaped favourites - Pong cheese has a hamper for every type of cheese lover.
Various prices, www.pongcheese.co.uk

For the Bread maker...

Paul Hollywood's Bread cookbook
As well as teaching you how to make a variety of breads, there's an accompanying recipe for each one showing you how to make a meal of your creation - and the book is out just in time for Valentine's Day.
£20 RRP, http://www.waterstones.com

Combine with...

Le Crueset - stoneware mixing bowl
Quality stoneware will last a lifetime - this mixing bowl from Le Crueset will become your baker's best friend in the kitchen.
£34 RRP, http://www.hartsofstur.com

Gifts over £100

From the special to the simply outlandish, if you're after an unforgettable gift for your Valentine, look no further...

Brindisa - Monroyo Serrano Pequeno ham set
7kg of ham may not be synonymous with romance by everyone's standards, but this charming set, complete with stand and knife, is a great gift for those serious about their meat.
£110, http://www.brindisa.com

Kenwood waffle maker
With room to make two waffles at a time, this snazzy bit of kitchen kit will have you preparing romantic weekend brunches for years to come.
£279, http://www.kitchenaiduk.com

Cookery courses...

Cooking schools up and down the land are embracing Valentine's Day with special classes catering for couples. Here are a few of our favourites...

Heart of England fine foods - West Midlands
Work with your partner to create a perfect three course Valentine's dinner for two, finishing the evening with a chocolate making session.
£75 per person, http://www.heff.co.uk

Leiths school of food and wine - London
The greatest gift a lazy chef could give - send your Valentine on a special Leith's day course, where they'll pick up plenty of useful cooking tips and styling techniques and will bring home a three course Valentine's feast for the both of you.
£140 per person, http://www.leiths.com

Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons - Oxfordshire
Raymond Blanc's restaurant and hotel in Oxfordshire is hosting a chocolate spectacular this Valentine's Day. As a couple, you will learn how to make a range of treats from truffles to fondants - for those with big hearts and even bigger wallets.
£750 per couple, http://www.manoir.com

What will you be buying your beau this Valentine's Day?

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