Shop local for Valentine’s Day in the near western suburbs

February 14 rolls around every year, and every year you try desperately to avoid the same heart-shaped necklace and department store chocolates. Valentinin’ aint easy. It might get a little redundant to buy something sparkly, pink or red, but at least you’re thoughtful enough to spend the cash locally, amiright?

From Dark Matter “Chocolate City” coffee to being Rocky Balboa for a day, here are a few of my favorite things for her (and a few for him, too!) in Oak Park, River Forest, and Forest Park. 

For her:

Sanem’s – Sanem’s new collection of rose gold jewelry for under $100 will have your fashionista blushing! 

Lively Athletics Boutique – Their new collections of On Running shoes and Saucony running shoes in shades of red or pink — or any color — would be a perfect gift for the athletic babe on your list. 

Gem Jewelry – The “Eye Love You” necklace will not only protect your girl, it will show her you have more creative gifts ideas than the heart necklace you were originally thinking about getting — for the fourth year in a row. 

Two Story Farmhouse – The “Be Fearlessly Authentic” cotton pouch is a reminder that your love is as fearlessly authentic as your lady is.

16 Suitcases – You’ve got a few things to set up for your Valentine, so spending a fortune on a dress is not in the cards. 16 Suitcases has the perfect Valentine’s Day outfits for a fraction of what you’ll spend elsewhere.

Jayne Boutique – Set the mood with some of the prettiest (gold studded!) and most delicious smelling candles around. 

Fitzgerald’s Fine Stationery – If she’s a mama, she’s probably a caffeine lover (needer). The coffee mugs in here are some of my favorites around, and you can give her a mug to enjoy at home, or a tumbler so she can enjoy her joe on the go! 

For him:

Beer Shop – My man is a coffee drinker, so I have my eye on the Dark Matter “Chocolate City” coffee in a can, or you can make a personalized 6-pack (of love) selection of his favorite beers to go.

Careful Peach – If I can help it, we are going to Rosé on Valentine’s Day. Careful Peach has the best selection of French wines for your vino lover.

Ferrara Pan Fitness – Is your man a huge fan of Rocky? Yep, mine too. My hubby has been wanting to try this Forest Park boxing gym for months. With one-on-one boxing lessons, in a state-of-the-art boxing ring, you can buy your Mr. Balboa as many, or as few, lessons as you think he’d like. 

For anyone:

Chocolate is universal. Here are a few of my favorite local spots to grab chocolatey goodness: Firecakes (Oak Park), La Maison de Bon Bon (Forest Park), Spilt Milk Pastry (Oak Park), Courageous Bakery (Oak Park), Twisted Cookie (Forest Park), Sugar Fixe (Oak Park) and River Forest Chocolates (River Forest). 

Have I left anything off the list? Where will you be shopping for your Valentine? 

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