The origin story for Valentine’s Day is hard to pin down. However, the current holiday is said to have started with the English poet Geoffrey Chaucer, who was the first to connect St. Valentine’s Day with the idea of romance in his poem “Parliament of Foules” in 1375.  

February can be an excellent time to share love and appreciation of all kinds. For friends and family, animals and the natural world, and most of all, yourself. Even if you don’t plan to officially celebrate Valentine’s Day, check out all the delightful ways we have to treat yourself and those you love. 

Lake Champlain Chocolates, a Burlington-based, organic chocolatier, offers a beautiful selection of seasonal treats for Valentine’s Day. There are multiple styles and sizes of truffle boxes, including classic heart-shaped boxes and bags of heart-shaped truffles and chocolates. This year we are happy to offer their vegan truffles and caramels. 

Laughing Moon Chocolates, out of Stowe, embodies sustainable decadence. We have four kinds of fudge, salted caramel hearts, and sampler boxes—all in fully compostable packaging and as locally sourced as possible. 

Chocolove chocolate bars have fun, Valentine’s themed packaging and special Valentine’s Day flavors: cherry cordial and cinnamon ganache. Endangered Species also has Valentine’s themed chocolate bars. 

Rustic Bakery’s wholesome and delicious heart-shaped cookies in decorative boxes are ready to go as a gift or a snack.  

Thompson Chocolate has hearts for every occasion: pops, bags of mini’s or something to keep in your pocket.  

If you have a class to buy treats for, or want to spread the love around your workplace, we have a few good options. Yum Earth Valentine’s themed lollipops and gummies come in bags big enough to share. And they are organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, and nut-free. A six-pack of Bear fruit rolls could hit the spot. And if you want to dial down the sugar, try Lesser Evil’s sweetheart pop organic popcorn. It comes in single, signable bags—so fun! 

Stop by our wellness department to find ways to pamper yourself as well as those you love. Sunbeam Candles are made with 100% renewable energy; these gorgeous candles make an excellent gift or add ambiance to your celebration.  We carry pillars, hearts, and roses. GoodLight love candles are another good choice. These 2 oz tins are especially sweet since $0.50 from each sale is donated to Breast Cancer Prevention Partners. 

Find relaxation with Wild Hill Herbals “Love Bath” bath salts. Hand-crafted in Chelsea, Vermont with all-natural ingredients, they are sure to soothe with carefully chosen essential oils. 

There’s nothing like the pleasure of receiving—or giving—a handwritten note. Love & Tea out of Montpelier is offering hand-made Valentine’s themed cards and postcards. Express yourself with these local treasures. 

It’s a special treat to have fresh flowers in the middle of winter. Especially when they are locally grown by Emily von Trapp. Pick up a bouquet grown in a “snow bunker” located in Waitsfield. Basically, a greenhouse well insulated with snow, this ingenious technology allows for sustainably grown flowers year-round in central Vermont.  An expression of love in its purest form, you don’t need a holiday to celebrate beauty.