Must-Haves for Valentine's Day (vintage, handmade and local)

Valentine's Day has always been my favorite holiday. Nestled in the middle of a month whose temperature trends chilly, hearts hanging from windows warm the spirit while people talk about love, and generously gift chocolate. Always looking for ways to up the ante without depleting my savings account, I've put together a list of fabulous handmade and vintage items, all made (and in the case of vintage, sold) right here in New Jersey. Not in the area? No problem! Everyone listed will ship, so go ahead and feel good about supporting small businesses and the U.S. economy! Many of those listed have generously offered readers 10% off Friday through Sunday by using coupon code: ILOVEDG so go ahead and get your credit card out. Don't worry. I promise that you won't break the bank.

A little Valentine with heart.

Let's begin with chocolate. As a kid, I coveted the box of chocolates that my parents got me each year. Get chocolate that's taken to an artisan level with Amsterdam Chocolates. Mary Amsterdam makes the most decadent, hand decorated chocolates from her shop's kitchen in Mountain Lakes. They are sold at her brick and mortar at 5 Romaine Road in Mountain Lakes, but you can also buy them on etsy. Lots to try, including her salted caramels (starting at just $3), her to die for coconut bark (starting at just $5), and so much more.  Amsterdam Chocolates has activated the 10% off coupon code: ILOVEDG

Amsterdam Chocolates taste as good as they look. This box of 12 truffles is
perfect for anyone on your list, and is only $18. Valentine boxes are also available.
Visit their etsy shop at www.etsy.com/shop/AmsterdamChocolates

Paired perfectly with a box of chocolate is this amazing limited edition Chocolate Truffle soap three pack! These heart shaped soaps are beautifully gift boxed and come in three chocolate styles: luxury, cocoa and Valentine's. Handcrafted in small batches in Boonton, Pam Saldutti makes small batches of her cold-process soaps, and they take a minimum of 7 weeks to cure. These are exceptional, moisturizing, and long lasting. Not to mention fun! Order yours before they sell out. Her etsy shop is located at www.etsy.com/shop/PSILoveSoapCo.  P.S. I Love Soap Co. has activated the 10% off coupon code: ILOVEDG

One of the three choco-tastic soaps in the gift set offered by P.S. I Love Soap Co.
Visit their etsy shop to see the gorgeous gift boxed set (complete with sweet pink ribbon).

Fresh flowers are beautiful (believe me, I love them) but they don't last long. There's changing the water, keeping them out of sunlight, and before you know it, they are losing their petals. Well, here's a bouquet that lasts, and doesn't require any water. This dozen paper flower bunch is a blend of light and bright pink by Posh Studios, and is sure to brighten any one's day. I'd love to get flowers like this as a gift (hint, hint). Made right in Morris Plains by Cassie, these are sure to impress your Valentine. Go check this (and many other bouquets, banners, corsages, boutonnieres) on their etsy shop at: www.etsy.com/shop/PoshStudios. Posh Studios has activated the 10% off coupon code: ILOVEDG

This gorgeous bouquet is packed with 12 handmade paper carnations and is just $50.
To buy, visit the Posh Studios etsy shop.

Since home is where the heart is, reflect that love with this fabulous vintage metal heart mirror, sold by {verdigreen}. It even has two candle holders for your taper candles to light up your life two times, baby! You can walk into their wonderful brick and mortar at 182 Glenridge Avenue, in the GLAM section of Montclair, or shop online. Remember, this is found vintage so there is only one available! Hurry up and grab this gem. Visit their etsy shop at www.etsy.com/shop/verdigreen {verdigreen} has activated the 10% off coupon code: ILOVEDG

This vintage metal heart+mirror+candelabra is fabulously shabby chic and so very romantic.
Only $22 and only one available. Make it yours. {verdigreen} is on etsy.

In keeping with the home theme, why not deck the walls with some heart garland. Montclair Made offers all sorts of garland in different paper designs. Both delicate and decorative, the garland is made with vintage field guides and the hearts are doubled up so they can be folded back to become 3D. Made by Clare Cohen in Montclair, you will use these year after year. For just $8 per garland, you can get a bunch and hang them in all the windows of your home. Montclair Made has activated the 10% off coupon code: ILOVEDG

This garland is made from a vintage field guide to seashores.
You can find it on her etsy page: www.etsy.com/shop/MontclairMade

Wear your heART on your wall with this rustic, handmade nail heart. 100 year old wood hosts red yarn and nails to create a heart to remember. Made by Culture Cabin's own Erika Domanico and selling for only $25. Convo her to purchase by visiting her facebook page, or shop live at her brick and mortar at 1017 Main Street, in the Arts section of Boonton.

 

Old wood is good wood, especially when it's got a heart on it!
100 year old wood gets wall play when you hang it in your home.

Feeling like a little lovebird? Make love on your 'fridge with this hand burned lovebirds on a wood slice magnet by Forage Workshop. Amy DiPalma of Boonton hand burns everything freehand, making for a unique one of a kind piece. I have her personalized heart and initials magnet, the lovebirds, and even her wood sliced personalized ornament (and more... too much to list). It's a small obsession, but at such affordable prices, why not? Forage Workshop has activated the 10% off coupon code: ILOVEDG

Give your lover a lovebird magnet. Stick it anywhere a magnet works.
Always remember that love beats all. Forage magnet, only $8 on etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/ForageWorkshop

As the mama of two rescues, I am always looking for ways to make my dogs feel special. This Valentine's Day I am loving Bubba Rose Biscuit Company's heart box of cookies! It's a 6.5" velvet box with a satin bow, and even has a gift tag for you to write the name of your furry recipient! Priced at just $19.99, I might have to buy them for all of Rocco's lady friends. They also have adorable love cake bites, Valentine's Day bon bons, and a box of peanut butter cinnamon heart shaped cookies with "good dog", "I woof you" and "puppy love" handwritten on them. For everyday, my dogs love their CRACK! bars. Shop live at 421 Main Street in Boonton or online at www.bubbarose.com. Bubba Rose has activated the 10% off coupon code: ILOVEDG (and they will honor the code for shoppers who walk in, as well)

It's all about puppy love over at Bubba Rose Biscuit Company.

And finally, the most personal of all (for me, at least) is a product that I make :)  I created this personalized candle because I am a die hard romantic. On the candle label, you can specialize names and a date (be it the year you met, the year you married, the year you gift this, or even how many years together). Let me help you celebrate your love. Hey, if you want to propose, I'll even ask the question (on the candle) for you. Only $24 on etsy! Domestic Goddess is honoring the 10% off coupon code: ILOVEDG

Make this your own. Your name, your message, you name it.
Available in our etsy shop: www.etsy.com/shop/DomesticGoddessLine

Oh, and I must hop across the Hudson to share the best product for kissable lips. You Da Balm is a lip balm made in Brooklyn. Hand made and organic, it tastes as divine as it's labeled. Get your kiss on in luxurious style. Check 'em out at www.youdabalm.com. Mwwwwwah!

Tiffany Palisi is the owner of Domestic Goddess Ltd., a company that specializes in hand poured, scented candles. On the side, she searches for products/recipes/ideas/shops that she loves, then shares them with her friends on this blog. She resides in New Jersey with her boyfriend, their four children and two rescued dogs. She can be reached at domesticgoddessltd@aol.com. 

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