As a travel writer I get to see a lot of the world, and I need to be prepared for just about anything. This means I need to have the proper clothing. I must pack the correct items. And sometimes I just want a souvenir. This list is a combination of all these influences, and I share this with the hope you will find something your loved one cannot live without.
Bissinger’s Handcrafted Chocolatier
Visiting Paris in 2023 was a pleasant surprise. The Parisian culture and lifestyle fit me well, and I really did not want to leave. If your Valentine is in love with the City of Light, then check out Bissinger’s Handcrafted Chocolatier. My sweety does not care for chocolate, but she does love a good gin and tonic, so the Castle & Key Dark Gin & Tonic truffle bar was a must gift.
Personally, I love the Milk & Dark Sea Salt Caramels Flight. Their simplicity is perfection! Founded in 1668 in Paris, Bissinger’s honors over 350 years of chocolate-making excellence by crafting luxurious chocolates with timeless recipes, small-batch techniques, and fresh ingredients here in the US.
Find it here - $7 and $15
Sightglass Coffee
I am always searching for a great cup of coffee. From Chinatown to the seaside towns of the San Francisco Peninsula, the bay area offers one of the greatest concentrations of superb coffee shops in the world. I found a blend great for coffee snobs (like me) as well as new palates.
Sightglass Coffee, founded in 2009, is a specialty coffee roaster dedicated to sourcing, roasting, and brewing exceptional, ethically sourced coffees with artisanal precision. I have brewed Sightglass’ Toketee blend at home using a French Press, espresso, and pour over, and each method offers a balanced, medium roast with notes of caramel, citrus, and chocolate. Toketee beans vary seasonally from Central and South America.
Find it here - $20.50 / 12 oz.
Tokyo Treat
Japan is on many people’s destination bucket list. If you cannot give your Valentine a trip to the Land of the Rising Sun opt for a subscription to Tokyo Treat and the gift will keep giving 3-, 6-, or 12-months a year (one-off boxes are also available). Founded in 2015, the service delivers monthly boxes of unique snacks, candies, and drinks shipped directly from Japan.
The special edition Valentine’s Day box includes items like Sweet Strawberry Mochi, PokeHearts Ramune Candy, and Crunky Choco Banana candies. Some savory treats like Kenpi Sweet Potato Sticks, Wasabi & Seaweed snacks, and Soy Sauce Senbei (rice crackers) are also included. There is also a hefty bag of KitKat Red & Whites.
Find it here – subscription starting at $32.50
GAMMN
Is your Valentine a gamer? When I travel with a group, I always take a couple of games. GAMMN makes it easy for me to pack one of my favorite games, backgammon. Backgammon is one of the oldest known board games, and dates back over 5,000 years to Mesopotamia. The objective is to strategically move all the pieces (sometimes called “tiles” or “stones,” or Americanized as “checkers”) off the board.
GAMMN, founded in 2020 in Langdon, New Hampshire, specializes in portable, durable backgammon boards designed for travel and adventure. And they come in some really cool colors! I have the coral version; it is lightweight and easy to use (and pack).
Find it here - $124
Lindemans
Traveling to Belgium is a beer lover’s fantasy. Wild yeast in the air of the Pajottenland region creates the signature spontaneous fermentation Lindemans has perfected for over 200 years. These beautifully complex, slightly sour beers are a taste of brewing history and a must-try for those who appreciate the time-honored craftsmanship of brewing.
The Lindemans Variety 4-Pack includes: Framboise is known for its deep complexity balanced with sweet raspberry flavor and aroma; Pêche offers a fresh peach bouquet and flavor; Kriek provides a deep red color, pink head, and a superb cherry aroma; and Apple reminds drinkers of a spring orchard of perfectly ripe and crisp green apples. The 4-pack can be found at a number of retail locations throughout the USA, including Hy-Vee, Total Wine & More, and Wegmans.
Find it here – cost varies
Sonrei Skin
Relaxing and playing in the warm waters of sunny Caribbean islands is probably one of the great joys in a life of travel. Over the years, travelers have become more eco-conscious, and Sonrei has developed a line of earth-friendly skin products to help humans and the environment.
Founded in 2018, Sonrei is guided by a philosophy of sustainability and inclusivity. Dermatologist-approved formulations are made with reef-safe ingredients to provide effective, gentle sun protection that supports skin health and environmental preservation—many chemical ingredients contribute to coral bleaching, disrupting marine biodiversity. Sonrei uses none of these harmful chemicals.
Find it here – cost varies
Familiar
Sometimes a Valentine needs a little self-care. For those seeking thoughtful, high-quality gifts that celebrate self-care and intimacy, Familiar is a standout brand dedicated to making pleasure accessible and empowering. Founded by a queer entrepreneur with a passion for inclusivity and body awareness, Familiar is redefining how we approach personal pleasure—without shame, stigma, or limitation.
Their carefully curated collection of body-safe, beautifully designed toys encourages exploration and self-connection. Take, for example, the Aurora Duo that delivers dual stimulation with ten customizable settings, a soft-touch silicone design, and waterproof functionality for seamless enjoyment.
Find it here - $79.99
Surfside Supply
Get him pretty in pink—or Mineral Red—with a Surfside Supply’s Stax Vintage Wash Hoodie. This brand, with its relaxed fit, west coast vibes meets east coast style, is my go-to clothier for travel wear. Surfside Supply allows me to look good, but remain comfy at all times, whether on a transatlantic flight or chilling at a beach motel.
This hoodie, made of ultra-soft cotton-blend fabric, has a faded, vintage-inspired wash and a big hoodie to fit warm and cold weather hats. Surfside Supply Co., founded in 2013, is a lifestyle brand blending coastal-inspired designs with comfort, offering timeless apparel crafted for laid-back, everyday wear, or perfect for travel.
Find it here - $118