Text and Photographs by Meg A. Parsont
I’ll admit it: I’m a sucker for Valentine’s Day. I find it hard to be cynical about a holiday that encourages the eating of chocolate and the exchange of sweet tokens of affection. In honor of the occasion, I strolled around the Upper West Side and discovered Valentine’s Day delights suited to every budget and ranging from volumes of romantic poetry to vintage cufflinks to the ultimate indulgence: a cashmere-covered hot water bottle.
What would Valentine’s Day be without chocolate? For a tempting array of bonbons and a big helping of nostalgia, Mondel Chocolates (established in 1943) has everything to satisfy even the sweetest tooth, from deluxe boxed assortments of chocolates to individual pieces, including their famous buttercrunch toffee and ever-popular almond bark. 2913 Broadway (114th) http://www.mondelchocolates.com
Each signature pie crust cookie at Janie’s Life-Changing Baked Goods is a mouthful of gooey filling enveloped in a hug of flaky crust and buttery streusel. Valentines’ Day limited editions include a dark chocolate raspberry version and oversized Funfetti M&M cookies topped with buttercream frosting and sprinkles. To preorder for pickup in store on Feb. 13 and 14, go to: https://www.getjanies.com 212 West 80th Street (Amsterdam and Broadway)
https://janiebakes.com
Billy’s Bakery not only offers classic cupcakes, cookie sandwiches with cream filling, and crowd-pleasing carrot cake, they also carry cake and cookie decorating kits and host cookie-decorating sessions for kids and adults alike. 410 Columbus Avenue (79th-80th) https://billysbakerynyc.com
Browse the curated Valentine’s Day table at Shakespeare & Co. for an enticing selection of books to give your sweetie or your BFF, including cookbooks for couples, books offering relationship advice, and charming illustrated true-love stories. 2020 Broadway (69th-70th) https://shop.shakeandco.com/about-us
In addition to a wide range of Valentine-worthy titles, Book Culture’s shelves are also brimming with giftables like scented candles, bath salts, mugs and tea towels, journals, Valentine’s cards, and more. 2915 Broadway (114th) https://www.bookculture.com
Laina Jane has been enticing passers-by with whisps of lacy and satiny lingerie since 1988. This tiny jewel of a shop also showcases a selection of elegant silk robes and nightgowns and luxurious cotton pajama sets in gorgeous florals, stripes, and solids. 416 Amsterdam Avenue (80th) https://www.lainajane.com
Only Hearts has been in the neighborhood for decades. It’s known for lovingly embellished lingerie, and, for those seeking something a bit cozier, it carries sweats with a sweet heart pattern. It also stocks fun books to give a gal pal, and—to keep your loved one toasty on cold winter nights—a cashmere-covered hot water bottle! 386 Columbus Avenue (78th-79th) https://onlyhearts.com
Whether you’re looking for traditional red roses or more adventurous options, Posie’s offers a wide range of beautiful blooms, from vibrant, accessibly priced, freshly made bouquets to custom arrangements to flowering plants. 376 Amsterdam Avenue (77th-78th) https://posies.com
The eclectic mix of local and ethically sourced gifts at Magpie ranges from jewelry to colorful hand-sewn hearts from Guatemala with a tiny flap in the back to slip a note into, perfect for a young niece or daughter. Great gifts for guys include unique socks, cocktail accoutrements, and puzzles. 488 Amsterdam Avenue (83rd-84th) https://magpienewyork.com
More & More Antiques is known for its remarkable ornament display at Christmastime, but the shop is now Valentine’s Central, with a wealth of whimsical and beautiful objets including tiny heart snow globes, heart-festooned taper candles, and vintage jewelry, including men’s cufflinks. 378 Amsterdam Avenue (78th) https://moreandmoreantiques.com
This is just a sampling of the Valentine’s Day treasures to be found on the Upper West Side. We hope you’ll share your favorites!
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Thank you for highlighting so many local, independent stores! We have a wonderful neighborhood.
So many great finds! Thanks for this round up and reminder to shop local!
what a great piece and timely article – was happy to find a windup heart toy at more and more antiques and of course – needed a cookie on the walk back – great fun and so informative
Epices Bakery (104 West 70th) – Yummy pastries and baguettes!
Lungta (228 Columbus) – Lovely scarves from Nepal
I’ve never been to More & More but your coverage has certainly persuaded me that I need to make a visit sometime soon!
Wonderful piece! Bookmarked. No idea some of these places existed. Love UWS!
Fabulous finds, Meg!
Mondel’s is the best! I send their raspberry creams to someone in Texas every year.
Not really Valentiny, but: does anyone have a rec of a place that makes good sliced duck to take out?
Runaway Poppy is another great store on the UWS. Perfect spot for last minute and unique gifts!
Perfect list. The only one you missed was Runaway Poppy on Broadway and 80th. A tiny store with adorable cards and gifts.
Thank you for the suggestions of shops with nice items for Valentine’s day. I will visit a few of them in the next few days. I am glad to support these stores located in the neighborhood, It is great to get a reminder from West Side Rag of excellent places to go to..
More & More is an absolute GO TO for unique and delightful treasures whether it be a holiday, birthday, celebration or a l’il something to treat yourself! They never disappoint and the eye candy is always a treat🥰
I was just at Town Shop they also have a great Valentine’s Day section.
So many of my favorite shops! I was just in More Antiques and I love their greeting cards. Always unique and beautiful 🤩 thanks for this delightful piece.
Astro West, the rocks and minerals store at 79th and Columbus, has lovely hearts carved from rose quartz and other stones. And of course spectacular geodes!