From stuffed animals to sweets: The best Valentine’s gifts in Macon

The holiday of love is almost here, and Valentine’s Day spending reached new heights this year. 

Shoppers are budgeting an average of $199.78 for the holiday, the highest amount since 2020, according to the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics.

The NRF projects a total of $29.1 billion in consumer spending for the heartfelt holiday. 

Candy — a classic gift for a sweetheart — still stands as the most popular Valentine’s Day purchase with 56% of shoppers planning to buy it.

But what lasts longer than a box of chocolates? A quarter of consumers plan to purchase jewelry this year, according to the NRF. Roughly 40% of shoppers will opt for flowers, greeting cards or an evening out. 

But Valentine’s Day isn’t just for the romantic couple — everyone deserves to feel a bit of love this year.

A third of consumers plan to buy gifts for friends and a record 35% will purchase a gift for their four-legged Valentines this year, the NRF reports.

Here’s some Cupid-approved gift ideas to spoil that special friend, partner, pet or other in your life. 

Each category has a range of different budgets, from “Sweet and simple” (more affordable) to “Cupid approved” (mid-range) and “Love Boat” (pricey).

Keepin’ it classic

— Sweet and simple: $35 for a big teddy bear from Walmart

— Cupid approved: $165.00 for an hour and a half pampered spa experience at Sacred Space Day Spa 

— Love Boat: $6,280 for a sapphire and diamond ring from Bashinski

For the floral enthusiast

— Sweet and simple: $19.99 for a dozen pink or red roses from The Fresh Market 

— Cupid approved: $59.99 for a bouquet of Lego roses

— Love Boat: $329.99 for an arrangement of two dozen red roses from Lawrence Mayer Florist and Flower Delivery

Sweets for your sweet

— Sweet and simple: $10 for five chocolate-covered strawberries from Sweet Eleanor’s

— Cupid approved: $15.86 for a 17 piece Russell Stover heart box of chocolates

— Love Boat: $75.50 for a 12-person cake from Layers bakery

From the heart to the stomach

— Sweet and simple: $12.50 for a meal for two at Taco Bell

— Cupid approved: $30 for a tomato soup and grilled cheese plus cocktail meal for two at Longleaf Distillery

— Love Boat: $154 for an elegant four-course meal for two at Hotel Forty Five’s Loom Comfort Kitchen & Cocktails.

Cheers to love

— Sweet and simple: $20 for a charcuterie board and two beers at Just Tap’d 

— Cupid approved:  $32 for two Valentine’s espresso martinis from Parish on Cherry Street

— Love Boat: $120 for two at The Great Valentine’s Wine Mixer at Switch Macon

Entertainment

— Sweet and Simple: $25 for a romantic carwash with light show included at Big Peach Car Wash

— Cupid approved: $50.15 for two large drinks, a large popcorn and two adult tickets for an evening showing of “Wuthering Heights” at AmStar Macon.

— Love Boat: $200 for a glassblowing date night for two at Startup Studios

For the paw-fect companion

— Sweet and simple: $4.98 for a three-pack of Valentine’s Day tennis balls from Pet Supplies Plus

—Cupid approved: $7.99 for a box of Claudia’s Canine Cuisine gourmet dog treats at from Pet Supermarket

— Love Boat: $55 for a 15-minute pet portrait session at Pet Party Palace

When you just can’t put a price on love

— Pick flowers and make a homemade bouquet

— Plan a picnic dinner at Amerson River Park

— Grab a pen and paper to write the special someone in your life a love letter

— Swipe a couple chocolates from the office candy bowl to gift to your sweetie