The following is a roundup of some of The Exedra’s favorite local businesses that could help you find just the right gift for your Valentine. Have a favorite of your own? Share in the comments section.
Local and online favorites for jewelry and gifts
Ellington and French (2942 Domingo Avenue across from the Berkeley Tennis Club) has a beautiful selection of jewelry, cards, and gifts. They’ve curated a selection of gifts to give you a head start before you shop at the store HERE.
Treats, cards and gifts at Ellington and French 
Cards for sale at Ellington and French
Philippa Roberts (4176 Piedmont Avenue) features jewelry options from the artist herself as well as other jewelers. In addition the store has a selection of Valentine’s gifts that you can view HERE.
Find more treasures online at Piedmont jewelry designer Ariel Gordon’s online shop: Ariel Gordon Jewelry. The Best Sellers page is a good starting place. (In stock items will arrive in time if ordered by Feb. 5, or as late as Feb. 11 with overnight shipping.)
Heart themed candles at Nathan & Co 
Mad Love Cookbook and colorful dish towels at Nathan & Co 
Valentine’s gifts at Nathan & Co
You will never leave empty-handed from Nathan & Co. The gift shop has two locations nearby — 4025 Piedmont Avenue and 5636 College Avenue. The stores are stocked with a fun variety of gifts including jewelry, cards, candles, health and wellness items, cookbooks, kitchen items, etc.
For a special bottle of bubbly or your Valentine’s favorite beverage
Alkali Rye at 3256 Grand Avenue is a small shop that has a wonderful selection of spirits, wines, and non alcoholic choices, as well as some fun and unique home items. Check out their selection of carefully crafted bundles, or inspire creativity with one of their crafting kits. See more from their Gifting Collection HERE.
Cask on College Avenue provides a well-curated selection of spirits, beer, and wine, along with tools for the home bartender. Known for their friendly, knowledgeable sales associates, they can help you select the perfect gift. Alternatively, you can sign up your spirits-loving partner for one of their Whiskey, Scotch or Agave clubs.
Sweets for your sweetheart
Our very own Mulberry’s Market has a great selection of chocolate treats. Plus: Look for local baker Morgan Brasfield’s “Mo’s Bake Shop” cookies in the store.
For a fun outing, head to one of Dandelion Chocolate’s four locations in San Francisco. The main factory is 2600 16th Street in the Mission. Select from a number of delectable chocolate treats, including the Valentine’s themed “Love Notes Collection” (a 23-piece collection of poetry-inspired confections celebrating love), bonbons, macarons, and truffles. Learn more about their Valentine’s collections HERE.
The Xocolate Bar on College Avenue 
Many Valentine’s sweet treat options at The Xocolate Bar 
Heart shaped boxes of chocolate at The Xocolate Bar 
I Love You Cherry Much apple gift with chocolates inside at The Xocolate Bar 
Velvet heart shaped boxes with handmade chocolates at The Xocolate Bar
The Xocolate Bar sells locally handmade, organic, and fair trade chocolate confections with plenty of vegan and gluten free options available. They have two locations: 5854 College Avenue in Oakland and 1709 Solano Avenue in Berkeley. Their creative chocolates are as beautiful as they are delicious. See a selection of their Valentine’s Day chocolates HERE.
For a gorgeous and divine pastry treat, check out the new Tarts de Feybesse tucked away at 324 24th Street in Oakland. Chefs Paul and Monique Feybesse opened their brick and mortar patisserie in Oakland in 2024 after much success selling classic French savory and sweet pastries by word of mouth. Some very positive local press followed, and this month chefs @moniquefeybesse and @paul_feybesse were named 2025 James Beard Award Semifinalists for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker. Special for Valentine’s Day, they will be selling a two-piece box of Black Truffle Éclairs by pre-order only (available Feb. 13 – Feb. 16).
The exterior of Tarts de Feybesse at 324 24th Street in Oakland 
Pastries at Tarts de Feybesse 
Beautiful treats inside this pastry box from Tarts de Feybesse 
Sourdough bread and Pear preserves at Tarts de Feybesse 
Trompe L’Oeil in the shape of mangos, mandarin organes and lemons are for some of the exquisite creations at Tarts de Feybesse
Flowers
Bouquets from local floral artist and educator, Victoria Manley Thompson of Olive + Grace Stems, are available for pre-order up until Feb. 6 (for delivery up until Feb. 15 … she has you covered for Galentine’s Day too!). Choose from bouquets to vase arrangements or floral subscriptions.
Give the gift that keeps on giving. Sign up for a 3 or 6 month CSA box subscription with Boxcar Flower Farm for beautiful flower arrangements two times a month, delivered or picked up.
Spas treatments
Kume spa, “Oakland’s premier day spa,” has wonderful chair massages. Sit side-by-side and enjoy a reflexology foot massage as a fun date (or choose the Reflexology and Body Massage Combo Treatment.). Take advantage of their special introductory pricing on all services if you’ve never previously been. Also, try Kume Float, where you can experience float therapy and a sauna experience.
For a resort-style spa experience, purchase a gift certificate to The Fairmont Spa at the Claremont Hotel, a Forbes 4-star spa.
Outdoors
Go for a hike! The East Bay Regional Parks website has information, maps and directions online. Bring a picnic and head out for a sunset hike to close-by favorites: Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve, Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park (a hidden gem of redwood forest), and Tilden Park (The Sea View Trail north toward Inspiration Point provides beautiful water views on both sides).
Also check out WeekendSherpa.com for more ideas for local hikes and outings. You can sign up for their weekly newsletter for ideas and information on exploring California.
Take a romantic gondola boat ride on Lake Merritt with Dolce Vita Gondola. You can book a cruise (starting at $100 for two) or purchase a gift certificate. A 50-minute Valentine’s Day cruise for two is $175 (book soon for most time options).
For something really special, book a stay at Cavallo Point. Located at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge in historic Fort Baker, the lodge has spectacular views, an on-site restaurant and spa. Choose from contemporary lodging or historic accommodations. Their “date night” offer includes accommodations, dinner for two with wine in your guest room, a cocktail followed by breakfast the next morning.
Activities
For those celebrating Valentine’s Day as a singleton, the new Piedmont Avenue clay studio, The Kollektiv, (started by a Millenium High School graduate) is offering a class for singles only on Valentine’s Day with light bites and drinks provided. Or, for those looking for a gift for their crafty sweetheart, sign up for clay classes HERE.
Take a cooking class along with your partner! In addition to a wide range of cooking classes, Kitchen on Fire is offering three hands-on Valentine’s couples cooking classes, Feb. 13-15. Learn more here.
Take a class together: Piedmont Adult School also offers a wide range of classes, including their popular cooking sessions.
Music
For a fun and unique outing, check out Bar Shiru in Uptown Oakland; the Bay Area’s first hi-fi listening bar. Bar Shiru is a cocktail lounge featuring dj’s that play mostly jazz, soul and international music on vinyl, while bartenders serve craft cocktails and highly curated spirits such as Japanese whisky, local beer, wine and sake.
Photos by Julie Reichle