Cleveland has a wealth of creative bakers, candy makers, florists, jewelry designers and others who can help make you look like the best gift giver ever. Meet several:
All City Candy
“Heart-shaped candy is my favorite candy. (It’s) made with love and truly makes my heart full. It’s timeless, joyful and instantly brings a smile,” says Elisabeth Sapell, founder and president of All City Candy in Richmond Heights. “My favorite conversation heart saying over the years has always been, ‘You’re sweet,’ which feels especially appropriate for a candy lady.”
But the “premium chocolates from the fine chocolate cases are always a great hit for Valentine’s Day — they are beautiful, indulgent and meant to be shared,” according to Sapell. She also suggests a bouquet of chocolate roses, “which lasts a little longer than the real thing,” and the hand-dipped strawberries that are made only twice a year (Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day).
Sapell, a lifelong chocolate lover, opened her family business in 2013. She now sells an endless variety of candy at her retail location (curbside pickup is also offered) and online. That includes cinnamon jelly hearts, cherry-flavored lollipops and milk chocolate marshmallow hearts. She also loves to make gifts combos “that feel thoughtful, nostalgic and fun” and suggests:
• $25 to $40 – a sweet mix of conversation hearts, retro Valentine candy, gourmet chocolate bars and seasonal treats
• $50 to $75 – Valentine gift box with chocolate-covered pretzels, caramels and premium chocolates
• $100 – deluxe gift assortment with premier chocolates, chocolate-dipped Oreos, nostalgic favorites and seasonal Valentine treats.746 Richmond Road, Richmond Heights, 216-487-7070, allcitycandy.com
The Urban Orchid
Expect the unexpected if you order a Valentine’s Day floral arrangement from The Urban Orchid. “We try to make every flower arrangement specific. You can’t just say, ‘I want the Have-a-Nice-Day bouquet.’ We ask about the person you are sending it to, maybe their favorite colors, style, flowers,” explains owner and designer Brandon Sitler, whose shops are in Tremont and Ohio City/Hingetown. “Of course, you can’t wait too long to order or some things may be gone.”
Sitler incorporates lots of “bright and cheery, vibrant jewel tones” into his floral creations. But more February 14 traditional colors are also available, of course. Winter designs may feature roses, peonies, hydrangeas and orchids, plus a surprise or two with an unusual choice of vegetation not often seen in creations.
“Our clients are looking for that Urban Orchid design, look and feel,” says Sitler. “That means super textured and unique.”
Sitler teaches floral design classes and holds events at the Tremont location, while Ohio City is more of a walk-in shop. But each sells gift baskets, locally made candles, chocolates, indoor plants, containers and Cleveland-themed items.
The designer has two suggestions. Don’t limit fresh flowers to just the living or dining rooms. They are beautiful in any room. And if you put them in a bathroom, they’ll love the moisture in the air from the shower. Also, don’t forget to add water to any container and/or replace it with fresh, clean water no matter where it is displayed.
“The flowers will last longer,” he says.
Tremont Design Studio, 3154 W. 14th St., 216-785-3618; Ohio City/Hingetown, 1455 W. 29th St., 216-589-0788; theurbanorchid.com
Sweet Bean
Sweet Bean, a chocolate studio and shop in Cleveland’s Collinwood neighborhood, opened in February 2021. If all goes according to schedule, owner and founder Kristin Barnes will be in her new spot this February, only four blocks away. The move from just under 1,000 square feet to 3,000 square feet will allow expansion for larger and more frequent tasting classes and other events. (Barnes may temporarily operate both locations until the move is settled.)
For an extraordinary Valentine’s Day gift, Barnes invites shoppers to “build a box of hand-painted bonbons,” the chocolates she calls the “rock stars” of her business and which have brought her local fame.
“Some people call them jewels, crystals, planets, bowling balls. The bonbons are shiny and bright and our tagline is that they are almost too pretty to eat,” says Barnes, who began making fine chocolates in 2013. “The most popular assortment is the nine-piece gift box. You can find Sweet Bean chocolates at some other locations across the city, but those are pre-mixed. If you come in and build a box yourself, that’s part of the excitement.”
Barnes says what sets her chocolate apart from “grocery store chocolate” is her product’s “really high cocoa butter content which makes it decadent and luscious.” One or two pieces is all someone needs to feel full and satisfied — it’s not like eating handfuls of M&M’s, she says. Usually, 24 painted bonbon varieties are available at any one time in the shop. But do think about Hazelnut (Barnes’ personal favorite), Salted Caramel, Brownie Batter and one the chocolatier said is coming on strong — Mexican Hot Cocoa. present location: 819 E. 185th St.; new location: 701 E. 185th St.; 216-795-5561; sweetbeancandies.com
Mishi Lifestyle
Tracy Burnett is founder and owner of Mishi Lifestyle in Lakewood. The home décor and gift store opened in 2021 and is a soothing source for those who wish to surround themselves with objects that evoke tranquility. That includes furniture, home and body scents, jewelry, barware and pet items.
“People are naturally made for connection, belonging and closeness,” says Burnett. “Love, in all its forms, gives life meaning. But peace and serenity create the space to truly feel and receive that love.”
If someone is looking for a gift that shows they care or one that makes the recipient know they are loved, Mishi Lifestyle is the place. One of Burnett’s favorite items is a mug with the words, “I Wish you Lived Next Door.”
“It’s a beautiful reminder to a friend or family member that they are missed and loved every time they use it,” says Burnett. “We sell many of these locally in our shop, but we also have shipped them to loved ones all over the country.”
Burnett also suggests the Mishi Lifestyle Amber Grove Candle “that really sets the stage for a romantic moment.” Think a combination of Egyptian Amber, Himalayan Bamboo and Caribbean Teakwood scents. The soy candle has a 55-hour burn time and is sold in a matte black glass vessel.15602 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-304-3832; mishilifestyle.com
Océanne
“It’s a heart, but it’s something you can wear all year,” says Anne Harrill, Océanne owner and designer, describing her brass-casted Verona Signet Ring. “It’s classic, one of our best sellers and now we can offer engraving.”
French native Harrill owns three Northeast Ohio jewelry and gift stores, in addition to her online business. Her minimalist, but sophisticated and sometimes whimsical, jewelry designs have made her original work a favorite across generations. Even though she spotlights the heart ring, Harrill says the symbol doesn’t have to be incorporated into jewelry given for February 14. It’s more important that jewelry is selected with the recipient’s taste in mind and not the giver’s, she says.
Also, for that extra special Valentine’s Day experience, consider Oceanne’s Forever Jewelry. The recipient chooses a chain at the store, the wrist is measured, a little ring is added and then the clasp-less bracelet is welded closed, to be worn 24/7.
“It’s a very meaningful experience. We have had couples, mother and daughters, BFFs, bridal parties and three generations make appointments. And it’s affordable. You can choose from several chains, from gold filled to and sterling silver,” says Harrill, adding that if the piece must be removed for whatever reason, it can simply be cut and later a new ring can be attached if desired.
Océanne also offers about 40 different chains and charms in-store including: Heart Padlock, Moon and Star Pearl Charm, Gold Daisy, Evil Eye, Snake, Bee, Four-leaf Clover, Zodiac Signs, Coffee Cup, Fish and more. Crocker Park: 295 Main St., Westlake, 216-802-9981; Pinecrest: 411 Park Ave., Suite 137, Orange, 216-778-9268; Gordon Square: 6519 Detroit Ave., 216-862-7043; oceanne.net