Here are great gift ideas for Valentine’s

Spas have gained popularity in Kenya in recent years because of the relaxing benefits as well as the holistic healing properties in the different treatments. Photo/FILE

What you need to know:

  • Shopping for special occasions has never been an easy task, especially for women but now with various companies offering to shop and package merchandise for you, many are opting to make orders that can be put together for you rather than go out shopping.
  • Elizabeth Mwai of His & Hers, an online shop says that they get orders during various occasions and deliver depending on the client’s requirements.

February 14th is here and no matter how much you want to avoid anything to do with the day, everything around seems to be a reminder that you have to find that special gift for your loved one.

While most of us are clueless on what gifts to buy for any special occasion, leave alone Valentine’s, the experts are usually busy making a kill as they tailor-make gifts and offer various packages for their clients’ needs.

If you feel that you are caught up with work and you haven’t picked a gift for your Valentine, the good news is that there are many different ways to pamper your loved one this weekend.

PERSONALISED GIFTS

Shopping for special occasions has never been an easy task, especially for women but now with various companies offering to shop and package merchandise for you, many are opting to make orders that can be put together for you rather than go out shopping.

Elizabeth Mwai of His & Hers, an online shop says that they get orders during various occasions and deliver depending on the client’s requirements.

“Whether it is for birthdays, weddings, Easter, Christmas or Valentine’s, the client gives us a brief on what they want; we customise the package by adding a complimentary touch such as a card, candles or chocolates depending on the occasion and the client’s budget,” she says.

SPA TREATMENTS

Over the years, we have seen major growth in beauty parlours that today offer more than just hair do’s. Today, many such outlets have luxurious spa treatments targeting the discerning client.

This involves total body works such as facials, massage and other beauty treatments.

Spas have gained popularity in Kenya in recent years because of the relaxing benefits as well as the holistic healing properties in the different treatments.

This makes it an ideal gift for anyone you want to spoil, be it a wife, husband or parents.

Today being a day to celebrate love, various spas across the city are offering special Valentine’s packages that you can take advantage of today, tomorrow or on Sunday – isn’t it great that you have a whole weekend to do that?

The Maisha spa at the Serena hotel, is offering two of the most exotic spa treatments - the chocolate decadence indulgence and the pineapple, ginger and marula multi-wrap.

“These are two of the Valentine’s weekend specials which take three hours for the full body massage at a cost of Sh14,000 and Sh15,000 per person,” says Alex Kigondu, Maisha Spa manager.

The Kaya spa at Tribe hotel also has offers for two exotic 3-4 hour spa treatments at between Sh16,000 and Sh22,000 per couple. Other treatments are available for the various seasons in the year making it one of the most sought after gifts.

DINNERS

Booking a dinner in a cozy hotel with a gourmet meal is also a great gift. It is a great way to spend time with someone you are celebrating an occasion with.

And you don’t have to go out , instead, you can opt for a home cooked dinner which you will make yourself or with the help of your better half or drive out of town and have a romantic picnic for two with wine and the works.

Jacaranda hotel’s Valentine’s dinner offer at their pool garden with a box of chocolate and a bottle of wine at Sh7900 per couple, is a great, affordable deal.

At Kempinski’s Villa Rosa, the offer is for a one-hour couples massage, one night accommodation, dinner and a bouquet of roses for the February special which runs for the whole month at Sh29,909.

“The Valentine’s Day special includes two nights’ accommodation, Valentine’s dinner, one hour couples massage, a bouquet of roses and a discount for additional spa treatment at Sh54,700 “ says Pauline Mbondo, Spa Manager at Kempinski Villa Rosa.

Nairobi Serena also has an offer of a romantic dinner and overnight stay tonight at a subsidised rate.

GIFT VOUCHERS

These serve perfectly when you have no time to shop for gifts, they are timely and a great way to let the receiver of the voucher buy something of their choice.

Most shops have gift vouchers for each season, so all you need to do is find out which clothing or shoe store the person likes and gift them with the store’s voucher.

Actually, if you intend to buy something for her or him, you should have found out exactly what they would like.

Bright Muyoti, a shop assistant at Fab Guru shop which deals with women’s shoes, dresses and accessories says they are offering gift vouchers on all items this season.

“At Fab Guru, we are offering gift vouchers from a minimum of Sh1,000 to Sh10,000 or more depending on what you choose. These vouchers are an ideal gift instead of buying something that may not be appreciated,” says Muyoti.

It’s not yet too late to get a gift for you loved one. Hopefully our ideas will help you choose something great. Another great idea is to simply drive out of town without the children, if you have any, for some quiet couple time.

This article was first published in the Business Daily .