Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and for many of us the quest for the perfect present is far from finished.
We decided to visit Bristol's Gloucester Road, described as having the longest row of independent shops in Europe, in search of the quirkiest and most unusual Valentine’s Day gifts.
From traditional chocolate hearts and roses to pampering gift sets, jewellery and matchboxes, here’s what we found when we visited the independent shops on Gloucester Road:
1. Chocolatier Pionka
At Chocolatier Pionka, we had the opportunity to see the latest chocolate creations for Valentine's Day ranging from £15 to £20. The chocolate hearts are made with 70 percent cocoa chocolate, pistachio, praline, salted caramels and finished with strawberries. The chocolate slabs with chocolate hearts come in a range of flavours including different nuts, strawberries, canned oranges, blueberries and other fruits, and in a range of different chocolate types. They all come in a nice box with a ribbon.
2. _Ustudio
At _Ustudio they had a wide range of potential Valentine’s Day gifts to suit different budgets. They recommended their wide chocolate range which includes award-winning Bullion (£6.50 to £11.50), the Ear of East Wildflower mist and candle set (£45), Maison Louis Marie’s perfume oil Discovery gift set (£49), their range of Escuyer leather wallets (£65 to £110) and the Maria Black Cantare Necklace with a pearl on its chain (£206). They also recommended the Traveller Notebooks (leather cover for £49) and inserts which are made with MD paper (around £5 each).
3. Fig
At Fig, a small shop and art gallery featuring the work of Robyn Coetzee, Kate Tarling, Chitra Merchant, Jemima Lumley, Andy Mason and Anna Harley, they recommended Robin Coetzee Glass design glass birds with messages (£20 for a large bird, £14 for a small one without text) as a Valentine's Day gift.
4. Iota
At Iota they sell a wide range of quirky gifts. They recommended the silver earrings handmade by local artist Roisin Neild (£40 to £60), the hearts pouch (£29.99) for a more traditional Valentine’s Day theme, the quirky people-shaped porcelain vases (£16.99 to £19.99), and the Agnes + Cat gift box which includes a candle and two bath fizzers (£29.99).