We’ve all been eagerly waiting for the Lunar New Year celebrations, but it’s easy to forget that Valentine’s Day comes hot off the heels right after. If Chinese New Year has got you too preoccupied to plan that special day with your partner, we’ve got you covered! Here’s our ultimate guide to last-minute Valentine’s Day gifts you can both enjoy this 2024.
Our guide will include dine-in options, small treats, and gifts that both sides can enjoy! From the luxurious to the economical, there’s something here for everyone.
Dining In
As they say, food is the key to the heart, and what better way is there to get your heart (and stomach) full than a gastronomic dining experience with your loved one? Here are our picks for restaurants with special menu offerings for the occasion that you and your partner can enjoy!
KOMA
For date night, enjoy a visual feast before the actual feast with KOMA. The restaurant interior’s design is highly influenced by the land of the rising sun and features vibrant Japanese elements like lanterns and paper umbrellas — a sight to behold when you enter.
But the food is no slouch either. For Valentine’s Day 2024, they are presenting a special six-course menu that includes a glass of rosé wine for each person. An exquisite line-up of fresh seafood starts the meal, where you can enjoy the shrimp cocktail in wasabi with avocados and tomatoes, the chef’s sashimi platter of the day, and pan-seared scallops.
Later on, you can choose between a Western-style surf and turf featuring a generous serving of lobster and beef sirloin paired with brussel sprouts and shallots, or an Asian-themed bowl of Japanese Wafu Acqua Pazza seabass sitting in a broth of Asari clams, cherry tomatoes, dashi stock and mussels. The penultimate course brings another platter comprising tuna chirashi roll, karei (flounder), and hamachi (yellowtail) before both of you can end the night on a high with the chef’s special dessert.
📍Location: Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Ave, # B1 – 67, Singapore 018972
💲Price: S$520++ for two persons
Reservations for KOMA can be made at their official website, or through the Marina Bay Sands website.
Allora
The newly opened Allora at Crowne Plaza Changi Airport welcomes couples to celebrate Valentine’s Day 2024 for the first time. For the occasion, the restaurant has a delicious 3-course Italian menu to savour alongside your partner.
The Valentine’s Day 3-course menu starts with Polpo & Patate, featuring a symphony of flavours that includes succulent grilled octopus leg, paired with tender potatoes,
cherry tomatoes confit, green beans and luscious bagna cauda (northern Italian anchovy-garlic dip). It’s topped off with fresh parsley, with the completed dish bringing diners a feeling of being in the coastal regions of Italy.
Once you’re done, next comes a choice between Brasato 3 Pepi or Pomodoro E Basilico. The Brasato 3 Pepi uses homemade ravioli stuffed with rich braised beef, then tossed in velvety sage-infused butter sauce. Be sure to take in the 3-pepper beef jus sauce, which also delivers a perfect balance of savoury richness and aromatic warmth. Meanwhile, the Pomodoro E Basilico brings diners spaghettone quadrato bathed in a velvety tomato sauce. Savoury olives and aromatic basil are added to complement the dish, along with rich Stracciatella cheese.
The final course brings a sweet ending with the signature ALLORAmisú Tiramisu, crafted with homemade espresso-soaked Savoiardi cookies and layered mascarpone cream. A generous dusting of cocoa powder completes the dessert, which promises a divine finale to the evening.
📍Location: Crowne Plaza Changi Airport, 75 Airport Blvd., #01-01, Singapore 819664
💲Price: S$96++ (usual price: S$128++)
Reservations for Allora are available on the restaurant’s website.
Alegria
The alluring Latin cuisine marries into Asian flavours with Alegria, a Latin Asian Bar and Restaurant that sits along the bustling Keong Saik district, whose chic ambience provides the perfect locale for an intimate date night.
Indulge in Alefria’s curated 5-course Valentine’s Day menu, which begins with Ostra Al Horno — oyster grilled with garlic butter, jalapeno, and chicharon. Another starter to whet the appetite arrives in the Sisig Pi Tee, which has pork belly mixed with Dinakdakan sauce and served in crispy cups. Tacos are next on the menu, with a choice of Pescado (Baja-style fish, Chipotle mayo, Katsuboshi) or Mushroom (King oyster mushroom, purple cabbage, Truffle cream) to enjoy before the main course.
The mains likewise have several choices to pick from. There’s Tiger Prawn Asado, which has grilled prawn paired with mango salsa and cilantro lime crème. Another option is the Bistecca, a hearty ribeye steak dish with Chimichurri sauce and condiments. You also can’t go wrong with the Grilled Maitake and Truffle, featuring Maitake mushroom grilled to perfection and mixed with spaghetti before being garnished with pecorino cheese. The last main is Jerk Chicken, where you can enjoy Parilla-grilled chicken with Jamaican Jerk sauce alongside a pairing of Escabeche and Salsa Roja.
The Champorado dessert ends a satisfying night. Originally a sweet chocolate rice porridge in Philippine cuisine, Alegria’s version features frozen chocolate mousse, homemade mochi, baked rice, and Polvoron (Spanish shortbread) crumble.
📍Location: 18 Teck Lim Rd, Singapore 088390
💲Price: S$68++/pax
Be sure to reserve a spot for your partner and yourself on Alegria’s Chope page.
Treats for Home
Dining in provides a gratifying way to enjoy the presence of your loved one, but spending time with them at home and simply eating treats together can be just as good — and sometimes more intimate. Check out our selection of small treats that both parties can appreciate.
Meurisse Chocolate
Chocolate is the ultimate indulgent treat, but let’s do away with familiar names like Cadbury and Ferrero. Instead, why not try something extra special for the occasion? Founded in 1845, Meurisse is synonymous with the rich heritage of Belgian chocolate, standing proud with a reputation of being the country’s oldest chocolate brand. With a history like that, there’s no better fit for a chocolate to have for Valentine’s Day.
Meurisse has several delectable flavours of chocolate bars to choose from. Of course, there’s the classic ‘Creamy Milk’, a silky concoction made with the company’s quintessential milk recipe with single-origin chocolate. Still, there are also unique offerings like ‘Quinoa with Pink Pepper’ — dark chocolate with crisp puffed quinoa featuring a subtle kick of pink pepper. Given the Lunar New Year celebrations, you may also want to try the ‘Dark Orange’ flavour. Enjoy a dark chocolate bar with the zesty notes and scents of the humble orange fruit.
If you’d like to keep things more familiar, there are also more traditional flavours on offer. The ‘Caramel Sea Salt’ is a beautiful combination of sweet and salty, mixing cheeky caramel and briny sea salt alongside the velvety milk chocolate. Nut lovers will also relish the ‘Roasted Hazelnuts’ flavour, which brings the crunch of delicately crumbled roasted nuts with sweet milk chocolate.
There are many more options to see from Meurisse, so be sure to check out the chocolate at your nearest Cold Storage or purchase it online on their website. Other online shopping platforms for Meurisse include Lazada and WOLF + WALD.
sinfulcakes
Let’s make Valentine’s Day 2024 colourful by having some vibrant macrons! Look no further than with sinfulcakes’ macron collection to provide you with these delicious round treats! Starting as a home-based business in 2013, the company has earned a reputation for their lip-smacking macrons and has only grown in popularity since. And the icing on the cake is that they are Muslim-owned and use halal ingredients and methods to make their bakes — everyone can enjoy these sinful creations!
The company has 12 enticing flavours that you can grab. There are unique ones like Yuan Yang (S$3.50), filled with a Vietnamese coffee ganache and milk custard right at the centre. If you love all things Korean, you’d certainly revel in the Korean Wedding Tea & Lemon (S$3.50) flavour. Receive hints of green tea and Muscat grapes with the Korean wedding tea ganache, which hides a tangy lemon curd in the middle.
But with it being in the spirit of Valentine’s and all, the Red Velvet Nutella (S$3.50) flavour fits the mood. Sporting an enticing deep red hue, one bite is all it takes to fall in love with the cream cheese frosting and Nutella. Likewise, the 72% Dark Chocolate (S$3.50) should satisfy any chocolate lover. Within the Valrhona cocoa shell, there’s a simply exquisite 72% Dark chocolate fudge filling that is calling your name.
If you’d like to try out every option from sinfulcakes’ macron collection, they also have a Box of 12 Macron Sampler (S25.90) packed with all flavours. The macron collection can be purchased from sinfulcakes’ official website or their Shopee store.
Monarchs & Milkweed Gelato
I scream for ice cream, and for Valentine’s Day, both of you will be screaming for more of Monarchs & Milkweed’s gelato menu. Created in 2020 by cooks Eric and Mandeep, Monarchs & Milkweed features a roving lineup of gelato pints that you can indulge in the comfort of your home.
Flavours include unique concoctions like Wildflower Honey (S$18), featuring subtle floral notes alongside the sweet raw honey. And Mango Coconut (S$18), a dairy-free option that brings the refreshing taste of mango with just the right amount of coconut to beat the humidity.
There are also classics such as Gianduja (S$21) on offer; an indulgent combination of hazelnut and chocolate that will tempt you to go for one more scoop. Add some local flavour into the mix with the Soursop Mint (S$21) option too, made using the tropical profile of soursop mixed with cooling mint.
Monarchs & Milkweed’s full selection of gelato pints is available to purchase from their website, so be sure to get them soon to enjoy them in time for Valentine’s!
For Her
Now we’re on to the gifting section, and we know how hard it can be to find a great present. As gentlemen, we are going ladies first — here are some items you can get for her.
Dyson special-edition Prussian Blue and Topaz Colourway
For women, hair is a prominent asset in their arsenal, so we all know how important it is to keep it looking good and healthy. Enter Dyson’s range of hair care devices, designed to ensure that your lady locks stay luscious.
Starting with the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer, the lightweight device holds heavy-duty technology. The proprietary Dyson digital motor V9 is the heartbeat of the dryer, where the 13-blade impeller spins at up to 110,000rpm and propels 13 litres of air up to the amplifier every second. Combined with its intelligent heat control technology, say goodbye to heat damage to your hair.
Meanwhile, the Dyson Airwrap multi-styler provides much flexibility in how you style your hair — courtesy of its 13 included attachments. With an adjustable airflow control as well, hair styling is never easier! It, too, has an intelligent heat control system that measures and regulates the heat to protect against heat damage and retain hair shine.
Both products are now available in a unique Prussian Blue and Topaz colourway, an alluring aesthetic that adds a sense of sophistication to the home. The Dyson Supersonic hair dryer and Dyson Airwrap multi-styler Prussian Blue and Topaz colours are priced at S$699 and S$859, respectively, and are available for purchase from Dyson Demo Stores and the Dyson official website.
The Bloom Box’s Valentine Mini Preserved Rose Bloom Box
Flowers are a great way to brighten up everyone’s days, making them everyone’s go-to gift for Valentine’s Day. The Bloom Box is offering a cute little way to bring a smile to your loved one with their Valentine Mini Preserved Rose Bloom Box.
Inside these tiny boxes, you’ll see a curated range of flowers handpicked and beautifully arranged by The Bloom Box. Featuring a preserved rose, dried caspia, static flowers, and bunny tails, these flowers are made to last; symbolising your eternal love for each other.
Grab these boxes over on foodpanda’s pandamart, where they’ll be delivered as fast as within an hour! You can also find The Blook Box’s other Valentine’s Day gift range over on their website.
SHARP’s Crystaliq Skincare Series
Work can leave us with little time and motivation to take care of ourselves, so sometimes, the gift of self-care can be the perfect accompaniment for someone. Self-care can take different forms, but let’s start with the simplest one — caring for our skin.
SHARP’s Crystaliq Skincare Series provides a great starting point for your skincare journey. Crafted in Japan, their line of products ensures that everyone’s skin gets that much-needed TLC.
The Crystaliq Skincare Series offers a five-step regimen to keep your skin looking healthy. Begin with the Facial Cleansing Foam, which contains a potent formula that removes dirt, excess serum, and dead skin cells to purify and rejuvenate the skin, leaving it refreshed and moisturised. Afterwards, add the Moisturizing Toner, which immerses the skin in hydration and sets the stage for the Moisturizing Lotion, which adds nourishment and protection with its silky touch and anti-inflammatory properties.
The routine continues with the Moisturizing Cream, helping to provide all-day hydration, preventing acne from forming, and maintaining smooth and vibrant skin. The final cog is the UV Whitening Cream, offering whitening care, wrinkle improvement, and complete sun protection.
The Crystaliq Skincare Series is now available on SHARP CocoroLife estore, Asian Beauty X, and Beaubit, with prices ranging from S$38.90 to S$69.90. SHARP has also rolled out a limited-edition 5-in-1 set with complimentary gift box packaging retailing at only S$259, making it an ideal choice to present to your partner.
For Him
That’s not a lot of things that guys need, arguably making getting them a gift equally tricky. Nevertheless, we are going to give it a try here! Here are some gift ideas that will hopefully bring a smile to your man’s face.
HP Pavilion Plus 14-inch Laptop PC Plus
Work hard, play hard — does that sound like your partner? Well, then the HP Pavilion Plus 14-inch Laptop PC Plus is the device for him.
The laptop is tailored for dynamic lifestyles, meaning that one can seamlessly switch from work mode to play mode in a flash, with the equipped OLED display right at the heart of everything to bring a visual experience like no other. It also boasts a powerful Intel Core i7-1355U processor, ensuring a reliable performance for whatever you need.
The HP Pavilion Plus 14-inch Laptop PC Plus is available from the Challenger website, with a S$1,716 price just for members.
LEGO sets
Who doesn’t love LEGO? Get your guy a LEGO set and see his inner child come to life! The LEGO store has many sets to choose from, which may make picking one a daunting task, so here are a few recommendations we can offer.
The Lord Of The Rings: Rivendell set makes for an excellent gift for fans of The Lord of the Rings series. The set depicts the iconic Middle-earth valley where the famous quest began and includes meticulous details like the elven forge, Elrond’s cluttered study, the Shards of Narsil, as well as paintings and statues from the history of Middle-earth. Through the 6,167-piece project, you can recreate iconic scenes from the books and films using the 15 included minifigures.
But if you’d like something you can work on together, there’s the Bouquet of Roses Building Set. The 822-piece set depicts a stunning display of a dozen red roses, including 4 in full bloom, 4 blooming, and 4 in bud, with long green stems for vase display. There are also 4 sprigs of baby’s breath with small white flowers to complete the set. It’s a joy to make together, and once you’re both done, it’ll make for a nice display for the home!
Both of these sets are available on the LEGO Official Stores on Shopee, Lazada, and Amazon Singapore! If they aren’t your fancy, there is much more where that came from, so be sure to have a good look at their vast selection.
SteelSeries Dragon Arctis Nova 7
Sometimes, all a guy needs is some alone time, and what better way to fully immerse yourself than with a pair of good headphones? But if you’re looking for great-sounding headphones that will turn heads, the new SteelSeries Dragon Arctis Nova 7 is the one to have.
The SteelSeries Dragon Arctis Nova 7 is a special red version of the award-winning Arctis Nova 7 wireless gaming headphones, designed with a striking exotic look inspired by the Chinese zodiac dragon that is stylish both at home and outside.
But the headphones are also backed up with superb audio performance. It’s equipped with the Nova Acoustic System, which features custom 40mm drivers for crystal-clear high notes, precise mid-range, and deep bass not just for immersive music listening, but also for getting deep into the game world. Plus, it includes 360° Spatial Audio to precisely hear an enemy’s position as well as pro-grade parametric EQ to enhance critical in-game sounds like footsteps.
With multi-platform support and simultaneous wireless, the SteelSeries Dragon Arctis Nova 7 lets users easily switch between devices and listen to two audio streams simultaneously, making party gaming a cinch.
The special edition SteelSeries Dragon Arctis Nova 7 will go on sale on 16 February 2024 and is available for pre-order now on the SteelSeries official store at Shopee Singapore for S$359. This Valentine’s Day gift may come a little later, but it’s one he’ll be glad he waited for!
Has any of these ideas helped with your Valentine’s Day planning? We certainly hope it did! Be sure to let us know to let us know how the special day went by reaching out to us on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok.
Cover photo and visual of Meurisse Chocolate by Leo Chia of the DANAMIC Team. Additional visuals courtesy of Marina Bay Sands, Crown Plaza Changi Airport, Alegria, Dyson Singapore, foodpanda, SHARP, HP Singapore, The LEGO Group, and Steelseries Singapore.
