Valentine's Day Gifts Straight from the Heart of the Quad Cities

Surprise, delight, and pamper your sweetheart!

Shopping local is easy when you have some of the best flavors, unique gift ideas, and truly fun hometown establishments to choose from. Here's a collection of some of the best Valentine's Day gift ideas offered in the Quad Cities.

Soaps, Beard Oil, and Lotions OH MY!

If you haven't checked out Allied Barber Supply in Davenport, IA - put it on your list! Not only are the products fantastic (men's grooming, goods, and gear), there's a great story behind the owner and his shop.
Splash in Moline, IL has SO many delightfully creative soaps (from mini-coffee cups to conversation hearts) and other bath items. I especially recommend the shower bombs.
I highly recommend Lillie & Pine and their handmade skincare out of Moline, IL I LOVE their spray lotion. English lavender and Milk & Honey are my favorites, but all the varieties are delightful!
I also have to recommend Argrow's House. They have the best bar soap! This bath and body business supports women healing from violence and abuse. Great products and a great cause!

John Deere items
I can't possibly live in the Quad Cities and not love wearing John Deere t-shirts, hats, and sweatshirts. We are home to their world headquarters after all! I can spend a good deal of time and money at the John Deere Store at Moline Centre; however, my two favorite places to find John Deere gear are the Quad Cities International Airport gift shop and Cracker Barrel in Davenport, IA.

Quad Cities Pizza: Not only can you order a delicious pizza made unlike anywhere else in the world (I recommend the taco pizza - it's so so good!), you can even buy a QC style pizza shirt (or two).

Coffee shop gift cards
There are so many wonderfully cozy Quad Cities Coffee Shops: places to relax, get work done, meet friends, enjoy a romantic lunch, and spend an hour or two reading. Who wouldn't love a gift card to one of the best places to be in town? Check out the QC Coffee Trail for some truly local coffee shops.

Tattoo by a local artist
So many of my friends have tattoos from Quad Cities artists. Some shops with high recommendations are Obscura Tattoo & Gallery, Envious Ink Tattoo Studio, O'Tool Design Custom Tattoo, Red owl collective, Darkside Art Co., The Silver Key, Arch Rivals Tattoo, AF Tattoo Studio, and Tooth & Nail. This is not an exhaustive list but the ones I've heard recommended recently.

Isabel Bloom
Handcrafted cement sculptures by Isabel Bloom are made in Davenport, IA, and are truly a local inspiration. As their website boasts, “Choose from many whimsical designs: children and families, playful animals, inspiring angels, home and garden sculptures and many seasonal favorites.”

Pottery: I HIGHLY recommend taking (or gifting) lessons with the talented wheel thrower Carolyn Krueger. She is patient and fun. I promise anyone who takes her classes will leave with something wonderful they made themselves! If lessons aren't your thing, head to Dot's Pots in Moline, IL for unique and sweetly crafted pieces. You'll find clever animals, fun vases, colorful pitchers, irresistible mugs and so much more.

Quad Cities craft beer
My husband's favorite Valentine's day gift is a 6 pack or growler of the Jalapeño Beer from Bent River Brewing Co. Find your loved one's favorite beverage from the QC Ale Trail. “The QC Ale Trail introduces you to the craft breweries on both sides of the big and bold Mississippi River in the Quad Cities”. There's no limit to the number of Quad Cities craft beers to take home and enjoy.

Lagomarcino's Confectionery has been making the finest chocolates in the Quad Cities since 1908.
The hot fudge is to die for. Seriously, my mouth is watering right now thinking about it. Plus, the list of delectable chocolates and candy available from Lago's is just so vast and delicious - you MUST go to one of their shops to taste and see for yourself. Something yummy from Lagomarcino's truly is a local Valentine's favorite!

Written by Meghan Cooley

Meghan Cooley moved to the Quad Cities from St. Charles, IL, as an Augustana College student over 20 years ago. She left briefly after graduation and then returned to work in admissions and then marketing at Augustana College for 18 years. She now works as a consultant for admissions marketing and social media. She also does copy editing and writes for the Quad City Moms Blog. Now a true Quad Cities transplant, Meghan lives in Rock Island with her husband, Luke (R.O.W.V.A. and Augustana grad and Modern Woodmen employee) and four boys. She loves living in the Quad Cities and finds it the perfect place to raise a family, plan a date night, and go on adventures.