If you want a Valentine’s Day gift that feels thoughtful, uplifting, and a little bit special, these hand-picked gift ideas are guaranteed to hit the mark.
1. A wearable work of art
For lovers of colour, pattern, and craftsmanship, Frances Priest’s limited-edition silk scarf is a gift to treasure.
Created to coincide with Frances Priest: Motif | Line | Colour at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house, the scarf draws on the artist’s hand-drawn studies inspired by Blackwell’s interiors and the surrounding Lake District landscape. Organic motifs reference the decorative language of architect M.H. Baillie Scott, reimagined as a flowing, contemporary design.
Handmade in the UK using luxurious crêpe-de-chine silk, each scarf reflects the core principles of the Arts & Crafts Movement: slow crafting, quality, and utilising local materials where possible. Presented in a black gift box with a signed A5 card by the artist, and limited to just 100 editions, it’s a truly special Valentine’s gift — one that supports contemporary craft rooted in heritage.
Find out more about the Frances Priest Limited Edition Scarf.
2. Contemporary jewellery with craftmanship at its core
The Craft shop at Blackwell displays a curated selection of jewellery by makers who are keeping the spirit of the Arts & Crafts Movement alive. One of our newest additions, Polished Grey, creates contemporary jewellery designed for everyday wear — with elegance, comfort, and thoughtfulness at the heart of the design. Working from a studio in the Wiltshire countryside, Polished Grey draws inspiration from the world around them: the smooth forms of sea-worn pebbles, the graphic lines of industrial architecture, and the quiet beauty of simple shapes.
Made predominantly from recycled sterling silver, these pieces reflect a commitment to sustainability and responsible making. Their ethos aligns closely with Blackwell’s mission to celebrate contemporary makers who are keeping traditional heritage skills alive — where beauty, function, and quality sit hand in hand.
Discover Polished Grey’s collection at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house.
3. Sustainable gifts inspired by life on the lake
Perfect for those searching for something practical and beautiful, Mouse Sails bags are made by repurposing retired boat sails into durable, functional, and stylish accessories. Each piece carries the marks of its previous life on the water, making each bag truly unique.
Inspired by Windermere’s rich boating heritage, these products perfectly reflect the core values of Windermere Jetty Museum — celebrating craftsmanship, sustainability, and the region’s history. From small pouches to larger bags, Mouse Sails make thoughtful Valentine’s gifts for anyone who values design with purpose.
Discover the Mouse Sail range at Windermere Jetty Museum’s Gift shop
4. Books that inspire creative curiosity
Sometimes the best gifts are those that spark ideas. Abbot Hall’s carefully curated book selection includes titles inspired by current exhibitions, such as Simon Starling: Boat Works, alongside artist autobiographies and books connected to our art collection.
These books offer insight into creative practice, identity, ecology, and place, making them ideal Valentine’s gifts for art lovers, thinkers, and anyone who enjoys discovering new perspectives.
The full range can be explored in person at Abbot Hall, open Wednesday to Saturday, 10am–4pm.
5. A gift that lasts all year
For a Valentine’s gift that truly keeps on giving, a Lakeland Arts Membership opens the door to a full year of cultural and heritage discoveries; perfect for creating lasting memories together. Members enjoy unlimited free entry to our museums, discounts in cafés and on events, invitations to exclusive experiences, and a regular members’ newsletter.
They’ll also get to enjoy fun days out, one-of-a-kind experiences, and a deeper connection to Cumbria’s rich cultural heritage – all while directly supporting our charitable work to make art and heritage accessible to everyone.
6. Gift ideas for foodies!
For those who love a sweet treat or something a little indulgent, our shops offer a carefully chosen selection of foodie gifts made to be enjoyed and shared. At Windermere Jetty Museum, you’ll also find The Naked Marshmallow Co. gift sets available for a limited time at a discounted price, perfect for cosy evenings in or thoughtful Valentine’s surprises.
Take a moment to explore our tempting range of snacks and treats during your visit to Windermere Jetty Museum, ideal for gifting or simply enjoying by the lake.
Giving with purpose this Valentine’s Day
Every purchase from Lakeland Arts helps support our charitable mission: protecting Cumbria’s heritage, inspiring the makers of tomorrow, and ensuring that creativity remains accessible to all in the region.
