Valentine's is just around the corner - OUR gift ideas 'podium'

I know how tough this day can be for some of you. If you're not in a relationship, then you're probably trying to schedule a night out or a dinner at home with a group of other single friends, as far as possible from any of those 'romantic' restaurants...

​On the other hand, if you're already committed, then you're possibly still searching for the perfect gift... is this your case?

Well, if your soul mate is an avid runner, I believe I can help. If he or she is not - but you are! - then I suggest you surreptitiously leave your laptop open on the dinner table, with this post on display...!

​History tells us the Roman priest Valentine got beheaded in February 14th (year 278) for marrying and otherwise helping Christian couples. The good news is you are reading this precious blog post and therefore you will definitely nail it in the 'gift department' this Valentine's!

​Your head should be reasonably safe... 

Let's check out the top three:

1. BRONZE

THE MEDAL HANGER - A CLASSIC!

​You can't go wrong with this one.

​His/her bling needs hanging. If your loved one is a marathoner or a trail running addict, then she/he must have a large collection of medals stashed away in a box somewhere. If you're already living together, it's time for you to share some wall space! A quick search for "medal rack" on Amazon should help you find the right one! If you can find a local manufacturer able to customize it, maybe even include his/her name, perfect!  Just make sure your supplier is able to deliver in time for Valentine's...!

2. SILVER

A BOOK FOR THE FREQUENT FLYER!

This is our cheapest suggestion.

​The book “The Runner’s Guide to Travel” is allegedly "loaded with tips and suggestions to help you plan, pack, stay safe, and run happily while you travel the world."

It includes more than 100 tips for the traveling runner, as well as a few “bonus” tips scattered along the way, suggestions on dealing with dog encounters, 12 tips for racing in a foreign country, and dozens of links to additional resources about food and nutrition, gear checklists...(...) This book will become the perfect companion for your lover-traveling-runner, even if he/she is just now thinking of incorporating running into travels. 

Additional tip from me - if you're in Porto for leisure or business, then you have one e-book you should definitely check out in advance: EASY GUIDE TO PORTO  - 2017 FOR RUNNERS AND WINE LOVERS (tap to download. It's free!)

3. GOLD

FLOWERS & CHOCOLATE!

This is THE safe option. Go old school...

... if your partner happens to be a romantic lady runner and, of course, you don’t resort to this combination too often! In any case,  give it a try!  If you are visiting Porto then I have two local recommendations concerning this wining combo:

My good friend Sandro recently teamed up with his wife Sofia, a florist for more than 15 years now, and both opened Oporto Flowers, a charming florist shop in Cedofeita district.

You can even order online and ask for free delivery within Porto city centre! 

In the sweets department: Arcadia’s chocolate store is located in Rua do Almada, which is also the place where they handcraft most of their product! Besides being the oldest chocolate factory in Porto, they have these magnificent boxes with Port wine chocolate (link)…hmmm... 

Whatever decision you make, please be reminded that Porto can be a truly romantic destination for your next city break. And you have the option to make it an active one!

This brings us to a BONUS SUGGESTION bellow - you saw this one coming, didn’t you? 

Care for a running tour ?