Valentine’s Day is about more than chocolates and flowers. It’s a special time for thoughtfulness, meaning, and celebrating the people and places that matter most. This year, express your love by choosing Something Special from Wisconsin™ products, which connect consumers to authentic, locally made goods from across the Badger State.
Since 1983, the Something Special from Wisconsin™ (SSfW) program has been administered by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection with one simple mission: to help Wisconsin businesses stand out while giving shoppers a trusted way to identify products that are truly made or processed in Wisconsin. Products featuring the recognizable red and yellow SSfW logo must have at least 50% of their ingredients, production, or processing tied to Wisconsin, ensuring every purchase supports local makers and the state’s long-standing tradition of quality and craftsmanship.
Whether you’re planning a romantic evening, building a heartfelt gift basket, or surprising someone special, SSfW members offer endless ways to celebrate. From comforting self-care items to indulgent treats, these Wisconsin-made products help you create a Valentine’s Day that feels personal and meaningful. Especially for any farmers and ranchers working outside in colder weather this time of year, the warmth, love, and admiration shown by a thoughtful gift is truly unrivaled.
Start the day with intention and warmth by brewing a cup of loose-leaf tea from Cultivate Taste LLC. Their award-winning teas are crafted without added sugars or flavorings, allowing organic and fair-trade ingredients to shine. Blended by certified tea specialists and packaged with sustainability in mind, these teas invite you to slow down and savor the moment.
Add a soft, romantic touch with Dream In Lavender LLC, a small, female-owned lavender farm in northeastern Wisconsin. Featuring farm-grown lavender in everything from dried bouquets to handcrafted bath and body products, their offerings bring calm, comfort, and natural beauty to any Valentine’s Day celebration.
For a cozy night in, Sunburst Soaps turns everyday routines into moments of indulgence. Known for rich shea butter soaps and skin-loving bath and body products, this Wisconsin maker offers seasonal favorites, craft beer soaps, lotions, scrubs, and bath bombs — perfect for a little wintertime pampering.
No Valentine’s Day is complete without chocolate, and Confections for Any Occasion delivers sweetness with heart. Founder Joel Bernhard creates gourmet chocolates using Swiss-style chocolate and premium Wisconsin butter, cream, and nuts. From classic truffles and caramels to molded chocolates, there’s something to delight every kind of Valentine.
Set the mood and end the day with the warm glow of Ambrosia Flame Candles. Hand-poured in small batches in Madison, these candles are made with USA-grown soy wax, cotton wicks, and clean fragrance oils, creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere that lingers long after the day is done.
This Valentine’s Day, skip the ordinary and choose gifts with meaning. Look for the Something Special from Wisconsin™ logo and share a story of local pride, craftsmanship, and love for our state. From agricultural producers to hometown artisans, the SSfW program will help you show your appreciation and extend warmth to those in your life. To discover unique gifts and learn more, visit somethingspecialwi.com.
— Sarah Hagenow is the 78th Alice in Dairyland, Wisconsin’s agriculture ambassador who works with media professionals to educate consumers about the importance of agriculture to Wisconsin’s economy and way of life. She can be reached at sarah.hagenow@wisconsin.gov.
