New Mexico Man Surprises Wife with Candy Store Experience for Valentine's Day

Lonnie Anderson, known as the 'King of Valentine's Day', continues his tradition of grand gestures.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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For over 30 years, Lonnie Anderson of South Valley, New Mexico has created unique and extravagant Valentine's Day gifts for his wife Anne, from a full-size carousel in their front yard to a 30-foot bouquet of flowers. This year, he surprised her by renting out the Bluebird Candy Factory in Utah, where she got to build her own custom box of sweets from around the shop. Anderson says he does these grand gestures to remind his wife of how great she is and to spread love, adding that some of these gifts cost about the same as a typical Valentine's Day dinner and flowers.

Why it matters

Anderson's annual Valentine's Day surprises for his wife highlight the lengths some people will go to express their love and appreciation, even through elaborate and unconventional means. His story showcases the power of grand romantic gestures and the joy they can bring, while also demonstrating that these types of experiences don't necessarily have to break the bank.

The details

This year, Anderson teamed up with the owner of an art store that supports people with disabilities to rent out the Bluebird Candy Factory in Utah. There, Anderson's wife Anne was able to build her own custom box of sweets from the various candies and treats around the shop. The couple also had giant jelly-bean hearts made in the shop's window display.

  • For more than 30 years, Lonnie Anderson has created unique Valentine's Day gifts for his wife.

The players

Lonnie Anderson

A New Mexico man known as the 'King of Valentine's Day' for his tradition of grand gestures for his wife on the holiday.

Anne Anderson

Lonnie Anderson's wife, who has received his elaborate Valentine's Day gifts for over 30 years.

Bluebird Candy Factory

A candy shop in Utah that Lonnie Anderson rented out so his wife could build her own custom box of sweets.

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What they’re saying

“When you're spreading love and you're doing something grand, you can't do that by yourself. You know, that's just something that has to, you have to involve other people. And if you want to do something really beautiful and amazing with your life, you have to ask for help.”

— Lonnie Anderson (wbal.com)

What’s next

Anderson plans to continue his tradition of grand Valentine's Day gestures for his wife in the future.

The takeaway

Lonnie Anderson's annual over-the-top Valentine's Day surprises for his wife demonstrate the power of creative and thoughtful romantic gestures, even if they don't require a large budget. His story highlights the joy that can come from expressing love through unique experiences.