With Valentine’s Day right around the corner…. some people love it and go all out for it; others stick it to the man and repudiate the February lovefest in the name of anti-consumerism and singledom. But hey, here’s a reminder that Valentine’s can be a day to celebrate any kind of love—romantic or not. And as commercialized as the holiday has become, gift-giving is still an incredibly meaningful way of expressing affection for the people you value in your life, whether that be a significant other or your friends and family.
That said, we KNOW you can send something better along with your Valentine’s Day card than flowers and chocolate from some corporate-owned chain store. Here’s a list of unique finds sourced exclusively from small businesses and socially-conscious merchants that would totally up your gifting game.
1. Geode heart candles from Tal & Bert
Candles are such a classic, so why not go above and beyond with Tal & Bert’s Conversation Hearts, a collection of pastel, geode-encrusted heart candles lined with 22k gold leaf. Each one of their three designs offers a different scent, planter color, and crystal filling, and all are hand-poured and equally stunning artistic creations. LOVE this!
2. Traditional turkish delights & baklava from Lokum
A colorfully arranged heart-shaped gift box from LOKUM’s Valentine’s Day collection would make for a beautiful (and delicious) present. You can’t go wrong with consumables!
3. A doggy Valentine snack pack from Barkuterie Boards
(Disclaimer: this one’s for the dog owners out there—we do not claim liability if you go and buy this for a fellow human.)
Share some love with your special pup this Valentine’s by pampering them with an assortment of tasty themed treats, including butterfly cookies and “red velvet” beet hearts. Or DO offer this to a fellow human—as long as they own a dog—and show that you’re thoughtful enough to even think of their pet!
4. A handcrafted wooden heart puzzle box from Matr Boomie
Hand-carved with love by local artisans and made from sustainably sourced Indian rosewood, Matr Boomie’s Hearts Are One puzzle box features an intricate lid design and a hidden storage compartment for treasured keepsakes, candy, or jewelry, making this a delightful addition to the home or office space.
ONE MORE THING…
Now that you have some ideas to chomp on, don’t forget the important last step: a Valentine’s Day ecard to go along with your present.
Writing a short, sweet, and heartfelt note does wonders for personalizing a gift, after all… pretty cost-effective for something that only takes a few minutes to complete! Invite friends and family, add a funny Valentine’s meme or a cute, romantic GIF (depending on your recipient) and you’re all set!
Spread the love
Send an virtual eCard from Kudoboard along with your physical gift
