What Message Your Valentine’s Gift is Sending

Valentine’s Day. Yet another holiday that affords us an opportunity to express our deepest feelings to whom we most love. If there ever was a time when we read into a gift, it must be on St. Valentine’s Day. St. Valentine himself was credited with marrying Roman soldiers on the sly against the decree of the law. Risking one’s life to perform a marriage ceremony (and to be the ones taking part in it) has to be the grandest gesture of all.

Kind of makes that heart shaped cardboard box of chocolates you picked up in line in the drug store look a little less…less.

To send the right kind of message, you need the right kind of gift. Depending on where you are in a relationship, Valentine’s Day gifts, and their appropriateness will vary. Here are 5 ideas of what to get, and what you might be saying…

Artisan Jewelry

This is a good one. Anything you purchase on Etsy can be a win-win gift. Having a personal piece of jewelry made speaks volumes; love and affection aside, it’s thoughtful and sweet. Depending on your budget (and the level of commitment) you can find lovely sterling silver bracelets for a song all the way up to a hand forged diamond ring with your fingerprints. What message is it sending? “I really care about you. I want a special, personal gift you will wear close to your heart. I want to take the extra trouble to create something that’s special and one of a kind, just like you are to me.”

Pajamas:

There are pajamas, and then there’s “pajamas.” Flannel teddy bears with hearts may be a good gift for the beginning of a relationship. They’re sweet, and a little bit suggestive. You might be sending a better message with these than cliché lingerie set. What message are they sending? “I love your funny side. I think it’s sexy.”

Chocolates:

Yes, yes, I read the introductory paragraph….I wrote it! I’m talking chocolates that are hand made. Again, use your magical Internet fairy and find chocolates in crazy flavors that are his or her favorite. There’s a bevy of chocolate and wine pairings. Salted, caramel, hot pepper, and cheese…there’s a taste for everyone. What kind of a message do these send? “I pay attention to small details about you. I know how you take your coffee. I know what you like on your pizza. I like being the person that notices these things and acts on them to make you smile.”

Poetry:

I’m serious. A beautiful edition of Sonnets from the Portuguese by Elizabeth Barrett Browning or Shakespeare’s Sonnets speaks…wait for it, volumes. Write a little sentiment inside that says something along the lines of, “This may just begin to cover how I feel…” That’s a good message.

Stuffed Animals:

Please. Raise your right hand right now. (Unless you are a sixteen-year-old boy with a paper route.) Repeat after me: “I (state your name) will not buy a stuffed animal that has a ribbon, flag or t-shirt on that says Happy Valentine’s Day.” Good. Now, that being said, you can find a sweetly sentimental little friend for your valentine. Again, go artisan. Find a small felted wool figurine, or a teeny, tiny hand jointed teddy bear. You want something grown up. If you go small, it can live in his or her bag, on the computer at work or perched on a nightstand. We truly never outgrow our affinity for little toys. Trust me. I carry a tiny little dog with me in my tote bag every day. Don’t judge. It sends a good message.

Jewelry for All the Loves in Your Life

Remember when you were a kid and you gave Valentines to everyone in your class? That’s how I celebrate Valentine’s Day. A few years ago, I began hosting a dinner party on Valentine’s Day that includes a mix of gay and straight couples and singles and the common thread is “people I love” and now the dinner is one of my favorite traditions. I make a diets-be-damned dinner and we drink a little too much (for a weeknight, at least), share stories, and crack each other up. I think it’s so much more fun to celebrate love at a full table than with just me and my guy. 

 

But this year, a dinner party is out of the question (I live in NYC, it’s too cold for an outdoor substitute!) and Valentine’s Day will be dinner à deux with my boo. He’s wonderful, but I miss celebrating my friends, so I’m mailing real paper valentine cards and sending gifts, too. I founded a jewelry company, mazi + zo, so naturally I’m sending gifts of gold. Here’s a guide to my favorite not-hearts-again jewelry this season: 

 

For your bff who’s been there through thick and thin, I suggest a delicate charm necklace that shows how well you know her. What’s her Zodiac sign? We’ve got those. Does she drink red or white? We have both (we also have martinis, champagne flutes, margaritas, and a beer charm.) For fashionistas, we’ve got three styles of sunglasses and a cowboy boot. Does she love the water? Try a starfish, sailboat, or anchor from our “Vacation Vibes” collection. Social media obsessed? How about a hashtag

For your sparkliest friend, lightweight threader earrings are the way to go. They’ll dance and shine whenever she moves and draw attention right to her beautiful face. I receive compliments from strangers whenever I wear my kite threader earrings and you can wear them so many different ways to mix up your look. I like to “thread” them through my third and fourth holes and wear studs “below”, and they also look great on their own, worn long in front or back! In addition to kites, we’ve got double stars, lightning bolts, and crescent moons so pick the one that matches her style.

For the classic babe, try a delicate initial charm necklace or a pair of simple star stud earrings (we call these the little white tee of jewelry!) Or maybe a cross or Star of David is more her speed? Our classic collection features a minimalist crown, tongue-in-cheek “diamond”, an anchor, arrow, and more! 

For a versatile and timeless gift option, you can buy tennis bracelets online to suit any style and occasion.

Of course, if you want to go with the traditional hearts, we’ve got them, too! 

 

(I know, no ideas here for the guys. Our jewelry is just too tiny for most men. I like to send “consumable” gifts like booze, sweets, and meats and Goldbelly and Mouth always have tasty options from independent makers (those sites aren’t compensating me, I really use them! Of course, if they wanted to send me Jeni’s ice cream…)

 

Wishing you a fantastic Valentine’s Day full of love, laughs, and jewelry!

About the Author

Lizzy Klein lives in NYC and is the founder of mazi + zo, a company that makes jewelry that ups your personal style with original high quality easy-to-wear, easy-to-layer designs. Find your favorite style for gifts and for you at Shop mazi + zo!

 

21 Awesomely Weird Gifts Even People Who Hate Valentine’s Day Will Want

Now that January is finally behind us, we can focus on a new month and a short month at that. February is only 28 days long, but there’s one day in particular that overshadows the entire month. Yup, you guessed it…Valentine’s Day.

While some couples are all about this mushy gushy holiday, a lot of us could really care less, but that doesn’t mean we don’t necessarily want the opportunity to spoil a special someone in our lives.

These are a few unusual gifts that even people who hate Valentine’s Day as much as we do can still appreciate.

Full disclosure: We may receive some portion of the sales made on this list. We’re putting all the money into stocks and bonds. And by stocks and bonds, I mean chocolate and ice cream.

1. This playful and kind of creepy cushion you can customize with a photo of yourself.

Firebox

Gives “sit on my face” a whole new meaning.

Get it from Firebox for $22.99

2. This wonderful beard bouquet that’ll stand the test of time.

Firebox

She said she wanted roses…

Get it from Firebox for $14.99

3. A box of edible anuses because everyone wants chocolate on Valentine’s Day.

Amazon

An extra special kind of chocolate.

Get it from Amazon for $9.99

4. An adorable squishy penis pillow they can snuggle up with.

Firebox

His name is Pierre.

Get it from Firebox for $19.99

5. A pair of comfy bread slippers or loafers…get it?

Amazon

Perfect for the couple who enjoys a well-crafted pun.

Get it from Amazon for $17.99

6. A set of greeting cards that show the depths of your devotion.

Society6

Damn, that’s true love right there.

Get it from Society6 for $4.99 (3-pack)

7. This pope-themed lingerie set that’ll ensure a very holy Valentine’s Day.

Yandy

Safe to say you won’t be leaving room for Jesus.

Get it from Yandy for $59.95

8. A notepad that lists all the reasons why you need to bang.

Amazon

Check ’em all, baby.

Get it from Amazon for $7.27

9. This stuffed bear who loves with all its butt.

Amazon

That’s a whole lotta love.

Get it from Amazon from $21.99+

10. This Fifty Shades Of Chicken cookbook that’ll really get the night going.

Amazon

Punishingly good recipes.

Get it from Amazon for $12.27

11. A jar of Dill Dough stress relief putty they’ll love to play with.

Amazon

This is what they meant right? A dill dough.

Get it from Amazon for $9.95

12. This rather aggressive candle that lets him know just how deep your love goes.

Etsy

Got it? K, thanks.

Get it from Etsy for $12.00

13. A pair of Fundies for the couple who just can’t get enough of each other.

Amazon

Seems a bit unpractical, but whatever.

Get it from Amazon for $7.48

14. Some wildly romantic raspberry and rose chocolates.

Firebox

I hate everyone but you.

Get it from Firebox for $10.99

15. A pair of squishy pink balls they can squeeze whenever they feel stressed at work.

Firebox

Just thinking of you, babe.

Get it from Firebox for $26.99

16. This helpful guide that’ll make your partner feel very well-endowed.

Firebox

It’s a tough life.

Get it from Firebox for $13.99

17. A sweet mug that’ll remind them how much they’re loved every day.

Firebox

A f*ck ton, that’s how much.

Get it from Firebox for $13.99

18. This collection of love tokens that are perfect for any occasion.

Urban Outfitters

Use them wisely.

Get it from Urban Outfitters for $13.00

19. A wacky tube guy that’ll brighten up your lover’s desk.

Urban Outfitters

And you don’t even have to buy a car!

Get it from Urban Outfitters for $12.95

20. A pair of old-school Tamagotchis for nostalgia’s sake.

Urban Outfitters

Ahh takes me back.

Get it from Urban Outfitters for $12.00

21. These matching key rings for the cutest pair of weirdos.

Etsy

Gotta love a little weirdness.

Get it from Etsy for $26.00

Happy Valentine’s Day, you bunch of weirdos.

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