Love in Brooklyn
Gift ideas for your Valentine
Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to show the
ones you love just how much you care about
them. This is achieved through various gestures,
including giving heartfelt gifts.
Research from Business Insider found that 51
percent of Americans now celebrate Valentine’s
Day. While a recent poll from Insights West found
that although many Canadians view Valentine’s
Day as overly commercial, 75 percent still plan on
celebrating it. People are still spending big bucks
on making Valentine’s Day special. The National
Retail Federation indicates Americans spent more
than $20.7 billion on the holiday in 2019 and forecasters
predict similar spending in 2020.
Every Valentine’s Day, certain gifts emerge as
the most popular. While certain gifts are common,
there are ways to make them seem fresh and exciting.
Here are some ideas for Valentine’s Day gifting.
Flowers
The National Retail Federation estimates that
people spend around $2 billion on fl owers for gifts.
While roses are much sought after, thinking outside
the bouquet can produce unique results. Choose different
blooms, perhaps a loved one’s favorite fl ower
or something regional. Potted plants also will last
longer than cut fl owers, giving them more staying
power. Skip bouquets in favor of table centerpieces,
which can be eye-catching.
Caribbean L 42 ife, February 7-13, 2020
Jewelry
Gifting jewelry can be tricky because it is such a
personal gift that must tie into a sweetheart’s style.
It may be tempting to go with something large and
fl ashy or full of diamonds, but a better option is to
take inventory of what your loved one wears on a
daily basis and try to mimic the size and scope in
your gift. Other thoughtful jewelry gifts include understated
pendant necklaces or bracelets engraved
with key dates or the names of their children. Colored
gemstones in lieu of diamonds also may be a
striking choice.
Entertainment
Dinner and a movie is a classic date night, but
on Valentine’s Day restaurants and theaters may
be overcrowded and only offer limited menus. An
alternative can be to arrange for a gourmet meal to
be delivered and wrap up a new streaming movie/
TV device already primed with a subscription to
his or her favorite streaming service. Then all you
need to do is snuggle on the sofa for a romantic
night in.
Chocolates and candy
Roughly $1.8 billion is spent on candy each Valentine’s
Day, says the National Retail Federation.
A box of chocolates certainly can fi t the bill, but
other options abound. Perhaps a sweetheart has a
favorite candy that recalls his or her childhood or
prefers a chocolate maker from his or her hometown.
Purchase those items to add a bit of nostalgia.
Make the holiday magical by setting up a
candy bar right at home, where your sweetheart
can pick and choose from candies displayed in
eye-catching bowls and canisters. Another novel
idea is to use candy molds to make your own sweet
treats.
Thoughtful Valentine’s Day gifts can make the
day even more special for sweethearts.