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. 
 y 
 M 
 LLii 
 L 
 COURIER L 36     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. 
  
 www.montesnyc.com 
 May love come your way this 
 Valentines Day 
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