Dear Frustrated Men of Fresno: I AM HERE TO HELP YOU. I know it’s almost Valentine’s Day, and you’re super excited about that, right? You just finished with Christmas, and now it’s time to search the stores all over again! Well if, at the end of this blog, you still don’t know where to begin, I am leaving my e-mail address at the bottom, and I will personally help you … for free!!! (Ladies, I don’t discriminate, so if you need help, I am here for you, too!)
I am a huge believer in the idea that it’s the thought that counts when it comes to gift-giving. Truly, it’s not the amount of money you spend, but the effort you put behind it. With that being said, I’d like to offer a few twists on the traditional Valentine’s Day gifts.
Jewelry
This is probably the biggest go-to when it comes to Valentine’s Day. But you do not have to go the traditional heart-shaped jewelry route! There are several options I love that make it easy to buy more unique jewelry for your special someone.
For example, I’m a girl who loves to eat. And true to its name, local artisan Make Pie Not War makes some adorable taco, pizza and pretzel necklaces (available on Etsy and at Three Graces in River Park)! It might a fun way for you and your significant other to celebrate your favorite foods! Or if you want to be a little more old school but not cheesy, Make Pie does offer unique pieces featuring the heart!
Now, I don’t know if you guys are aware of a huge jewelry trend out there these days: Alex and Ani bracelets. If you’re not, it’s those wires women are wearing around their wrists (sometimes a dozen at a time) with little medallions or charms hanging off of them. The neat thing is each charm has a meaning, whether it’s a birthstone, a place you’ve visited, a favorite sports team or a sweet saying. Pick your girl’s favorite things!
Local boutique Julia Vogue now has an official Alex and Ani shop inside their shop at River Park, so you can get the largest selection possible there. Alex and Ani also offers charms on rings and necklaces, and they just released a special line for Valentine’s Day.
If you want to go a step further, you can put the jewelry you buy in a special box or dish. I’ll have more information on some amazing, locally-made jewelry dishes next week. But for now, you might want to consider these beautiful glass boxes at Three Graces!
Flowers
Flowers are really never a bad idea (unless allergies are involved). But you can surprise your girl with someone just a little more special than picking up a bouquet or arrangement at the local florist. Here’s what I’m proposing: ditch the $60 special arrangement in exchange for (a very little) DIY. Pick your own unique vase and make your own!
Antique stores at Old Town Clovis are a great place to pick up a unique vessel for your blooms. My favorite store of all time, The Foundry Collective, also has a ton of great options. I would also suggest thinking about using one of their pitchers instead (it’s what I’m planning for my own mom). The amazing ladies there can probably give you a suggestion of what flowers you should pick to put in them, too! For great, inexpensive blooms, I suggest Trader Joe’s.
If you want to skip the flower route altogether, check out these really cool hanging plants from The Foundry! (For more on Valentine’s Day gift ideas from The Foundry, check out Holly’s blog.)
Chocolates
No sane girl will turn down chocolate! But perhaps in addition to that box of heart-shaped chocolates (go premium please!), you might want to consider some other treats. I know Frosted Cakery will have some great cupcakes and cookies on tap for the holiday. Pick up a few to sweeten up the big date night! Other great places to check out include Whole Foods, Eddie’s Bakery and Sugar Shack.
Valentine’s Day is on a Sunday this year, but if you want to make a special office delivery, you can score some brownie points with her and her co-workers by sending dessert (no pun intended). Our local Edible Arrangements stores are always a delicious (and adorable bet). For non-local options, my favorites include Tate’s Bake Shop (which has gluten-free options) and Cheryl’s.
I Can Help!
I hope these ideas provide a good jumping off points for you. But if you’re looking for something completely different or just want someone to bounce ideas off of, I’m serious – I will help you! Just e-mail me at joannehlui@gmail.com and I will help you find the perfect gift! As you know, I love shopping, and I love buying presents the most so I am more than happy to chat with you or even shop for you! Good luck, men!!!
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