Whether your love is brand new or you’ve been together for decades, celebrating Valentine’s Day during a global pandemic is a new experience for everyone. The pressure’s off to plan a romantic night out, but a cozy night in is definitely on the cards. So is a thoughtful gift – ideally one that makes this stay-at-home life a little bit more special. Here are some suggestions…
Parker Pot from Dig Gardens $9.99+
Flowers are the quintessential Valentine’s Day gift, but for your green-thumbed beau a flowering potted plant is even better. Pick up a healthy, blooming houseplant at your local garden center and present it inside the Parker Pot from Dig Gardens. Its dreamy sunset hues look especially lovely underneath leafy greenery. The pot is available in small and large sizes. Dig Gardens offers pickup at its Santa Cruz store as well as shipping.
Wild Mushroom Notebook Duo from Good Juju Ink $6
If your other half is a stationary lover, prolific note-keeper or list-maker, gift them this whimsical Wild Mushroom Notebook Duo from Oakland-based Good Juju Ink. It’s currently on sale for just $6, so we suggest you throw in a nice pen (see below) or pencil set too. This set of two 64-page notebooks includes one wild mushroom design and one periwinkle mushroom design, with bronze ink illustrations on the inside covers. They’re 6” by 8.5” and made with 100% premium recycled paper, hand-stitched to lay flat.
Custom Engraved Parker Jotter Ballpoint Pen from Precision Memory $29.99
The Parker Pen Company was founded in 1888, so you know their sophisticated pens are worth a mini splurge. Los Angeles-based Precision Memory (via Etsy.com) offers custom-engraved Parker Jotter ballpoint pens with your choice of text and font. Engrave this stainless steel, gold-trimmed pen with your significant other’s name or a special message to show how much you care.
Custom Star Map Poster by Galaxy Gal Gifts $12.80
Commemorate your relationship with a custom map depicting the night sky during a significant time and place, perhaps the day you met, your first kiss or your wedding day. Sacramento-based Galaxy Gal Gifts (via Etsy.com) offers a low-cost, speedy option with instant digital downloads of Custom Star Map Posters up to 23” by 30”. You choose the size, color, style and text, download the file and take it to a local print shop for even more custom options. Print it on canvas or paper and add a frame for a truly unique and romantic gift.
Ceramic Drip Glaze Teapot from Viva Terra $39
Make tea time extra special starting on Valentine’s Day morning by giving this fabulous Ceramic Drip Glaze Teapot from Viva Terra. The handcrafted vessel holds 24 ounces, has a bamboo handle and a metal mesh infuser for loose-leaf teas. We suggest wrapping up some fancy teas, and maybe a special teacup as well.
Hand Made Indonesian Robe from UNICEF Market $70.19
This unisex robe is a sweet gift idea that manages to be romantic, beautiful and practical all at once. You can even add philanthropic to that list, as it’s sold by UNICEF Market, an online store that supports global artisans while also protecting the world’s most vulnerable children. One size fits most of the Brown Palm Hand Made Indonesian Robe, which is made in Bali by the tailor-and-designer team of Hari and Arthur. The rayon robe features a palm frond design in mahogany and buff, two in-seam pockets and a matching fabric belt. Free gift wrapping is available.
Six-in-One Game Set from the Professor Puzzle Store $20.98
Love a little friendly competition with your beloved? Give a gift that’s also a challenge – the Six-in-One Game Set from the Professor Puzzle Store on Amazon.com. The classic-style wooden board game compendium includes checkers, chess, backgammon, pick-up sticks, cards and dominoes, which might just be sufficient to entertain the two of you until this pandemic finally ends.
Need some more gift ideas? Take a look at our 2020 Holiday Gift Guides:
2020 Holiday Gift, Guide Part I: Museum Gift Stores
2020 Holiday Gift Guide, Part II: Creative Kits
2020 Holiday Gift Guide, Part III: “Best of California” Cook Books
