7 Shop Owners on the Best Gifts to Give for Valentine’s Day
Does anything say it better than wine and chocolates? | Images via Trove and Verde.
Valentine’s Day shopping is a fraught experience. You want to seem thoughtful, loving and not-cheesy (so, please, avoid this). So while we could round up a list of what we want to give and get (and we will later, so just wait!), we figured we’d first hit up the people who know this whole V-Day shopping thing best: the store owners who watch it go down year after year.
To help you whittle down your shopping options, we got local boutique owners to spill on the best things for the loved ones in your life, from chocolate eclairs to pocket squares. Happy shopping!
Image via Art in the Age.
Art in the Age // 116 North 3rd Street, Old City.
This beloved Old City shop stocks all-American essentials — grooming tools, classic oxford shirts, and seasonally flavored booze galore. Head here for great gifts for guys.
What to buy: According to buyer Bob Myaing, look out for winter accessories on sale (Irish wool hats, scarves, and ties from The Hill-Side) that are perfect for riding out the colder months with your SO. You can also get creative with Three Potato Four vintage message boards, above, and leave a sweet message for your sweetie.
Image via Select Shop 215.
Select Shop 215 // 41 South 3rd Street, Old City.
What to buy: Peep the shop’s new shipment of jewelry by Brooklyn-based company Dear Swallow, all one-of-a-kind pieces created from cast objects found in nature. The shop is carrying (in limited quantity) delicate bird’s feet ring-holders, oxidized shark’s tooth necklaces, and stately pewter honeybee pins.
Image via Trove General Store.
Image via Verde.
This Midtown Village gift shop has a bit of everything — affordable home decor, sweet fragrances and women’s accessories you won’t find anywhere else.
What to buy: Don’t default to Godiva when you can supply one-of-a-kind Marcie Blaine chocolates for your sweetie. Create a collection of artisan truffles that are made with organic cream and butter, then wine-infused, filled with fruity ganaches, or rolled in candied nuts — the choices are both endless and appropriately sinful.2]
Image via Tobox Shoes.
ToBox Shoes // 25 South 19th Street, Rittenhouse.
What to buy: Check out owner Tung To’s in-house, hand-crafted pocket squares for the well-dressed men in your life. Or go all out with a vintage style triple flask travel set and matching double monk-strap leather loafers by Italian shoe brand Di Bianco.
Image via TownHome.
TownHome // 1617 Walnut Street, Rittenhouse.
Visit this Walnut Street jewelry store for a wide range of accessories you can customize with a heartfelt personal message.
What to buy: Dana “The Gift-Whisperer” Bank stocks gorgeous Heather B. Moore rose-gold necklace charms and bracelets; each one is engraved with special phrases like “Love You” and “With Me.” (Hint: Engraving scores you major points.)
Image via Stars and Stripes.
Stars and Stripes // 2129 Chestnut Street, Rittenhouse.
What to buy: Need an outfit for your Gal-entines day celebration or date night out? A sweet cap-sleeved dress by Leota in a raspberry gingham print transitions perfectly from office to evening. For men, look for beautiful mother-of-pearl cufflinks, tasteful tie-bars and lapel pins.
