By: Bonnie Smith

Valentine’s Day is coming up and it might be time to get your sweetheart a present. Every year, gift-giving gets more popular resulting in stores putting out their valentines items sooner. According to Statista, since 2009 there has been a steady increase in money spent on Valentine’s Day-related items. In 2022, people in the United States were spending around 23.9 billion dollars on these items and this year that amount has increased to 25.9 billion dollars thus far. This proves that more and more people are buying into the holiday and spending more each year due to the growth in popularity. With this growth, you can also expect a more challenging experience when finding something personal and unique to give your sweetheart. Here are some goofy, sweet, and original gift ideas to give your valentines this February:

1. Bacon roses

While most people go with traditional roses, sometimes going with an extraordinary path can be a great way to get someone’s attention, especially one that is also a delicious treat. They can be candied or chocolate covered, you can even make them at home by rolling up pieces of bacon. Here is a recipe for making them yourself: https://studiokristen.com/sweet-bacon-roses-bouquet/

2. A Goodie Basket

When one thing is just not good enough, go for it all. Create an arrangement of chocolates, trinkets, and candies. You could use a theme or just put things in there that your partner likes. If making it yourself seems too overwhelming then maybe find a basket online. A good place to look is Etsy or Amazon. 

3. Baked goods

Make something personal like cookies in the shape of hearts. There are plenty of recipes out there for you to use. Good choices are red velvet or strawberry for Valentine’s Day. Decorate these however you like and have fun with it! This should be a relaxing, fun activity, so don’t stress if they don’t turn out the way you originally imagined them, it truly shows that you put your heart into it.

4. Jewelry

It’s a classic that always works. Going with a simple option can ensure that it will match most things and be worn with a variety of outfits. It’s a great reminder to your partner that they carry you with them all day long. It’s easy to go to a local craft shop and get their initials engraved into a charm for a necklace or bracelet.

5. Something they like or need

Sometimes just remembering what their favorite tv show or animal is can help you win over their heart. For this gift, all you have to do is think back to something they’ve said. For example, you may recall they were interested in a mug at the store a week ago or they mentioned they needed more hair clips. This gift can be useful and thoughtful. Pair it with a box of chocolates and you’re ready to go.

6. A personal gift

Last but certainly not least, is a gift that means something to both of you. This is something that I cannot give specific advice on because it has to do with your story. It could be a reference to an inside joke you have with them or even to a time you two were together. This is something that can be a great way to show them that you remember something about the time you two had together or just that you remembered something that they said. This kind of gift is best with a personalized card that shows that you put that much more thought into it.

If you’re still at a loss for what to get them, and you don’t know them well enough yet, I recommend just taking them shopping. Take note while you’re walking around of things that catch their eye. If they say they like it you can always come back later and get it. It’s a great surprise and you know that they will like it. There is no way for it to go wrong.

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