February 03, 2016
Photo Illustration/for PhillyVoice
Clockwise from top right: Nippon Kodo kayuragi incense; Kurt Halsey "A Curious Nature" onesie; Valentine's Day Philly Loves Laquer trio; Yardsale Press "Snacks" baseball tee; THE FLWRY bouquets.
It seems like we just finished up the shopping for the winter holidays, yet here we are again, frantically searching for presents for our loved ones. As Valentine's Day creeps around the corner, waiting to attack us with glitter and chocolates, couples are coupling, singles are mingling and those without a significant other to spend the trumped-up holiday with are being berated for their solo status.
Still, many take the opportunity to spread a bit of love on Valentine's Day by exchanging little special somethings with friends and family. Whether you're in need of a gift for that BFF that always sends you one first or you just feel like showing your mom you care, you'll find a slew of fun gifts below. Then keep an eye out for our gift guide just for your crush, partner or latest romance coming soon.
For your "Galentine's Day" Pollyanna: What better way to take care of your friends than providing them with a box of calming incense? The Nippon Kodo kayuragi incense sold at Omoi Zakka Shop in Rittenhouse comes in fragrances like pomegranate and wisteria meant to relax and relieve the user. Each box includes 40 sticks and a mini ceramic burner. ($12, omoionline.com)
For your niece or nephew (or any other baby you know): Illustrator Kurt Halsey and Art Star teamed up to create a set of baby onesies and toddler t-shirts with this completely adorable print. Called "A Curious Nature," the illustration depicts two wobbly-kneed baby deer going in for a little deer kiss (or for the more cynical, they're smelling each other). Either way, it's too cute for words. ($26, ArtStarPhilly.com)
For your little sister: Philly Loves Lacquer has created a special trio of their signature nail polishes just for Valentine's Day. The glitter-filled polishes come in romantic color combos and are called "Hearts on Fire," "A Heart-Shaped Love" and "Pink Me." Plus, they're vegan, cruelty-free and contain none of the harmful chemicals commonly found in nail polish. Win! ($30, phillyloveslacquer.com)
For your best bro: Whoever your best "bro" is, grab this funny T-shirt from New Jersey-based print shop Yardsale Press. The unisex baseball tee romantically spells out the true meaning of love: snacks. ($25, Esty.com)
For yourself: THE FLWRY is a subscription-based (or, prescription as they like to call it) service that delivers flower bouquets to pick-up locations all over the city once or twice a month, depending on your "Rx." For a limited time, though, anyone who gifts a prescription gets 24 stems for $10 on Valentine's Day. Give it away or keep it for yourself - we won't tell. ($45-79/month, theFLWRY.com)
Clockwise from top left: “Mud Puppy” all seeing eye hand jewelry tray via Moon & Arrow; seasonal infusions by Art in the Age; wooden hedgehog by T-Lab via Rikumo Boutique; chalk tablet by Peg & Awl; rose quartz earrings by Tribe Jewelry.
For your BFF: What do you get for the girl or guy who has everything (everything meaning their best friend, of course)? A handmade ceramic jewelry stand shaped like a hand, painted with 22k gold luster, which represents healing and strength and keeps rings and bracelets in place. Obviously. ($58, MoonAndArrow.com)
For dad: If there's one thing all dads enjoy, it's a good pun. Grab a bottle of Art in the Age's sweet potato flavored vodka, then make plenty of jokes about how sweet he is in the card. He'll be your Valentine for sure. ($34.99, WinfieldFlynn.com)
For your coworker: Who doesn't love a cute hedgehog? Grab your work wife or hubby this small desk topper made of Paulownia wood from Rikumo boutique in Midtown Village. Designed by T-Lab in Japan, it's made from sustainable wood and comes in plenty of animal shapes if hedgehogs aren't your thing. ($15, Rikumo.com)
For your tech inept friend: We all have that one friend that can't keep a new phone or tablet because they're constantly dropping it, scratching it or downloading some kind of destructive virus. Grab them a chalk tablet from Peg & Awl instead; it's literally a slab of wood coated in chalkboard paint with an attached chalk pencil. What could go wrong? ($34 PegandAwlBuilt.com)
For mom: Tribe Jewelry is designed by Sarah Lewis who used to run Adorn Boutique in Fishtown before moving to the Redwood Forest of California. Just for Valentine's Day, Lewis released these simple rose quartz earrings set in sterling silver that would please every mom you know. ($68, Tribe-Jewelry.com)
