Local Retailers Share Ideas for Valentine Gift Giving
By Julie Perine on February 07, 2021 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
The classic flowers and chocolate may be the way to your Valentine’s heart, but local retailers suggest other gift alternative ideas which Cupid can tuck up his sleeve.
At Artworks on East Main Street, options range from jewelry and accessories to displayable art and DIY kit.
A perfect gift, said owner Lotus MacDowell, is the Club Bag hand-beaded “Smart phone” bag which can be worn crossbody or as a wristlet. Designs range from dragonfly and floral to mosaic. Artworks also carries New York brand leather wallets in an array of bright colors. Besides being pretty, the wallets are made with RFID blocking technology, offering an extra level of protection from identity theft.
Musical door chimes are another gem of a gift, MacDowell said.
“…The blending of its four notes – all tuned in the pentatonic scale - creates a pleasant and musical effect at the slightest movement of the door,” she said.
The door chimes feature designs of turtles, angels, cats and butterflies.
Luca+Danni bracelets, as well as items from the made-from-Swarovski crystal Anne Koplik jewelry collection, are among recommended jewelry items to be gifted for Valentine’s Day. And, yes, there are do-it-yourself jewelry kits for those with a creative streak.
Artworks is open Monday through Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. MacDowell said the store is safe, but that she and her staff are happy to meet customers curbside or ship items to their destinations.
For Valentines of any age, About You Monograms on West Main Street has a large inventory of new giftable items.
“We have some great Mariposa pieces that would make a great gift to show some love as well as cute vases, dishes and bright serving pieces from French Bull,” said Owner Lisa Lang. “And don't forget we can personalize a throw, jacket, T-shirt, apron, hat and even a facemask with just the perfect message.”
To make room for new 2021 merchandise, About You is currently in the midst of a first time ever 50 percent off sale which will be ongoing through Saturday, Feb. 14. The store recently released new hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. through 1 p.m. Saturday. In addition to in-store shopping, shipping and curbside service is offered.
Just across the street, The Sanctuary and Starving Artist studio carries unique Valentine's Day gifts, from the sweet to the whimsical.
Heart-shaped jewelry, stained glass pieces and hot cocoa bombs are all good choices, as are the "Happy Wife, Happy Life" coffee cup sets and "Trophy Husband" glassware.
At-home couple's paint date nights can be arranged through The Starving Artist studio, said owner Amanda Leaseburg.
The Sanctuary/Starving Artist is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Visit
https://www.thestarvingartistwv.com/ for more information on art classes.
See more photos of gift ideas in the gallery below.
