Remember back in grade school when Valentine’s Day was as simple as exchanging handmade cards and boxes of candy hearts? Somewhere between adolescence and adulthood, the simple romantic spirit of the holiday turned complicated and expensive. Too often, the challenge of finding the perfect Valentine’s Day gift can overshadow the love and appreciation you are trying to express to the person you are buying for. Suddenly, it becomes just another Hallmark Holiday. How do you decide which gift says “I love you” the best? Be creative. Think of a gift your love would enjoy receiving, but would not normally think to purchase for himself or herself. Still stumped? Take a look at this list of ideas that are sure to make your valentine feel appreciated, whether you have been together for over 30 years or less than 30 days.
FOR HER
from Leon G. Jewelers
RING BOXES
Ring boxes from Leon G. Jewelers, located within Kositchek’s, keep jewelry secure. They are available in several unique styles, including a clownfish mouth, stiletto shoebox and cupcake. Prices range from $40-$50.
Leon G Jewelers, located within Kositchek’s | 113 N. Washington Square, Lansing | (517) 482-1171
9 a.m.– 6 p.m. weekdays; 9 a.m.– 5 p.m. Sat.; closed Sun.
DIFFUSERS & CANDLES
from My Sistas Boutique
Create a romantic atmosphere with candles and diffusers from My Sista’s boutique in downtown Lansing. These sweet-smelling candles, made with hand-poured soy, are available in two sizes: 8 oz. ($8) and 20 oz. ($20); the Red Hot Cinnamon diffuser is priced at $17.
My Sista’s (Style by Design) | 113 S. Washington Square, Lansing | (517) 367-7088
11 a.m.– 7 p.m. Tues.–Sat.; Sun. and Mon. by appointment only
ACCESSORIES
from Polka Dots
Surprise your valentine with a trip to Polka Dots Bead-a-full Boutique in Old Town, where she can select beads to make anything from earrings to decorated letter openers. Or plan a Girls’ Night Out by scheduling a party; each guest must spend a minimum of $20, and prices vary by the item and beads used.
Polka Dots Bead–A–Full Boutique | 1207 Turner St., Lansing | (517) 267-1479
11 a.m.– 7 p.m. Tues.-Fri.; 11 a.m.– 5 p.m. Sat.; noon–4 p.m. Sun.
GIFT BASKET
from Katalyst Art Gallery
Katalyst Art Gallery & Gift Boutique in Old Town has put together several Valentine’s Day-themed gift baskets. If you dont find the gift basket you like, Katalyst lets you chose your own items.
Katalyst Art Gallery & Gift Boutique | 1214 Turner St., Lansing | (517) 708–8916
10 a.m.– 7 p.m. Monday–Saturday; noon–5 p.m. Sunday
VINTAGE RECORDS
from Lambs Gate Aniques
Vintage records from Lambs’ Gate Antiques, located in Old Town, make an inexpensive gift idea for Valentine’s Day.
Lambs’ Gate Antiques | 1219 Turner St., Lansing | (517) 999 – 2617
11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tues.-Sat.
BE MY LOVE BOUQUET
from Smith Floral
Smith Floral and Greenhouse of Lansing has several Valentine’s Day arrangements, including the Be My Love bouquet. Made up of red roses, carnations, Asiatic lilies and chrysanthemums, this bouquet is available for $47.95, or as a deluxe arrangement for $57.95.
Smith Floral and Greenhouse | 1124 E. Mount Hope Ave., Lansing | (517) 484–5327
8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri.; 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat.
60-MIN MASSAGE
from Renewed Spirit
Renewed Spirit of Okemos offers a Valentines package that includes a 60-minute full-body massage and her choice of a 30-minute facial or haircut for $95. Complimentary champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries are included; couples massages are also available.
Renewed Spirit | 2110 Hamilton Road, Okemos | (517) 580 - 4734
9 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon-Wed. & Fri.; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Tues. & Thurs.; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat.
CHAMPAGNE FLUTES
from Mackerel Sky
Serve your valentine champagne in flutes from Mackerel Sky in East Lansing. The Iridescent Blue Champagne flutes by Rosetree Glass Studio ($60) are made of clear glass with blue, green and purple iridescent stems.
Mackerel Sky | 211 M.A.C Ave., East Lansing | (517) 351–2211
10 a.m.–7 p.m. Mon.-Wed.; 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Thurs. & Fri.; 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Sat.; noon–5 p.m. Sun.
BERGDORFS WINE
from Michigania Store
Wine is also a Valentine’s Day essential, and what better way to support local businesses than by serving Michigan-made wine with your romantic dinner? Burgdorf’s Winery of Haslett has a wide collection of red, white and fruit wines. They can be found at the Michigania Gift Store, located in downtown Lansing, and they are priced between $13 and $25 per bottle.
Michigania Gift Store | 112 S. Washington Square, Lansing | (517) 484–1137
9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Mon.–Fri.; 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Sat.
HANDMADE CARDS
from Kirabo
Valentine’s Day cards are a simple, yet thoughtful way to express your love and appreciation for that special woman in your life. Kirabo’s quirky, handmade cards not only say “I love you,” but they also support disadvantaged artists in Africa, as well. Each card is priced at $6 or less.
Kirabo | 225 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing | (517) 337-8000
11 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; noon-5 p.m. Sun.
FOR HIM
ATHLETIC MEMBERSHIP
from Sparrow Michigan Athletic Club
Winter is all about layers; it’s good to stay warm, right? Spring is what you’ve got to watch out for, though. When the temperature starts to creep up, those layers come off — and expose what you’ve been hiding all winter. As terrifying as this may sound, a membership at Sparrow Michigan Athletic Club might be exactly what you or your partner needs to start shedding that winter weight. Having your partner there to motivate you and exercise beside you can mean more in terms of long-term success and an overall healthier lifestyle.
Sparrow Michigan Athletic Club | 2900 Hannah Blvd., East Lansing | (517) 364-8888
5 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Friday; 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
FAIR TRADE CHOCOLATE
from Kirabo
Chocolate will always be a Valentine’s Day favorite. Whether you’re giving it or getting it, chocolate continues to be a romantic, sensual gift. Kirabo offers an assortment of types, as well as fair-trade coffee and tea to complement your snacking. Whether you believe in cocoa as an aphrodisiac or just something to sweeten up the night, the chocolate from Kirabo is sure to be a gift that you both can enjoy.
Kirabo | 225 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing | (517) 337-8000
11 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; noon-5 p.m. Sun.
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