As another Valentines Day rolls on around, you might be starting to panic about choosing a gift. Buying a gift for your special someone on any day other than February 14 will get you alot of brownie points, but if you do want to mark Valentines Day with a gift, we encourage you to shop locally. Valentines Day might be a bit of a commercial “gimmick”, but by supporting a small business in the Illawarra, you can contribute to our local economy whilst scoring some easy runs on the board in your relationship.
OUR ILLAWARRA VALENTINES DAY GIFT LIST
We’ve put together a few suggestions for you that we’re calling our Illawarra Valentines Day Gift List. If you do choose to buy a gift this Valentine’s Day, why not be purposeful about where you spend your money?
We hope some of our ideas here will help you come up with a good fit for your Valentine.
THE TRADITIONAL LOVER
Valentines Day continues to be the busiest day of the year for florists around the world. Flowers are a safe bet when it comes to Valentines Day, especially if you’ve left your gift until the last minute! A bouquet of flowers also makes a great anonymous “secret admirer” style gift.
Hello Gorgeous Flower Studio has recently opened up in Tannery St, Unanderra, creating fresh and dried flower arrangments that are simply stunning. You may recognise Suzie McKinnon and her pop-up flower truck from local markets and venues such as Smiths Lane Dairy in Wongawilli. You can have flowers delivered to your loved one in the Illawarra by Tilly the Flower Truck (a gorgeous, converted vintage Landcruiser). Hello Gorgeous Flower Studio offer delivery between Corrimal and Shell Cove.
Image courtesy of facebook.com/hellogorgeousflowerstudio
THE SWEET TOOTH
A box of chocolates can seem a bit generic and lazy when it comes to Valentines gifts. If you know that a little sugar will go a long way, why not do something a little more unique and support a local business at the same time? Many of our Illawarra cafes and bakeries are offering boxes of deliciousness for Valentines Day. Three Flamingos Espresso at Albion Park have a Valentines box available that includes a chocolate croissant, choc dipped strawberries, white chocolate and strawberry meringues, two free coffee cards and a choice of a keep cup or a bottle of wine.
THE DOG LOVER
For some people, the best way into their heart is via their dog. If you know you have to share your Valentines heart with their fur-child, why not use that to your advantage? Furry ‘N’ Fabulous Pet Boutique offer high-end pet products such as deluxe treat pouches, designer dog harnesses and dog-lover themed homewares. Remember – if the dog doesn’t like you, you don’t stand a chance!
THE CREATIVE LOVER
There is a local business called Love Making Art that encourages you to do just that. A splash of colour here and there, whilst celebrating your love with your Valentine. Why not create a memorable artwork in the process?
The Love Making Art kit is the perfect Valentines gift if you’re looking for something fun and you don’t mind getting down and dirty! Clear off the dining table, the garage floor or wherever you can risk making a mess. The Love Making Art paint and canvas kit encourages you to create an artwork using your bodies as the painting medium and includes 6 colours to mix with your movements on a large canvas. You don’t need to be a yogi or a Twister champion to get involved – you just need to be comfortable in your own skin. Love Making Art are holding a Valentine’s Day competition and giving away a free kit to help you celebrate. For your chance to win, visit their Instagram page.
THE PRACTICAL LOVER
Is your wedding video still imprisoned on a VHS tape in the drawer of the TV cabinet? The team at Pipewolf Media can convert VHS tapes to digital, allowing you to easily view and share your precious memories on a hard drive or USB.
CELEBRATING VALENTINES DAY IN THE ILLAWARRA YOUR WAY
Many people don’t celebrate February 14 at all, but it certainly gets plenty of people opening their wallets. However you decide to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year – whether its’ “Galentine’s” Day with your besties or an excuse to spoil yourself with a massage because you’re worth it, please think about where you choose to shop. The $30 you spend at a small business goes alot further than the $30 you spend at a big superstore.