Love may make the world go ‘round, but a gift is a great way to show appreciation for a special person. As Valentine’s Day approaches, give your significant other, mother, father or bestie a gift that expresses love, creativity, thoughtfulness and future planning. Keep things classic for her with wine and truffles; opt for something cute and customizable with just the right words; or present her with sultry tights that are sure to set hearts (or yours) aflutter.
This gift guide has him covered too, with cufflinks that pay homage to “Star Wars,” outer space-themed socks and a little boombox that lets the music play just about anywhere. For more gift ideas, read curated picks from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. While Valentine’s Day is around the corner, luckily, most items can be ordered just in time for Feb. 14. Happy Valentine’s Day, love birds.
FOR HER
Love her style
Playful, racy single back seam and heart tights make a flirty statement when she's heading out for date night or painting the town red with her girls. If stylish tights are her thing, opt for others like a pair of Swiss dots, garter-like single seam tights or a sheer window-pane design which shows off her legs but keeps everything else covered. All are available by INC International Concepts and exclusive to Macy's. $14.99 each. macys.com
Keep it classic
Send some of her favorite things in one basket. Hickory Farms offers a special Valentine's Day Francis Ford Coppola Sofia rosé and six-piece truffles gift set for $49. Looking for more sweets for your sweetheart? Opt for the Veuve Clicquot rosé gift basket which features dark chocolate sea salt caramels, white and dark chocolate strawberries, pistachios, Veuve Clicquot Brut rosé champagne and more. $159. hickoryfarms.com
Eat your heart out
Marry her love of sweets with a box of four edible cookie dough-stuffed chocolate-shaped hearts offered by Batter Cookie Dough Counter. $11. Ponce City Market, 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta. 404-538-2691, battercookiedough.com
The right words
If you don't have to the right words to say to her, compose your thoughts with a customized Scrabble board, available in Be Mine or Valentine Red, from Personalization Universe. With easy to upload photo options, the board becomes a reminder of treasured moments with friends, family members and special places. Of course, the actual Scrabble game letters can be used to spell out things like "Will you marry me," "I love you," "I've got a crush on you," or "Happy anniversary." This celebratory gift is great year-round. $66.99. personalizationuniverse.com
Family jewels
To celebrate a growing family and memorable moments, give the gift of a custom sterling silver heart necklace with layering capability from The Grommet. When there's more to share, a second attachable, circular charm-like disc can be hand-stamped with names, dates or words. $68. thegrommet.com
Covered in hearts
A two-piece 100% pima cotton top and pants set from Lake Pajamas will keep her covered and comfy. The allover heart design and contrast red band crew neck ensure her heart is in the right place for relaxing days or nights at home. $104. lakepajamas.com
Plan ahead
She loves food, wine and traveling. Cater to all three desires with a trip to St. Croix for the annual Food and Wine Experience. Held April 2-5, the event features a bevy of activities including a celebrity chef dinner; sunset barbecue with food, live music and room to dance or stroll; plus wine and appetizer tastings with tours of private planes. Since we're talking flying, St. Croix is part of the United States Virgin Islands, so the trip will be passport-free. Food and Wine Experience tickets are a la carte. $25-$1,000. stxfoodandwine.com
FOR HIM
Wear movie lines
Style meets "Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back" with a pair of I Love You I Know cufflinks from Personalization Universe. True fans, like him, will remember Princess Leia staying, "I love you," to Hans Solo; instead of reciprocating the same works, Solo said, "I know." Now, over two decades later, cufflinks can commemorate the famous lines. $64.95. personalizationuniverse.com
RELATED VIDEO: Celebrate a nontraditional Valentine’s Day
Thirst-quenching subscription
Whether he hosts friends for a game night or indulges in a brew occasionally, your guy can enjoy a subscription from The Original Craft Beer Club, which offers monthly, bimonthly and quarterly delivery options. Beer choices vary; recent brew offerings included a Hardywood American blonde ale, Yazoo India pale ale and Back Forty brown ale. Subscription starts at $42. craftbeerclub.com
Listen up
When all white cords look the same, give him Apple's customizable AirPods Pro with his initials or favorite emoji. The recently released pods also feature noise cancellation for immersive sound, which is ideal for his gym; outdoor running, hiking or biking days; or riding public transportation. One thing to note: there's no need to worry about how much he'll perspire when working out or running for flight since the pods are sweat- and water-resistant. $249. apple.com
Out of this world
If he loves outer space and fancy footwear in the form of socks, he's covered, literally. Bonangel offers a four-pack of men's colorful dress socks in a space theme with quirky designs like a rocket launching, man on the moon, scientific calculations and more. $13.99. amazon.com
Let the music play
He can pump up the jam with a waterproof SoundLink micro Bluetooth speaker by Bose. The compact size makes it ideal for travel a la hiking and camping; home use; hanging at the pool; or anywhere he wants to listen to music. Since the speaker is waterproof and features a tear-resistant silicone strap, he can attach it to his bike and not worry about getting caught in the rain. If the speaker takes a tumble in the pool, fetch it and hit play to keep the party going. $99.95. bose.com
Home décor
For the man that likes a pop of color at home and music, opt for a rapture-themed throw pillow by The Art of Meen. The vibrant print may inspire him to pull out his sax to serenade someone special. $36.20. etsy.com/shop/theartofmeen
