Whether you’re shopping for your soulmate, a new flame or your best buddy, Valentine’s Day is the perfect time of year to share your love. Every time the holiday comes around, I find myself wishing I could find gifts as unique as my loved ones to show them I care, yet striking out in malls, department stores or searching on Amazon. Here’s the secret: local businesses and vendors creating and curating with love. So, let’s avoid the malls this year. Here’s a few Valentine’s Day gift ideas from small businesses in the area.
FOR THE FASHIONISTA
If your Valentine stays up to date on the latest fashion trends, pop into a local boutique to browse for a gift. There are tons of intentionally curated shops ready to help you find an accessory or wardrobe staple for that special someone in your life (or yourself … self-love is important on Valentine’s Day too, after all). From Lady Captain’s selection of trendy pieces and Jewels Clothing & Accessories’ wide-ranging inventory to new and impossibly cute shops such as Monarch Boutique, there are plenty of local boutiques to help you wow your Valentine.
FOR THE MUSIC LOVER
If your special someone can be found relaxing to a classic record or jamming to their favorite CD, local gems such as Hybrid Records and Disc Go Round will have what you’re looking for. Track down that album she’s been talking about for ages, or the new release she can’t wait to get her hands on. Shop vintage to new releases in records and CDs both online and in-store. For the classic connoisseur, the Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra (CCSO) sells tickets online for their show-stoppingly beautiful symphonies. Performing in TAMU-CC’s stunning Performing Arts Center, the CCSO provides an unforgettable night of music.
FOR THE ARTIST/ART LOVER
If your Valentine is a lover of the arts, consider booking an experience as a gift. The Art Center of Corpus Christi offers classes in a wide variety of artistic skills including wheel throwing, oil painting and acrylic pouring. The art center also has multiple galleries featuring art available for purchase at a variety of prices. For other local art centers, the Rockport Center for the Arts and the Port Aransas Art Center each host a variety of classes and exhibits.
A surprise date to the Art Museum of South Texas could be just the thing to wow your artist. With a new inflatable contemporary art exhibit on display, the art museum is sure to be a show-stopping treat for any patron of the arts.
FOR THE FOODIE
Instead of a box of chocolates from the grocery store, consider grabbing a box of pastries from a local bakery such as Central Kitchen, one of Corpus Christi’s newest additions. Nothing says ‘I love you’ quite like a box of housemade croissants. Bien Mérité’s is offering a special customizable valentine’s heart cookie by the dozen. What better way to show a foodie your love than having it written on a delicious cookie? Lastly, make your gift presentation special by placing it in one of their chocolate smash boxes, for a fun and tasty gift-opening experience.
If your Valentine prefers something on the savory side (or if they’d like to whip something up in the kitchen themselves), stop by Boarri Craft for a high-quality selection of meats or Sew Bonita for a variety of sauces, spices and other tasty snacks.
FOR THE VINTAGE ENTHUSIAST
Perhaps the biggest fan of a unique gift, the old soul is someone who appreciates mementos of another time. There are plenty of local vintage and antique shops to browse for your Valentine. 20/20 Vintage, Red Crow Antique Mall, Renaissance Antiques and The Twisted Rose, are just a few local shops to consider. From glassware to jewelry to women’s clothing, each spot has a wide selection to choose from for gift-giving.
If your vintage valentine prefers a more modern twist, VNP Gallery, the home of an impressive collection of vintage hype streetwear, might just have exactly what you’re looking for. Stop by their brand new location and shop pop culture tees, outerwear, and sneakers to find the coolest give this year.
