Ahh, Valentine’s Day. You either love it or you wish it had never been invented. But guess what? V-Day doesn’t have to be a pressure-filled holiday, where you run around town to find a gift you feel compelled to buy. It can be fun! And easy. I’m here to help make it so.
Bellingham’s retailers are ready for you, whether you’re in love or in like; whether you know your Valentine very well (too well?) or hardly at all. Let’s explore some gift ideas that will make you look good no matter what your relationship status may be.
We begin at ModSock in downtown Bellingham. Now, socks aren’t exactly known for their romance value, but I think that’s a mistake. Socks can actually be quite romantic, since you have to know someone pretty well to know which sock they would wear on their feet.
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Top: Beef, bacon and taco socks; April 20? and beer socks
Bottom: From Einstein to Corgis; Shark socks[/caption]
Ok, so knowing a guy or gal’s love for beer is easy to figure out, but what about Albert Einstein, Alice in Wonderland or baby hedgehogs? Getting to that level takes some fairly deep conversations. Am I right?
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Top: ModSock window displays
Bottom: Alice in Wonderland, fun hearts and h-e-double-toothpicks socks[/caption]
Oh, and if you're in the mood for something with a little more va-va-va-voom, you'll find some pretty darn sexy tights, too. ModSock truly has a sock for every taste, every relationship style and level, and every person on the planet. After all, around here, we all wear socks. Even with our sandals.
ModSock, 1323 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham WA 360-778-2532
Paper Dreams in Fairhaven is so full of gift ideas, I scarcely know where to begin. They, too, have something for just about everyone, from foodies to fans of silly novelty items, like bacon-flavored lip balm.
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Top: Erotic poems and Downton Abbey tea
Bottom: Striped journal, Paddywax Jane Austin candle[/caption]
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Top: Romantic date night cookbook; Love tea towel
Bottom: Inspirational pint glasses; too-cute mugs[/caption]
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Top: Just a few cards to choose from; cute Valentines
Bottom: Paper Dreams homemade fudge; a box of chocolates fit for your crush[/caption]
Next up is a solution for all of you lucky enough to be invited to Valentine’s dinner. Surprise your host/ess with something sweet—and amazing—from Pure Bliss Desserts in downtown Bellingham. Pre-order one of these delightful petite cakes (perfect for two) and you’ll be more than ready to impress.
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Top: Chocolate Amour Cake; Red Velvet Cake Bottom: Raspberry Kiss Cake, Frosted and sprinkled heart shortbread cookie[/caption]
Arabella, 1306 11th St., Bellingham WA 360-752-0355
Have you noticed the number of unkempt beards in Bellingham? Is your man’s one of them? Do him (and us) a favor and pick up some grooming products from Yondersea Barber Shop on Meridian in Bellingham.
Beard oil, pomade, shaving soaps or hair tonic will have him looking fine in no time. Or pick up a gift certificate for a classic barber shave. He’ll love it.
Yondersea, 2711 Meridian St, Bellingham, WA 360-312-4360
No matter what gift you decide on, you’ll need a card to go with. And with the cards you find at Spruce in downtown Bellingham (next door to Pure Bliss), you may not need much else to win that certain someone’s heart. They are that beautiful. I spotted some super-cute iPhone cases, too. While you’re there, grab some of their lovely wrapping papers and fancy ribbons to make your gift presentation picture-perfect.
Aren't Spruce's Valentine's Day cards fun? Spruce, 1422 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham, WA 360-366-8069
Finally, chocolate may be cliche, but it's pretty much guaranteed to make someone happy—any day of the year.
Theo is a Seattle chocolatier with creative combinations that are sure to please (I prefer the coconut, orange, sea salt, or chile. Or the salted almond. Oh my God, the salted almond.) And it’s easy enough to find Theo at Haggen grocery stores, Paper Dreams and even REI. There, you can pick up a bar to go with your sweetie’s new bike light, binoculars or travel bag.
You can also find Seattle Chocolates in classic heart-shaped boxes at Paper Dreams, along with their homemade fudge in all the varieties you could possibly want.
And remember, if you haven’t yet found Mr. Right, you can make one with the help of this handy guide from Paper Dreams!
