Valentine’s Day is coming up sooner than you think. It’s only a few weeks away! If even the thought of hunting down the perfect gift is already giving you a headache, you’ve come to the right place. Here are a handful of creative and locally-crafted Valentine’s Day gift ideas you probably haven’t seen before.

1. Fresh-Baked Macarons

Instead of a dozen red roses, surprise your Valentine with a dozen delicious macarons! Food is almost guaranteed to put a smile on every girl’s face. Macarons are more creative than chocolate, and maybe even more delicious. My favorite macaron bakery in Dallas is Chelles Macarons. JOY Macarons and Bisous Bisous Patisserie are also excellent choices. Select a rainbow of different flavors or order some classic red velvet macarons shaped like little cookie hearts. 

2. Plant Night Tickets 

Give the gift of quality time together. Grab tickets for one of YayMaker’s crafting events, like a paint and sip, a candle-making workshop, or a terrarium building party called Plant Night. You and your date will each be supplied with baby succulents, planters, and fun decorations to create your own terrariums while you snack on appetizers and sip drinks from the bar. You’ll reconnect and make memories, and you’ll have a tangible gift to take home with you.

3. Personalized Embroidery Hoop

Are you and your Valentine celebrating a special milestone this year? Commemorate it forever with an equally special gift. Etsy shop owner NeedleCraftCat can create custom embroidery hoops stitched with meaningful quotes, funny phrases, or beautiful bouquets. One of my best friends ordered a hoop for me with a replica of my own wedding bouquet and my wedding date stitched in the corner. It is one of my greatest treasures! This is a perfect Valentine’s Day gift idea for newlyweds.

4. Hand-Painted Globe

Is your Valentine always jet set or daydreaming about her next destination on her endless travel bucket list? Show her she makes your world spin with a hand-painted globe. Local boutique Birds and Words in Downtown McKinney sells globes of all shapes, sizes, and colors with quotes written on them in careful calligraphy. They make an amazing statement piece in your home, and a wonderful memory for any couple who loves to travel together or who has big travel plans coming up in 2020. 

5. Relaxation Station

If your Valentine is prone to stress, help her relax with a basket full of luxurious bath bombs and soaps. They are an obviously eye catching crowd-pleaser that show you are genuinely attentive to your Valentine’s needs. There are tons of small businesses in the Dallas metroplex that make these lovely toiletries, but one of the best is White Rock Soap Gallery. Complete your relaxation kit with a fresh candle and maybe a bottle of wine.

6. Library Locket

Jewelry is a pretty classic Valentine’s Day gift, but finding the perfectly personalized locket for your love adds an extra dash of sentimentality. Slide a tiny photo of the two of you inside one of these special Library Lockets: little replicas of famous books. Whether your Valentine is a die-hard Pride and Prejudice fan or she can’t resist the occasional trip to Wonderland, there are lots of beautiful and quirky options.

7. Favorite Books

Still stumped about what to get your favorite bookworm for Valentine’s Day? Check her Goodreads account to find some of the most recent titles on her to-read list, or find a leatherbound copy of one of her favorite books! If you strike out, settle for a beautiful new bookmark and giftcard to her favorite local bookstore. I recommend Half Price Books here in Dallas.

8. Handwritten Letter

If you decide to stick to something more traditional like flowers this Valentine’s Day, add your own personal touch by writing your Valentine a letter. It can be silly or serious, it can be a haiku about why you dig them or heartfelt lyrics to a song. But saving your words in a tangible way will mean the world to your sweetheart, no matter how old or new the relationship might be.

Still looking for more Valentine’s Day gift ideas?

Try shopping at local businesses in your neighborhood. You’ll find high-quality, unique products that will surprise and delight your love instead of inducing eye rolls over Valentine’s Day cliches from the Walmart aisle. Here are a few of my favorite local stores in Bishop Arts District, Downtown McKinney, and Downtown Grapevine.