Forget the roses and chocolates - get something different for V-Day.

Valentine's Day is coming and the old gifts are tired.  I saw a segment on the Today show this morning about out of the box Valentine's Day gifts and I thought the ideas were great.  So guys (and girls!) take note of these gifts and get them soon.  Shipping overnight is expensive, and honestly it's not always the thought that counts - the last minute gas station chocolates and flowers aren't exactly something every girl looks for.

1.  An alternative to flowers: flower jewelry!

Flower die (and seems the Valentine's ones die quicker because they have been harvested earlier to fill the need!).  Flowers are also expensive (you know very well that there is a huge Valentine's Day markup).  I loved the Today Show's idea of forgoing fresh flowers and getting flower based jewelry.  No one is stopping you from getting flowers any other time of the year and they will probably be half the price and twice as fresh.  Anyway, love the idea of flower based jewelry that will last forever.  They highlighted Liz Palacios's jewelry (available here) - her enamel and Swarovisky crystal rings, pins and bracelets are averaged priced (the ring to the left is $55) and actually are very pretty. 

2.  Find yummy heart shaped goodies instead of chocolates

  I'm always up for an excuse to sugar load.  And Valentine's day is no different (but then again neither is Halloween, Christmas, Easter... you get the drift).  And as good as chocolate is (well, for some people - I'm honestly not a huge fan of chocolate) chocolate is not the end-all-be-all Valentine's gift.  Besides, there is a whole lot of cheap and bad chocolate out there.  So why not do something different?  Like the Heart shaped Whoopie Pies from Crumble Cookie Factory.  They come in multiple "red velvet" colors and look amazing.  Besides, at $10 for 4 pies you aren't spending a ton of money on a box of chocolates with a mystery filling!  And we all know probably over half of those mystery fillings aren't good at all.

3.  Forgo the Champagne and go for bar ware.

Champagne is yummy - I love the bubbles!  But why not get something more permanent and go for personalized bar ware from Uncommon Goods.  The glasses (available in multiple bar ware glass types) are in scripted with two initials and a special date.  Bonus is that you can mix your bar ware - perfect for those who don't necessarily like the same booze.  A beer glass for him and a wine glass for her (or the opposite!) and it provides for a special way for you two to be connected.  Although, a great gift for a permanent relationship - might want to be something to pass up if you aren't 100% serious - although following a breakup the breaking of the glasses could be very cathartic. 

4.  Forget the wine, go for the wine-based beauty products!

Wine only lasts for a short time - but makeup lasts months!  And what woman doesn't like to expand the makeup in their makeup cabinet.  And Laura Mercer has an awesome package called "Off the Vine" on QVC right now for $66.50 that includes products to pamper your skin and utilize all the "in" colors right now.  And guy, you know you love that "natural" look but have to understand it doesn't actually mean that she's not using any makeup, just means that she's not using crazy makeup. 


5.  For the guys, forget the cologne and go for a shaving kit.

Lets be honest - very few guys need a new bottle of cologne and cologne is such a personal choice - the guy might not even like your choice (even if it turns YOU on).  So why not go for something he needs anyway?  A really nice shaving kit from The Art of Shaving.  While some of the kits can get kind of pricey... girls, you know you love a close shave.  The 5 o'clock stubble may look good, but it doesn't feel good on our sensitive skin! 


6.  The grand gesture for long distance relationships.

I'm a huge fan of etsy.  If you've never been to the site - you should check it out.  It's like visiting an art and crafts fair but online at your own leisure (and without the pushy salespeople).  I loved this idea of the Heartstrings Pillow for couples who are spread by distances.  All you have to do is give the etsy shop owner your two zip codes and she will send you a pillow with your two locations covered in hearts and attached by a big red string!  It's so adorable and will always be a reminder of your love.