This Valentine’s Day: Keep Your Love Local at Any Age or Stage
By Cecilia Russo
Each year on February 14th, St. Valentine’s Day is celebrated around the world. And while this celebration can mean many things to many people, the most commonly observed Valentine’s Day tradition and custom is expressing one’s affection with an exchange of gifts. Depending on your relationship status though, finding the perfect gift for your special someone may be a hard decision.
As a Savannah native, not only do I love this city but I love to support our local vendors. Before buying the box of chocolates from the corner drugstore or teddy bear as big as your great dane from Walmart, consider some of these local shopping suggestions that make giving gifts simple at any relationship stage.
Just Started Dating?
For couples who are experiencing the first blooms of romance, it’s better to keep the Valentine’s Day gift simple. Bigger is not always better in this situation. For your leading lady, consider giving her a facial from Low Country Dermatology. The calming atmosphere will put her at ease while their botanicals and masques will leave her feeling refreshed and revived. For your main mister, give him some sweet honey from Savannah Bee Company. Try their different flavors and pick out something unique to his tastes.
Dating Six Months to a Year?
At this point, you’re obviously committed to the relationship. You know each other’s likes and dislikes. So, for a Valentine’s Day gift, consider something sweet or scented. Stop by Chocolat Atelier on Broughton St. and choose a couple of divine cocoa creations from Adam Turoni. If you’d rather follow your nose, call up Natalie Evans with Low Country Luxe and pick out a hand-poured, soy-based candle. The Moonshine label might be perfect for your man. Each of these gifts are hand crafted by the artists and are sure to wow your sweetheart.
Dating for Two Years or Longer?
Your relationship is at a very serious stage and you might even possibly see yourself marrying your valentine one day. However, being together for this long might make your V’day seem unoriginal or unanticipated. Spice things up with a "Stay-cation" of sorts. Plan a couples weekend in the Hostess City. Start with a private carriage ride from Historic Savannah Carriage Tours and a bottle of wine. Have them drop you off in front of your favorite restaurant. One of my favorites is 45 Bistro. For a small but thoughtful gift for him, pick him up a Filson leather dopp bag from Rivers & Glen Trading Co. He can use it to pack his personal items for your weekend.
Just Got Engaged?
Now, what do you get her after you’ve already given her that perfect diamond ring? You could give her a blue piece of jewelry, colored diamond or gem. Most brides want to follow the tradition of wearing something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue on her wedding day. That new or blue piece of jewelry will be a perfect accent for your bride to wear on your wedding day. Meet with Craig Burgess of A&C Gold and Diamonds for one of his Signature Design necklaces. For your hubby-to-be, think about surprising him with a donation to Savannah Tree Foundation. For a donation of $25 or more, STF’s Plant-a-Tree program enables you to dedicate a tree in Savannah to further express your deep rooted love.
Ever After?
Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to rekindle that spark. Although you may feel like you’ve seen and done it all in Savannah, why not put a new twist on a familiar place? Step one: call Johnnie Ganem’s and reserve your favorite bottle of bubbly. Step two: call my dad, Charlie Russo at Russo’s Seafood, and order up some lobsters. And finally, step three: light the candles and lay down a blanket. Turn your living room into a private picnic for two. Your sweetheart will love the simplicity yet thoughtfulness of your night-in. And both of you can finally relax in the comfort of your own home.
Whether you have been dating for a couple weeks or a lifetime, ensure this Valentine’s Day ends with a kiss.
Cecilia Russo is a marketing and public relations professional focusing on community relations and online positioning. She has developed strong relationships within a broad base of local and regional businesses, corporations and charities.
Contact:
Cecilia Russo
Cecilia Russo Marketing, LLC
info@crussomarketing.com
912.665.0005