1. A Sweet From Your Favorite Bakery

Maybe you live in Seattle but you met your sweetheart in Charleston. If you cannot afford the time or cost of a trip to go back home, a little something sweet to remind you of that special place is a wonderful gesture. And of course, a tasty memory is the sweetest kind! For your sweet treat, we recommend WildFlour Pastry, Ashley Bakery or Sugar Bakeshop.

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2. A Love Letter

Cheesy? Maybe. However, if it’s sincere, it would be a darling gift. If it seems silly, don’t think of it in terms of a poet entangled in a Shakespearian love tale. Instead just write a couple things about your significant other that make you laugh. Saying thank you for being here in my life just needs to be said once in a while. For the perfect stationary or customizable card, check out Mac & Murphy or Lily.

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3. A Ticket

Whether it’s a train ticket for a weekend getaway, game ticket to a home game of your favorite team, or a concert ticket for an unforgettable outdoor summer concert, this gift is a two in one surprise. First–the initial surprise of opening the envelope with the tickets; and second, the actual event or activity.

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4. A Key

If you are ready for that step in the relationship, this is definitely an unexpected gesture.

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5. A Framed Throwback Picture

It doesn’t have to be an ancient black and white photo, but a cute framed picture from when you first started dating is just plain adorable.

Written By: Kathryn MacGovern 

Whether you have been married for five years, 15 years, or 50 years, Valentine’s Day is a special way for you to honor your relationship. Sadly, it is a holiday that has turned into a mess of materialism. The decision to celebrate on February 14th is up to you; the important thing is to do something that shows your love and devotion.

This Valentine’s Day we have a cute and simple idea for you–recreate your first date.

Recreate the meal you ate on your first date. If you can’t go out to the same restaurant, cook a similar meal at home. I adore the Chicken Piccata at Bocci’s and found a recipe that is just as good. For other Charleston restaurant-inspired meals check out Sean Brock’s blog for recipe ideas straight from the master who brought us several of Charleston’s most popular dining spots. If you are a fan of S.N.O.B or High Cotton, check out Maverick Southern Kitchen’s blog for some scrumptious recipes, like S.N.O.B’s famous Sangria.

Let’s say you met in high school and your first date was a picnic in a park, find a local park near your current home and recreate the picnic (but this time maybe upgrade the drinks to something bubbly and a bit more romantic.)

Check out A Signature Welcome for the perfect Turkish Towels to cover the ground. To pack the perfect supplies stop by Goat, Sheep, Cow on Church Street to get the best gourmet snacks and treats for your special lunch. If it’s a chilly February day, pack a blanket from Sackcloth & Ashes, a company that donates a blanket to your local homeless shelter for every purchased blanket. And if it’s raining or too cold, have no fear; try Bin 152 for the feel of an indoor picnic.

Take a long bike ride in a local park or around the quieter street in your city. In Charleston, consider biking around Hampton Park and the surrounding neighborhoods. During the work day, the streets are far less traffic-ridden than the rest of Downtown. If you don’t have your own bikes, the friendly and helpful staff at The Bicycle Shop on Meeting Street offer bicycle rentals. If you live in Mount Pleasant, Sweetgrass Cycles rents bikes too.

 

If your first date was a movie, trade in the big theater atmosphere for something a little more intimate, like a home theater or private outdoor movie. This way you can watch the same movie you did on your first date. If you need help creating the perfect outdoor movie setup, turn to TEC for your AV and lighting design and setup. Trust us, they will create the perfect setting just for your special night.

 

XOXO,

The Sweetgrass Social Team