Valentines Day: For Anyone
FIRE UP THEIR INTELLECT (WITH BOOKS)
The Color of Money: Black Banks and the Racial Wealth Gap by Mehrsa Baradaran explains, through diligent research and fact-based writing, the history of economic inequality and the resulting wealth gap in the United States. It’s a must read for those that want to learn more about how our history shapes our present and future (also available at your local bookstore, like Tattered Cover).
Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro is a glimpse into the future of what robots and AI might bring to our society. While it is an entertaining and quick read, the questions it raises last for a long while (Tattered Cover).
If they’re into world history, colonization and exploring ruthless behavior, there’s nothing better than The Anarchy: The East India Company, Corporate Violence, and the Pillage of an Empire by William Dalrymple. I read it in 2020 and it’s on my short “re-read” list. Though it’s not easy, it is engaging, entertaining and deeply informative (Tattered Cover).
MEMORIES
What about ordering a handful of the 10,000 photos you have on your camera? Try matte or double-thick prints from Artifact Uprising, placed in a nice lucite box on their nightstand, like one of these from Alexandra Von Furstenberg.
SCENTS
You can’t go wrong with any scent from either Byredo or Ex Nihilo, but Infloresence (Byredo) and Fleur Narcotique (Ex Nihilo) are absolute stunners. Oh, and both brands have discovery sets for the non-committal.
JUST FUN
Looking to open up to each other a little more? What about the Relationship Expansion Pack from We Are Not Really Strangers? As the brand says, “Warning: Feelings May Arise”. Not bad for $12.
Wouldn’t one of these prints look great in their home office? Sonic Editions has fashion, sport, travel and much more.
FOOD AND DRINK
Cool, independent World Whisky, Made in Japan? Wine from the year that you met? A gift card to Goldbelly (or you can order something to eat at home for date night instead)? Try Milk Street if they’ve got a global palette (Yakami Orchard Yuzu Marmalade or Pic’s Crunchy Peanut Butter).
If money’s no object, try L’Objet. This Haas Brothers Salad Monster Serving Bowl will add whimsy and smiles to any meal.
And really, what’s a Valentine’s Day without chocolate? Dandelion is the brand to get, whether you’re going to devour a few bars together (or by yourself) or bake with it.
LESS OF A SPENDTHRIFT? MORE LOW-KEY?
Check out “brandless” brands Italic and Quince, where you can get unbranded product in categories ranging from home to jewelry to apparel.
Still no luck? E-mail me and I’ll help you (for real).
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