By Melissa P. Bernier
Roses are red; violets are blue; sugar is sweet; what am I buying my boo?
Valentine’s Day – the most loved (or loathed) day of the year. Whether you have just started dating someone or you have been married for years, the question of what to get your beloved can be a tricky one. Have no fear…here are some suggestions on what to get your sweetheart to make your V-day the sweetest it can be. Did I mention that all of these gifts are made by Haitian-Americans!
Sock it to Me
Cold winter nights turn warm and fuzzy with the Love Birds over-the-knee socks by RSocks™. Fun, flirty and oh-so comfy. (Love Birds Navy Over-the-Knee Socks, $25; rsocks.com; IG: @Oursocks)
Carry Me Away
For the person on the go, this convertible leather backpack by Fait La Force is hip, stylish and very versatile. Best of all, it’s #MadeInHaiti! (Cenise Leather Carry-All, $425; faitlaforce.com; IG: @faitlaforce)
Lovers Rock
What’s better than jewelry on Valentine’s Day? Jewelry for two! Immortalize your love with the limited edition His and Hers personalized chains by Love, Nyri. (His & Hers, $100-$150 each; lovenyri.com; IG: @lovenyri)
Can You Feel My (H)Art Beat?
Give your sweetheart the gift of art and music with the Art in Sounds hand-painted headphones by Monster (same company that makes Beats by Dre). Choose from 28 unique headphones painted by 10 different renowned Haitian master painters. (Art in Sounds custom headphones powered by Monster; $500 each; artinsounds.com; IG: epachaiti)
I’m in Love with the Coco(nut)
For a sweet nightcap, nothing hits the spot better than cremas. Whether drizzled over warm cake or enjoyed on its own, cremas definitely hits the sweet spot. (Royal Cremas 750ml bottle, $25; royalcremas.com; IG: @royalcremas)
Gonna Make You Sweat
Comfy, cozy and full of pride. Dnalsi’s Sak Pase sweatshirts are the perfect gift for your boo. Pair them with some Jordans for some extra points. (Dnalsi men’s crewneck Sak Pase sweatshirt, $34.99; Dnalsi.com; IG: @TeamDnalsi)
The Spa Treatment
Create the perfect at home spa experience for your love. Ease their mind and body with Vert Bath n Body Valentine’s Day gift basket. Includes aromatherapy, exfoliation, luxurious soaps and a candle (Vert Bath N Body; email vertbathnbody@gmail.com for pricing; IG: @Vertbathnbody)
Mood Music
Set the mood for a romantic evening with some smooth and sultry R&B. Nothing says, “I love you” (or “I lust you”) better than some smooth tunes. Download DJ Stakz’s Pillow Talk mixtape and let the fun begin. (DJ Stakz Pillow Talk mixtape, available for free on SoundCloud; IG: @DjStakz)
A Sweet Treat
What would Valentine’s Day be without its fair share of sweets? Chocolates, cupcakes, strawberries and other sweet treats abound. These chocolate covered Oreos by Déjà vu Sweets are sure to make your V-day extra special. (Déjà vu Sweets, visit dejavusweets.com for pricing; IG: @Dejavusweets)