I remember one Christmas, before we were married, my then boyfriend gave me what he thought was the sweetest gift: A college sweatshirt and a monthly planner. It didn’t dawn on him, until I so indelicately pointed it out, that I wanted something romantic: earrings, a necklace, a tattoo on his back in the shape of my face. Not a sweatshirt.
The moral of this story is that people want different types of gifts during times in their relationships. A planner would be a thoughtful gift from a longtime partner, but not so great for folks who are just beginning to date.
To alleviate some of the stress, fear, and freak-out over Christmas shopping for your honey bunny, take a look at the list below. It’s all local goodies from fantastic Fort Worth businesses. And, you’re welcome.
Eat me. Drink me. Can’t live without me.
Fort Worth Fudge Co.: Order online or buy in stores around town. Goes well with red wine and just about anything. I’ll take some of the mint chocolate chip. Thanks.
Cold Springs Farm CSA: The community supported agriculture program lets you give the gift of healthy, organic eating — year around. Get your sweet thang a membership and learn to cook better veggies together.
Kindred Coffee Co.: Give this new craft coffee shop in North Richland Hills some love while adding the gift of caffeine and conversation to your love story. Pick up a bag of the Costa Rica brew and a candle to go with it.
Looking Good.
WORN: This social enterprise run by Catholic Charities of Fort Worth sells handmade knit accessories to complement every occasion. Show your sweetie that you care about her and the world with a gift that supports refugee women living in the United States. Proceeds help these women rise out of poverty while creating better lives for their families. I’ll take the River Run Bracelet, one for each wrist, please.
Danette’s Urban Oasis: Pamper your honey with a trip to this private spa and gift boutique. Any woman who says she doesn’t want a pedicure is just plain lying. So just get her one already! Affordable prices and a hip location in the Near Southside make this an oasis I want to step inside.
Weird and Wonderful.
Ephemera!: When you don’t know what to get, but want to get something funky, head straight to Ephemera! Located off Magnolia Avenue in the Near Southside, this boutique specializes in terrariums, which are containers (typically glass globes) that hold and grow living plants. Throw in some plastic unicorns, pink rocks, and other dreamy figurines, and you’ve got a one-of-kind centerpiece. Of course, there’s a terrarium bar on-site to bring your creations to life. And all kinds of other stuff to fill those stockings.
Bearsley and Bumski: There’s a unicorn on the homepage. I’m sold. Click on over to this shop to score cool t-shirts and party accessories. Part of the company’s profits also go straight to charity. (How am I just finding out about this company?) I want the t-shirt that says: “After all, you’re my wonderwall.” If you don’t know what that means, you’re missing a key part of musical history. Google it. Now. All merchandise is sold online, so get your order in quick for Christmas gifting.
This list should get you going in the right direction. And it’ll show your boyfriend, girlfriend, or soon-to-be something-something that you care about supporting the community and buying really cool stuff as Christmas gifts. Break out the mistletoe.
As always, please write to me with your questions on love, relationships, and life at: xsandoscolumn@gmail.com.
XOXO,
Sarah
