The doldrums of January have come and gone and now it’s February’s time. I always think of February as a shade of pinkish red, which I suppose is appropriate since Valentine’s Day strikes in the middle of the month. The hearts and cupids approacheth.
Valentine’s Day is significant to some and considered a crass commercial holiday by others, but I don’t know. After the last few years, it feels nice to think about something that’s meant to be pleasant and a celebration of affection. However you define it, couldn’t we use a little of that?
But I would be remiss if I did not provide options for expressing your sentiments in a Made in North Carolina way. So here are a few suggestions for celebrating and gift-giving for Valentine’s Day that also show your affection for local manufacturing.
- If you want to gift your Valentine chocolates, you can find amazing ones from French Broad Chocolate, Chocolat Grace, Jenni’s Ugly Chocolates, or Videri Chocolate Factory (as well as many more)
- Luxuriate with soaps and bath products
- Cook a fantastic meal using sauces from Still There Shine Sauce and Black Dog Gourmet, as well as other NC-made sauces
- And cook the meal using these tools made by Wilmington Grill
- A lovely gift for your Valentine would be a pedicure using OPI nail polish
- If your Valentine is a tea lover, tea from Asheville Tea Company and a mug from Haand in which to drink it
- Set a romantic scene using candles from the Hummingbird Candle Company
- Is there a cycler in your heart? Find appropriate socks from DeFeet; they even have socks with hearts on them
- For other athletes in your life, there are sunglasses for a variety of sports from Kroops
No matter how you celebrate Valentine’s Day, hopefully, you have learned a little more about products made here in North Carolina.
