I know many of you Gurus set your New Year’s Resolution not to take the hammer to the piggy bank, but Valentine’s Day sneaks up on you and you’re dropping hundreds of dollars on golf clubs, diamonds, or cologne/perfume to show how much you care for your special someone. However, breaking the bank is not the only way to show how much you care; there are many other ways to show your affection. This year try a personalized gift; such as a customized box of gourmet chocolates, a handmade gift basket, a case of handpicked craft beers or wines, or an even more simple but heart felt gift – a decorated jar filled with 50-100 reasons why your special someone means so much to you.

A pre-made box of Sees candy goes for $30-$90, but let’s be honest, how many of those candies do you take one bite of, cringe, and throw away... maybe half? Well, this year show your loved one how much you care by hand-picking their favorite candies at a fun, do-it-yourself, candy shop. These locations are popping up left and right, and might just become the new self-serve fro-yo. These candy shops often offer a decorative box that you can purchase and fill with hand picked candy for your sweetheart. No more of those raspberry crème filled icky things! If your Valentine likes the chocolate and caramel covered marshmallows (like I do) then you can get them 30 of those and they will appreciate that you pay attention to their favorites and made the effort to show how much you care.

If candy isn’t his or her forte, handmade gift baskets are another great way to personalize a gift for your special someone. Michael’s at the Fremont Hub and Downtown Pleasant Hill, as well as Richard’s Crafts at Alamo Plaza, are great spots to pick up baskets and decorative materials to make your gift extra special. If you need ideas, you can also go to their Pinterest pages ( ) and look up some DIY gift basket ideas. After choosing your basket, pick a theme. Maybe your loved one likes Italian food and culture. Fill up the basket with olive oil, cheese and chocolate bars. Pick the theme then head over to a place such as Cost Plus World Market at the Fremont Hub to fill it up with goodies. Cost Plus is known for having innovative and unique items from around the world that will really add some spice to your gift. Maybe your loved one doesn’t like to cook, that’s understandable, you can always make the basket filled with their favorite craft beers, wines, and/or snacks.

“A pre-made box of Sees candy goes for $30-$90, but let’s be honest, how many of those candies do you take one bite of, cringe, and throw away... maybe half?”

If you’re someone who doesn’t like food or drink themes on Valentine’s Day, but rather sentimental and personal gifts, you may like the approach my daughter took one year; making a jar filled with reasons why she loves me. People love to be reminded of how much they mean to us and this is a gift that keeps on giving. It is simple and inexpensive, but will make a lasting difference. Lastly, if you are the type of couple that likes to enjoy a gift together on Valentine’s Day, then book a class at a wine and paint studio like Pinot’s Palette at the Danville Livery. Pinot’s Palette provides a romantic and entertaining atmosphere where you and your loved one can explore your palette; not only in your taste for wine, but also your creativity.

So Gurus, I hope this gives you an idea of how to spoil your sweetheart while also sparing the piggy bank. Until next time, Happy Valentine’s Day, Gurus. <3