40+ From-the-Heart {not from Target} Gift Ideas for Valentine's Day

I was inspired by two great loves to write this Valentine's Day post.  The first was my dad, who has always had a passion for small business, small towns, hard working people, the entrepreneurial spirit and generosity. I've always known him to be a faithful supporter of the "Main Street" businesses and, by his faithful example, he has taught his children to do the same. 

The second inspiration was the book, A Severe Mercy, by Sheldon Vanauken. Just after getting married, I picked up a copy and quickly fell in love with every page of this beautiful story. It's deep, rich simplicity taught me to delight, in a new way, the precious reality that to love someone is not just to celebrate the things you have in common, but to selflessly embrace everything that you don't have in common, too.  To take a sincere interest in, and to learn about the things your spouse appreciates or enjoys in life is a beautiful act of love. What a joy to discover and come to know everything about the one you love, and to embrace that one soul with your entire being! 

What if this Valentine's Day, instead of the typical commercialized gift of chocolates or roses, we all decided to give something that not only said I love you, but also, I know you? To receive a well thought out gift from someone who truly knows your heart, your interests, your hobbies, your dreams, your goals (or at least your favorite college football team) is a glorious surprise, isn't it??

And, what if this Valentine's Day we all drove on past the Target parking lot and instead hit the Main Streets of America in support of those wonderful little businesses that are just waiting to share something with us, something unique, something special? 

Just think, no circling the big box store parking lots only to be cut off by a teenager driving a faster car than your mini-van. No long lines, no marathon sprinting from one end of the warehouse to the other in search of the perfectly mass-produced gift.  Instead, how about a friendly hello, may I help you, thank you for stopping in, and a hearty come back soon??! Mmmm....that sounds nice! 

Perhaps the loveliness sounds ideal but nearly impossible for so many of you busy moms out there. Well, if your life is anything like like mine, and the mere thought of keeping six squirmy kids away from the breakables makes you sweat, then you're in luck! I just happen to have a perfect little list of fantastic businesses you can support at home, on the couch, in your jammies, from your laptop. 

It's a virtual Main Street just for you!! 

A hearty thanks to everyone who took the time to link up their favorite Etsy stores on my Facebook page. You all truly know where to shop! Here's a visual perk of a few of my faves:

/1./ His and Her Puzzle Necklace from Your Charmed Life (Making a wish list for this site!)

/2./ Gold Heart Shoes by Bad Bebe

/3./ Screen Printed Tea Towel from Oh, Little Rabbit

/4./ Live Like Paul T-Shirt - please support Team Ann and Paul Coakley

(If you don't buy anything else this Valentine's Day, BUY THIS SHIRT!)

/5./ Beard and Mustache grooming set from One DTQ

/6./ J.R.R. Tolkien Cuff Links from Bridgie & Green  (Seriously?? How awesome are these??!!)

/7./ Neckties from Petite Peanut (I dare you to find anything cuter than a boy in a bow tie. Double dare.)

For the Littles

BKY Kid - father/son matching shirts (must. have. these.)

Penny Jules - beaded hair combs (lovely for the locks) 

Whole Parenting Goods (Um, everything here, please.)

Little Crane Headbands - simple yet adorable hair accessories

Wild Explorers - beautiful baby mocs for squishy feet

Mary's Knits - beanies for babies (You must see the photos on this page!)

Petite Peanut  - neckties for your dapper dude

Baby Jives Co. - sweet heart mobile

Clothing & Accessories

Jill Makes - unique jewelry pieces

Call Her Happy - tiny, sweet, embroidery hoop necklaces

Brag, Bling & Bows - the perfect bling for athlete mamas
Todd Borka - hand drawn custom portrait pendants

Ashcraft Creative - hand tooled leather goods

Wrenn Jewelry 

Your Charmed Life - personalized jewelry, key chains and guitar picks

WiReD - jewelry
That Chic Mom T's - Fun, quirky t's for moms
Gameday Couture - Super cute gameday wear

Paper Goods

With Joy Calligraphy - cards, decorative quotes and stationary

Dovetail Ink - beautiful artwork

Fancy Flamingo - burlap and paper banners

Klamoty Studio - custom cartoon style portraits

Best Design Land - instant download cards/wall graphics

For the Guys

Jude Landry Designs - graphic prints on paper and clothing

Bridgie & Green - J.R.R.Tolkien cuff links

Mintage Designs - rustic beer tote

One DTQ - beard and mustache grooming set

Your Charmed Life - personalized guitar Picks

Gameday Couture - Okay, so this is really for the ladies, but the guys will love it, too!

For Your Dwelling Place

Magic Crochet by Helena - cozy hug mug

Audrey Eclectic - beautiful American folk art
Do Small Things With Love - cross stitch
Lizzy Joe Designs - wine cork coasters
Ridge and Valley Metalworks - garden signs and home state love
Mixed Bag Sign Co. - creative quotes and designs for your walls
ME Designs - personalized name with bible verse
The Fair Line - fair trade goods

Faith Filled Gifts

Organic Mamas Shop - So many beauties!
(50% of your purchase goes toward helping the Coakleys!)
Blessed is She - devotions, prints, bible studies
Signs of Love - My morning coffee has just found a new mug!
The Crossmakers - handheld wooden crosses

Trendy Traditions - rosaries

St. Luke's Brush - mini saint figurines

Divine Designs - jewelry

A Twist on Traditional Gifts

The Little Succulent Shoppe - In lieu of roses, a heart shaped succulent wreath.

Artisan Chocolates - Because, there must be chocolate on Valentine's Day!

Treesnail - aaromatherapy + lip balm set


Do you have a favorite Etsy store or 
online business you'd like for us to visit? 
Please share it with us in the comments!