by josie
Commission a poem to express your love to your Valentine.
On Valentine’s Day, I’ve given (and received) my share of red- and pink-hued gifts and all manner of objects adorned with hearts or Cupid poised with bow and arrow. But instead of those throwaway cards, cheesy stuffed animals or chocolatey treats, this year why not opt for something much more special? I’ve found four unique and unforgettable Valentine’s Day ideas that will be hard to beat next year.
For $2,500–$5,000, Gilded Age Greetings will make you a completely one-of-a-kind card from its Grand Couture line encrusted in diamonds, sapphires, rubies and other precious and semiprecious stones.
The hand-painted cards are presented in a custom box with documentation, including the list of stones used. Choose a greeting, write your own or have Gilded Age’s poet write a Shakespeare-esque creation. Other options include signed and numbered giclée limited edition signature cards ($395) set with Swarovski crystals and packaged with gloves for handling the fine giltwork.
Do you have a hard time finding words to express your love? Poetry Salon offers customized poems that can solve that problem. All you have to do is answer questions via email or phone, and one of the salon’s 600 poets will craft the perfect poem. Prices vary by presentation choice, starting at $175 for a poem on handmade paper to $550 for a custom jewelry option. If you want a poem for this Valentine’s Day, order now. It takes one to four weeks to write words from your heart.
If your Valentine loves music, consider a commissioned song. Singer/songwriter Corey Dargel writes love songs for those interested and ready for the lengthy creative process. Dargel, based in Brooklyn, NY, conducts interviews, composes the accompaniments to match the couples’ personalities, writes the lyrics (over which you have final approval), composes the vocal lines, and produces the three-minute love song all by himself.
The process takes at least three months and costs $1,500, but, Dargel says, “I assure you my songs are better than the vast majority of wedding toasts!” You won’t be able to present this gift for the coming Valentine’s Day, but you could start the process on Valentine’s Day together as a fun activity or give it to your loved one next year. You can contact Dargel via email (lovesong(at)automaticheartbreak.com) or Twitter.
For those who want something more material, think about soundwave art. I love ReverbWords soundwave keychains ($21 each) made of wire shaped to match the soundwave of a recording of up to three syllables (“I love you” for example!). If you have more to say, consider a bracelet ($42) or necklace ($42) that can accommodate up to eight syllables.
For something bigger, check out Vapor Sky’s Resonant Décor ($199-$700) Simply select a color scheme, upload a sound file and picture size and Vapor Sky will create a work of art on canvas. (Allow about two weeks for delivery.) You can hang it above your bed, in a hallway or keep it in your love’s office. No one but you two needs to know what it really means.
What’s the most unique Valentine’s Day gift you’ve ever received?
