Five gift ideas that aren't chocolate

Are you tired of giving or receiving the same old flowers with chocolates for Valentine’s Day?

It’s fun to think outside the box. Start thinking about what their love language is (and this helps for everyone, not just your significant other). This helps you pack a punch, gifting-wise.

Here are five gift ideas to leave open on the iPad browser as a hint:

1. The IOU Coupon book

Who says these are restricted to kids on Mother’s Day?  This is where your love languages can come in. Quality time might look like a date night, picnic or an entire day with you with no interruptions… There are loads of free printables online if you aren’t very crafty (like me). Make sure you schedule it in - don’t just leave it on the fridge until Valentine’s Day 2022.

2. Gift hampers

My top picks would be The Farmer’s Wife Handpicked Hampers, Wattle I Gift and Peabody Gift Box Co. Each has a variety of amazing options that are chocolate free and (importantly!) celebrate Australian products. I can personally recommend the Picnic Pack from Wattle I Gift...Levi got it for Christmas! If you’d like to get to know the ladies behind the brand, head over to Instagram to when I chatted with them last year.

3. Artwork

Art comes in so many forms! An original canvas, a framed photograph, a digital print, one-of-a-kind ceramic platters, statement earrings - the list goes on. I’m crushing on Isobell & Co prints, White Moss Clay’s platters and Linzie Joanne.

4. A magazine subscription

There are several magazines in circulation that are giving rural and regional women (and their communities) a bright spotlight. Some of these include Galah, Oak Magazine and Graziher

5. Anything edible other than chocolate

For those of us who are unashamed foodies, there’s a smorgasboard of edible gifts out there. Some notable mentions include The Humble Cooks and The Barefoot Farm


Of course, it’s not to say flowers and chocolates aren’t welcome - just give it a twist? Plant a fresh herb garden together and afterwards enjoy a block of Deva Cacao raw chocolate with wine. It will either be the start of something beautiful or a herby grave to toast to next year.