Shopping in the South End

A Better Valentine's Day, Part 1
Valentine's Day is just so....bleh! I love gifting (mostly because I get to go shopping for said gifts) but I wouldn't be caught dead in a cliche, and (for the most part) neither would my loved ones. 

In fact, I didn't even actually realize that I was shopping for Valentine's Day gifts until I headed to the South End in Boston for a pull for an upcoming magazine shoot. The neighbood's close concentration of shops is where I found all the props I needed for the shoot - and then some.So I found myself struck by Cupid's arrow, after all. And the objects of my affection? Among them: vintage matchbooks, a tin of smokeable herbs, and a tiny, handmade comb to go with that lumbersexual-approved beard oil.I guess I'm the romantic type, after all.

Oversized mug, $10Hudson12 Union Park StreetBoston, MA 02118(617) 292-0900 / hudsonboston.com
Homestead Apothecary "Roll Your Own" herbal blend, $11A loose leaf blend of Mullein, Mint, Lemon Balm, Raspberry Leaf & Yarrow. Included is a pack of raw organic hemp rolling papers. Our infamous minty and relaxing organic smoking cessation blend. Use to replace unwanted smoking habits, clean toxins from your lungs or just relax.

Olives and Grace623 Tremont StreetBoston, MA. 02118617-236-4536 / olivesandgrace.com

Vintage Matches, $3.50 eachHudson12 Union Park StreetBoston, MA 02118(617) 292-0900 / hudsonboston.com
Ok, ok - this is not an "indie shop find" - but I'll definitely enjoy warming up during the next few snowstorms with Morris Kitchen's cocktail concoctions from Williams-Sonoma.
Simply Great Oak Moss Beard Oil (also available in Tobacco), $22 Handmade Comb by Kent, $10

Sault577 Tremont StreetBoston, MA 02118(857) 239-9434 / saultne.com

Valentine's Day doesn't have to be over the top, like some of the other Hallmark Holidays, so opt for a memorable and thoughtful token instead of a big ticket item - this is not the time for electronics, gift certificates, or cash. Surprise them with something they never knew they wanted, but that will make an appearance in their everyday lives, like the mug or matches that I snagged (for myself!). So much better than a stuffed bear holding a polyester heart.

And, stay tuned for South End Shopping / Valentine's Day Part 2 later this week; If you're going to go the flower route, I'll show you where to score Boston's most beautiful, unexpected, exotic, and creative arrangements, most of them living (read: they won't be in the trash after a week).Cheers,Renata