A version of this article was published on Dayton.com on February 11, 2020.
It’s that time of year again when we celebrate love in all its forms: love for a significant other, love for friends, love for chocolate, self-love, etc. While many argue that Valentine’s Day is a manufactured holiday to boost sales in the post-holiday retail lull, those in the grips of the winter doldrums might defend Cupid’s day for its cheer and cheesiness. In downtown Dayton, love must be in the air because there are so many gift shops and boutiques full of sweet gifts to show your valentine how much you care.
Heart Mercantile
601 E 5th St, Dayton
(937) 250-6020
heartmercantile.com | facebook.com/HeartMercantile
When it comes to Valentine’s shopping, you can’t go wrong shopping at Heart. After all, hearts are kind of a big deal this time of year. Plus, Heart Mercantile offers some of the best gifts around with trinkets your loved one will cherish. Featuring coffee mugs, Dayton-themed shirts, cards, books, and so, so much more, Heart has something for anyone you’re shopping for.
BRIM
464 E 5th St, Dayton
(937) 222-4287
brimonfifth.com | facebook.com/brimonfifth
If you’ve ever looked at your partner and thought, “this cutie would look fantastic in a hat,” there’s a Dayton shop for that. BRIM offers hats for every occasion for guys, gals, and your non-binary pals. They offer accessories as well like jewelry, beauty products, and gloves to complete the look.
Luna Gifts & Botanicals
261 Wayne Ave, Dayton
(937) 522-0240
lunadayton.com | facebook.com/Lunadayton
Plants are the perfect pre-spring gift because this is definitely the time of year when a little green can make all the difference to perk us up on dreary winter days. Luna Gifts & Botanicals offers succulents, plants, and cacti in so many varieties, plus all the accessories you could need to keep your new babies alive like pots, soil, watering cans, spray bottles, and more.
Agnes & Orson Gifts and Goods
106 Plum St, Beavercreek
(937) 640-1500
agnesandorson.com | facebook.com/agnesandorson
When you aren’t sure what to get your sweetheart, try a whole gift basket! Agnes & Orson offers the opportunity to turn a few gifts into a basket of joy for your loved ones. This boutique offers accessories, gifts, décor, and more – plus their items are cute, sassy, and full of fun.
Bonnett’s Book Store
502 E 5th St, Dayton
(937) 228-1222
facebook.com/BonnettsBooks
Do you know someone who loves comics? What about books? How about all things vintage? Then you should definitely plan a stop at Bonnett’s Books, which offers anything and everything your kitsch-loving friend craves. Bonnett’s offers well-loved comics, 100-year-old hardcover books, pulpy paperbacks, and so much more.
Thanks to the great boutiques and shops in downtown Dayton, Valentine’s shopping doesn’t have to be a pain. With cute, creative, and sometimes campy ideas for your beloved, you’ll have no trouble celebrating Valentine’s Day with local flair.