It’s not all hearts and candy. Buying Valentine’s Day gifts can be a minefield. What if the gift is too intimate? What if it’s not intimate enough?

The key, our experts say, is avoiding the generic and making the gift fun and thoughtful. If the relationship is still pretty green, Alli Baldwin, marketing manager of Poppy and Stella in Fells Point, suggests keeping it simple.

“People in new relationships may not know enough detail about sizing to shop for clothing or shoes, so we recommend accessories. Scarves, hats, jewelry, or candles are all great choices that can be personal, but are safe as you’re still getting to know someone,” says Baldwin.

Once you’ve been dating that special someone for a while, add a touch of personalization.

“A thoughtful card and a set of personalized stationery, or a nice frame with a picture of the couple together always makes a great gift,” states Louise Wright, co-owner of Simply Noted in Ruxton.

When it comes to buying a gift for a spouse, let their gifts to you be a guide, says Paul Foreman, owner of Harbor East’s Loafers & Laces.

“Consider the gifts this person has given you in the past—people typically give to others what they actually like,” he notes. “Once you know what types of gifts this person likes, it’s a lot easier to give a more meaningful and creative gift.”

[Above images clockwise, from top left: Gilah Press + Design cards ($5/each) at Simply Noted. Blanket scarf ($38) at Poppy and Stella. Gilah Press + Design cards ($5/each) at Simply Noted. Lisa B. merino-wool-and-cashmere socks ($35) and Bills Khakis lined deerskin driving gloves ($125) at Loafers & Laces. Illume mercury glass candle ($16) and Fossil Sydney zip clutch ($65) at Poppy and Stella.]

When planning seating arrangements for holiday gatherings, keep in mind personalities, common interests, and even left-handedness versus right-handedness to assure comfort and lively conversation. Solid color place cards (prices vary) at The Pleasure of Your Company. Kate Spade gift enclosures ($24/set of 24) at Simply Noted.

Showing up with a bottle of wine is never a bad idea, but if you’re looking to say “thank you” to your host or hostess for the wonderful evening with a gift that will last past the night, here are a few ideas.

Relocation

Wow! A new location and a new name! Formerly known as Jewels, the new JG Sassy is now across the street and named for owner Kearny Dietrich’s Baltimore-based clothing line. Along with Dietrich’s signature line, you’ll find big names in jewelry and clothing, including a mix of classic staples and trendy pieces sure to appeal to all ages.
7701 Bellona Ave., Towson, 410-321-8100.

New Location

Although she closed her Belvedere Square stationery shop Simply Noted in 2010, owner Melissa Taylor has reopened the shop under the same name with the help of new co-owner Louise Wright. Together, the women have added an entirely new gift section stocked with brands like Jonathan Adler, plus you can find well-known stationery names like Kate Spade and more local lines like Gillah Press + Designs and Maggie Stewart Designs. The boutique also custom-makes special-occasion invitations and offers in-store printing services.
1515 Labelle Ave., Towson, 443-275-7094.