How To Say ‘I Love You,’ Ditmas Park Style: Valentine’s Gifts From Local Artists, Chefs, Photographers & More
Interesting and thoughtful Valentine’s Day gifts can be bought locally. In fact, many of our neighbors offer creative and innovative services, but you may not know about them because they don’t own storefronts.
Here are a few of our entrepreneurial, creative neighbors who may have the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for your special someone.
Body Care– Physical
Zoe Levine is our neighbor who will help you reshape your body, which will in turn reshape your mind. This is a great way to show your loved one you still support their New Year’s Resolution.
Body Care–Products
Neighbors Selima Iwilla Harleston Lust and Tami Lust co-own Iwilla Remedy, where you can buy a lovely gift set of body creams and lotions.
Cooking
Gretchen Brinson is a personal chef and local mom who offers in-home cooking, meal delivery, and cooking lessons.
Photography and Design
Show your love one support for their new business idea by giving them a consultation with Stephanie Bee. Stephanie worked on the visual design and visual communication of Ditmas Park Corner and our sister sites, as well as other local businesses – including Lark and San Remo.
Additionally, Stephanie is a professional photographer focusing on pregnancy, kids, and families.
Postpartum Help
Are you and your loved one re-finding your footing after a new bundle of joy? Neighbor Ashley Brichter is a triple threat: postpartum doula, lactation counselor and personal chef and is happy to send out gift certificates!
Shoemaking
Feed your loved one’s obsession with shoes by commissioning a one-of-a-kind pair from neighbor Malika Green. Malika will even teach you how to make your own shoes.
Storefronts for local artists
Do you still want to touch, feel, and smell merchandise before you buy it?
Stems (1118 Cortelyou Road), in addition to beautiful Valentine bouquets, is also selling a limited edition of Flatbush Fig Farm fig trees. And, until Valentine’s Day, The Printer’s Cabinet and Curiosities Shoppe will be selling their curated collection of vintage threads and accessories (for men and women), jewelry, oddities, home decor, and more.
The Brooklyn Artery (1021 Cortelyou Road) offers a storefront for many local artists. Co-owner Jocelyn recommends, “from our neighborhood alone we have Miriam Ariano, Chisa Takagi and Lyrical, which are all jewelry. We have Mike’s Hot Honey, Liddabit Sweets, Amy’s Cookies, Brewklyn Grind Coffee & Teas, Ümlaut Brooklyn marble coasters, and Tumbador Chocolate – which are all Brooklyn companies. We also have the best collection of handmade cards anywhere!”
Collyer’s Mansion (368 Stratford Road) offers artwork, furnishings, gifts and more from local (and international) artists.
We’re sure there are other local entrepreneurs with wares for sale. Do you have a favorite person or place to shop? If so, please share!
