We are knee-deep in pink hearts and red confetti, and that can only mean one thing! It's almost Valentine's Day! A day that can go many ways - some of them good, some of them bad (like, if you're single, or if you're in a crusty relationship, or if you get an indecent proposal from a guy/lady who you're like, "Not a chance mister/ma'am," or if you're on the receiving end of that "Not a chance" response...). So, why not just make it good no matter what?!Welcome to Part I of our Beyond Buckskin gift guide for Valentine's Day - this is a gift guide for guys and gals of all ages. These are ideas for gifts to give to your girlfriend, your husband, a daughter or a mother, or for yourself, because hey, you deserve it.
FOR YOUR SWEETHEART: Luv Birds, $20-$30, These earrings are made by MaRia Bird (Navajo/Hopi/Santa Clara Pueblo), the owner of Mea B'fly Designs. They feature an original drawing of an adorable young couple in love. Perfect for a girlfriend, they are innocent and sweet. For a boyfriend, go for the Failsafe Tee, $24 - and the cheesy line about him being your protector is optional.
FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART: Beaded Sunglasses, $59, These ultra-cool beaded sunglasses were made by Cree/Metis artist Candace Halcro. They feature Wayfarer style frames or reflective lenses that have been hand-beaded using multicolored seed beads in bright and vibrant hues. Each pair is one of a kind. Perfect for the young at heart, a new relationship, or a special teen daughter or nephew (because being single in high school on V-Day can be so lame!).
FOR YOUR MAIN SQUEEZE: Quill Earrings, $65, Go tradish with quillwork earrings (like these ones made by Lonna Jackson) for your best lady, or snatch up a beaded medallion, $60, for your man. These are great gifts for the ones you're not yet married to (on paper) but are committed to in a real good way.
FOR YOUR SEXY LOVING WIFE: Eagle Feather Scarf by Patricia Michaels, $255, These elegant hand-painted silk organza scarves were made by award-winning Taos Pueblo fashion designer Patricia Michaels and feature an eagle feather design pattern. Just picture that organza scarf flowing from her sexy neck! Or, let her know she's your star with the Constellation Ring, $420, by Chickasaw metalsmith artist Kristen Dorsey. Black conflict-free diamonds are set to look like a constellation of stars in the night sky. Just like she inspires you, ancestors of the Chickasaw nation were influenced by the movement of the stars and planets in all facets of life.
FOR YOUR CARING AND SMOKING HOT HUSBAND: Medicine Wheel Winter Jacket, $312, This men's coat with winter inner lining was designed by Tammy Beauvais (Mohawk Nation) and features an appliqued Medicine Wheel with eagle feathers on the back, and two feathers on the left upper sleeve. Blue Quill Medallion, $200, This quillwork medallion necklace was made by Ista Ska, a collective of Lakota quillwork and beadwork artists based out of Saskatchewan and North Dakota. It features a stunning large 4" medallion that boasts three rows of gorgeous and tightly wrapped quillwork around a central mirror. Mirrors are viewed as important objects due to their light reflective properties, which are associated with the spirit realm. The pattern reflects the four directions, and is completed in rich blue and fire colors.
FOR YOUR SNAG: Because we can't forget them! For him, get the Native Americans Discovered Columbus Tee, $22, and for her, grab the tank version, $18. Both by Navajo artist Jared Yazzie for his company OxDx. They're cool, fun and nonchalant, just like the perfect snag.
Click here to view all of our Valentine's Gift Ideas.