Shop local: Memorable Valentine’s Day gifts for him

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The most memorable Valentine’s Day gifts err on the side of unorthodox, and buying for guys comes with its own set of challenges. Where cliched greeting cards, jewelry and chocolates may come to mind, consider instead these locally-based businesses for gifts as timeless as they are unique.

Tandy Leather Factory
www.tandyleather.com

Timeless and mature, custom leather goods pieced together by hand make for a functional and thoughtful Valentine’s Day gift. With stock running the gamut from dye and hardware to conchos and belt buckles, Tandy Leather Factory offers products, kits and accessories to help find or create a gift with artisan flair. The leather outlet also offers February leathercraft specials throughout the month and classes and shows – among them basic carving and tooling, leather forming and pouch- and sheath-building – in its Jacksonville branch located at 9456 Philips Highway, Suite 6.

MusicMatters

Vinyls have seen a bump in the industry with the reintroduction of tangible music as a novelty and collector’s item. For the music lover, consider the selection of St. Augustine’s oldest record store, MusicMatters, for a choice of vinyls, CDs and music accessories both modern and classic. MusicMatters is located at 196 State Road 312.

The Edge Rock Gym
www.theedgerockgym.com

For more adventurous recipients, make a gift of an indoor rock climbing membership. Jacksonville’s Edge Rock Gym offers day passes for its extensive indoor rock climbing wall for climbers at all levels of experience. The top rope, lead climbing and bouldering areas total more than 8,000 square feet of casual climbing space in addition to classes on rocks and ropes, basic movement and more. Special introductory packages include a day pass, top rope belay instruction, orientation and equipment can be purchased for $25 and monthly membership rates begin at $60. The Edge Rock Gym is located at 3563 Philips Highway Ste. 702 in Jacksonville.

John Craig Clothier
www.johncraigclothier.com

For a gift that toes the line of traditional and contemporary, consider a hand-picked set of essentials. Winter Park-based John Craig Clothier recently brought its menswear stylings to Sawgrass Village, among them button downs, neck-and bow-ties, pocket squares and essentials in patterns and prints that give the classic pieces a spin. John Craig’s offerings also include sportcoats, leather goods and men’s boutonnieres. John Craig Clothier is located at 280 Village Main St., Ste. 950 in Ponte Vedra Beach.