Toula's Home Gift Garden

Since I opened Toula’s, I’ve come to associate each month with a calendar highlight. February is a rather short, cold month, so it’s especially nice that it includes a warm holiday like Valentine’s Day.

My most memorable Valentine’s Day came a few years ago, when I was living in Tokyo. I was working for a huge American retailer, opening new stores and training Japanese employees. Most of the people I worked with didn’t speak much English, and I spoke very little Japanese. Luckily for me, I was assigned an excellent translator, and we all managed to communicate pretty well.

Expecting nothing much in the way of celebration when I arrived at the flagship store on February 14, I was met with an embarrassing array of red, heart-shaped cards, chocolate, balloons, and presents from many Japanese women I worked with. Turns out, Valentine’s Day is a huge celebration there, and the Japanese love giving gifts. I remember thinking: how am I going to carry all this stuff on the subway ride back to my apartment?

Another surprise: only men receive cards and gifts on February 14; they are supposed to return the favor on March 14, during the “White Day” celebration for women. This was a completely new holiday that the Japanese created as another sort of Valentine’s Day.

Despite my initial embarrassment and panic, I was taken aback by the outpouring of thoughtfulness and consideration of my female colleagues, many of them taking time to painstakingly hand write notes in English so that I would understand their friendly sentiments. It was a wonderful holiday for me despite being so far from home and my loved ones.

I encourage everyone (both men and women!) to stop by Toula’s before this Valentine’s Day. I like to think that we offer some fun and sophisticated alternatives to the usual flowers and chocolate, from modest tokens of love and friendship such as cards, candles, and fine soaps to more significant statements in jewelry, perfume, and leather goods. Everyone enjoys a thoughtful gift to brighten their day and show them that they are loved and appreciated—and sometimes the fact that it’s unexpected makes it even more special. . .

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Eric