I look forward to compiling the Weird Valentines Day gift list each year — for the benefit of no one in particular.

It’s just fun for me to hunt for the strange and unusual and share it here, and there’s something to be said for consistency; this is year seven!

There’s no real theme to the weirdness this year; just some of the more interesting entrees into the Valentine Gift gamut. One might say the list has a pandemic-tinged flavor to it, featuring introspective literature, handmade crafts, nostalgia, and comfort food.

A Bound Collection of Pages

If you’ve ever muttered Cripes, you’re so damn literal to your loved one, look no further for an appropriate gift than Nathan W. Pyle’s Strange Planet. This cartoon compilation depicts all sorts of conversations, but written in formal-speak: reflective of the weirdness of human behavior.

Pyle also has other Strange Planet merch for sale at his website.

Spotted at Business Insider

…But Did You Pick a Peck?

Last year, I featured a potato as a gift, so this year I’ll move on to fruit and personalized mini-pears.

Made by ArchMiniatures, these mini-pears can be singles (You’re pearfection!) or doubles (We’re the perfect pear!). They’re, cute, irreverent, and (according to ArchMiniatures) suitable for some car dashboards, which is definitely a trend I want to see.

Spotted at Etsy

Searching for a Reel Love

The vintage-lover — or any Gen Xer — will appreciate a personalized ViewMaster* and the hours of clicky joy it will bring.

* Not actually a ViewMaster, the brand-name for the Mattel toy. This is the Image3D, made by a small company in Oregon.

Spotted at Uncommon Goods

I’ve Got My Rib-eye on You

Heart-shaped steaks aren’t a new thing necessarily, but they seem to be experiencing a resurgence; perhaps because not many of us will be going out for a V-Day dinner, but still want to indulge. It’s potentially a great way to support local farms and butchers; also known as sweetheart steaks, they’re usually one cut of boneless strip or rib steak, expertly butterflied into a heart shape.

Lobel’s of New York offers the gold standard of cardiac cuts (sorry), but several grocery chains and mail-order services are also offering similar, more modestly priced versions.

Spotted at 92.9 NiN