Holiday

Test Your Valentine's Day Knowledge

Happy Valentine's Day to you and yours!  Today is the day for love and romance, heart-shaped chocolates and candlelit dinners.

What do you really know about Valentine's Day? Here are some fun trivia questions to test your knowledge.

1. When was the oldest-known Valentine's Day message written, and from where? 
2. When was February 14^th first declared as Valentine's Day? 
3. Who invented the first Valentine's Day candy box? 
4. What is the average number of marriage proposals on Valentine's Day each year? 
5. How much on average is spent on chocolate in America for Valentine's Day each year? 
6. How many roses are sold on Valentine's Day each year? 
7. How many Valentine's Day greeting cards are purchased in the U.S. each year? 
8. How many people typically purchase Valentines for their pets? 
9. If you send a snarky insult on Valentine's Day, what kind of "greeting" are you sending?
10. What year were the popular "conversation Sweethearts" not available?

Ready for the answers?

1. The oldest-known Valentine was in 1415, sent by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife from the Tower of London where he was imprisoned. 
2. Valentine's Day was declared an official holiday in 1537 by King Henry VIII. 
3. English entrepreneur and chocolate-maker Richard Cadbury created the first heart-shaped box of chocolates. 
4. 220,000 
5. It is estimated that over $1 billion is spent in the U.S. each year for Valentine's Day. 
6. 189 million 
7. Approximately 1 billion 
8. 9 million 
9. Insulting Valentine's messages are known as "Vinegar Valentines."
10. The ever-popular "Conversation Hearts" were unavailable in 2019 after their manufacturer Necco declared bankruptcy in 2018. Thankfully, the Spangler Candy Company purchased the rights, and the candies returned in 2020.

How'd you do? 

Whether you are celebrating with your beau, your best friends, your pets, or your neighbors, we wish you a day full of love!

Still searching for the perfect holiday gift for the person who has everything? When you live in Boise, that's no problem! From local delicacies to art, candy, antiques, and so much more, the small businesses of Boise are sure to have just the right gift for everyone on your list. Many local businesses are also offering curbside pickup during this holiday season to make your shopping experience as smooth and convenient as possible. Our real estate agents have the details you need on 5 great Boise businesses where you can find unique holiday gifts this year.

1. Boise Art Glass – 1124 W Front St., Boise, ID 83702
   Boise Art Glass is one of the most distinctive small businesses located near Boise homes for sale, with a reputation for producing beautiful, artistic glass pieces that can add to the atmosphere of any home. Operated by local artists Filip Vogelpohl, Austin Grill, and Kevin Gray, Boise Art Glass is known for its colorful, creative glass designs that can brighten any room. You can shop from the extensive selection of items already available in the shop or order a custom piece when you truly want to surprise someone special.

2. City Peanut Shop – 803 W Bannock St., Boise, ID 83702

   Whether you're searching for a great stocking stuffer or a small, savory gift perfect for a gift exchange, you're sure to find something delicious at City Peanut Shop. Simplify your shopping by ordering from a wide selection of holiday gift boxes, which include items like peanut butter, peanut brittle, gourmet popcorn, chocolate, and of course, fresh roasted peanuts. There are also plenty of smaller gift items available, perfect for creating your own basket of holiday cheer.

3. The Mixing Bowl – 216 N 9th St., Boise, ID 83702

   Inspire the chef in your life when you give them something from The Mixing Bowl. This downtown shop is stocked with cookware, bakeware, bowls, kitchen gadgets, and more. From fun to functional finds this local shop is sure to impress. Be sure to stop in next time you're downtown, or purchase an e-gift from their website. 

4. The Chocolat Bar – 805 W Bannock St., Boise, ID 83702

   A gift that satisfies the sweet tooth never goes out of style, and The Chocolat Bar is creating plenty of special treats just in time for the holiday season. You can shop for holiday favorites like peppermint bark, peppermint caramel, and eggnog truffles, all created fresh by your Boise chocolate experts. Order online to make buying delicious gifts a breeze.

5. Molly's Healthy Pet Food Market – 817 W Idaho St., Boise, ID 83702

   Searching for a healthy gift for your beloved pet or your favorite pet owner? Then Molly's Healthy Pet Food Market is sure to have something for you, with free delivery available in the Boise area. From raw food to fresh-made treats and pet outerwear to unique home accessories, Molly's offers a little bit of everything for your four-legged friend. There's even a special selection of holiday-themed gifts, including new toys, ornaments, stockings, and even clothing items for pet owners. 

What could be a better gift for your family than finding the perfect home to call your own this holiday season? Contact us to buy and sell homes throughout the Boise, ID area.