In the beginning, there was a fig leaf; now, it’s dirty boxers. But a Blacksocks underwear subscription ensures your man always has a fresh pair delivered to his door. Men can choose boxers or briefs made from fine cotton. Now that’s a gift for him—that’s really a gift for you. (Annual subscription starts at $87; www.blacksocks.com)

Johnny Walker again? Be original. Not only is Rosangel sugar-free, it’s infused with hibiscus flowers, known for their health and beauty benefits, and comes in this elegant rose blush bottle. It’ll almost make you forget that you’re drinking tequila. (Cuz you want to be classy when you’re downing shots.) ($36.99; www.rosangel.com)

A female columnist for Central Michigan University’s student-run newspaper Central Michigan Life has urged her single readers to celebrate Korea’s Black Day in lieu of Valentine’s Day this year.

Black Day is an informal holiday celebrated by Korean singles on April 14 as an alternative to the coupled-up holidays Valentine’s Day on February 14 and White Day on March 14. Apparently the “black”-ness of Black Day isn’t meant to be gloomy and depressive, but “black” because you and your bachelor(ette) friends are supposed to gather together and stuff your gullets full of jajangmyeon and its signature black bean sauce.

Columnist Hilary Farrell says she’s moving Black Day up two months early this year, and explains her theory that Valentine’s Day is downright bizarre, using some historical references to ancient Romans sacrificing goats on what we think of as the most romantic day of the year. Well, maybe back in Rome a sacrificed goat was the modern-day equivalent of that blue Tiffany’s box. You never know.

Farrell doesn’t mention the jajangmyeon-gorging (talk about an omission!), but it’s nice to see Korean culture is making its way to places we’d never expect…places like Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, MI.

It’s okay, single folks! Korea’s got your back and your stomach.

All outta love? How about a little help from a pocket-size love mascot? Handmade in Thailand by a fair trade cooperative, members of the Kamibashi String Doll Gang each serve their own purpose–from stealing hearts to finding love to mending a broken heart. Think of them as reverse voodoo dolls.

($10 each; www.kamibashi.com) Continue Reading »

A box of chocolates is so ’92. And didn’t your sweetie swear 2010 would be the year she’d put an end to the ddong-bae (pot belly)? Don’t sabotage. Seduce! Godiva, renown for their sensuous chocolates, have now captured their essence in a drool-inducing candle. Scents include black almond truffle and raspberry ganache. ($22.50; neimanmarcus.com)