Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and the annual gift dilemma is officially on.
Do you stick with classic chocolates and flowers, or do you surprise your special someone with something they will not see coming? At Cape Coral re:MADE, the mission this Valentine’s Day is simple: skip ordinary and gift something with a story.
Walk inside the shop and you will find shelves packed with unique finds, from handmade earrings and artwork to decorative bottles and home décor. Every item in the store is one of a kind, but they all share one thing in common: they are re-made. Donated materials that might otherwise end up in a landfill are transformed into gifts that feel thoughtful, creative and personal.
When you walk through the store, the surprises are everywhere. What looks like a pair of stylish earrings is actually made from recycled bike tires. An apron on the rack once belonged to a men’s button-down shirt. Even the wine corks are transformed into artwork using pieces of washed-up coral. At Cape Coral re:MADE, everyday items get a second life, and each piece comes with a story behind it.
Cape Coral re:MADE is a nonprofit creative space built around the idea of turning old into new. Volunteers and local artists work side by side to create furniture, art and gifts while learning new skills along the way. The space also helps small businesses and makers test their ideas in a real storefront, making it both a shop and a launchpad for creativity.
Volunteer Jan Weaver said it is the perfect place to shop for Valentine’s Day.
“It’s supporting a small business, it’s original art, recycled items,” Weaver said. “More importantly, it’s one-of-a-kind items. It shows people put thought into their gift.”
For those who want to go beyond shopping, re:MADE is offering Valentine’s-themed classes and experiences. Visitors can make stained glass, recycled book flowers, and paper lanterns, turning date night into a creative memory. Class information and sign-ups are available on the Cape Coral re:MADE website.
At its heart, Cape Coral re:MADE blends sustainability with community. It reduces waste, supports local artists, and gives shoppers a chance to give a gift that truly stands out. This Valentine’s Day, love does not have to come in a heart-shaped box. Sometimes, it comes re-made.