Beans Are for Lovers 🫘 💕

A Valentine's Day Gift Guide

A Valentine’s Gift Guide Based on Your Partner’s Personality

Because nothing says “I know you deeply” like selecting the correct legume.

With Valentine’s Day coming up, flowers are fine, chocolate is predictable, but beans? Beans are romantic, practical, and shelf-stable. Choose wisely and they’re also weirdly perfect for your relationship. Luckily, we live near the best collection of heirloom beans on the planet. And with Rancho Gordo softly opening their new location on Monday, Jan. 26, we decided to match your partner’s personality to their pantry soulmate.

Let’s find your match.

The Meet-Cute Romantic

Optimistic, Sentimental, Fully in Their Feelings

Bean: Alubia Blanca Beans

Maybe you met at a concert, maybe at a party, maybe through friends. Either way, it felt like fate at the time (and it still does, right?). You send each other songs, romanticize absolutely everything, and love telling the story of how you first crossed paths.

Pairs well with: Shared playlists, blurry photos, and telling everyone, “it’s still early, but…”

The Chaos Goblin

Unpredictable, Intense, Strangely Magnetic

Bean: Ayocote Morado Beans

They’re the person who says, “what if we just…” and suddenly you’re on a road trip, dyeing your hair, or hosting a midnight dinner party you did not plan and are now somehow in charge of. Dating them is never boring, occasionally exhausting, but always memorable.

Pairs well with: Wild plot twists, impulsive decisions, and saying “sure, why not” (a lot).

The Trendsetter

Aesthetic, Expressive, Always Curating

Bean: Royal Corona Beans

When they’re not with you, they’re on TikTok. They say things like “it’s giving,” “mid,” and “such a vibe.” If it’s not visually impactful, they’re not interested, which is why they gravitate toward the biggest, boldest beans in the pot.

Pairs well with: Overhead cooking videos, cute bowls, and posting your dinner before you eat it.

The In-the-Mix Socialite

Social, Charming, Always in the Mix

Bean: Rio Zape Beans

You don’t need reservations because they know people. They’ve got favorite stools, favorite bartenders, and you always seem to run into someone you know, somehow. You often go out for “just one drink” and end up closing the place down.

Pairs well with: One cocktail too many, gratuitous dessert, and lying to your babysitter about being “on your way.”

The Low-Maintenance Adventure Bae

Dependable, Chill, Always Down

Bean: Yellow Eye Beans

No frills, no drama. They’re equally down to “Netflix and chill” or embark on a point-to-point hike at 5 a.m. Practical, loyal, and weirdly enthusiastic about whatever the plan is, as long as you’re involved.

Pairs well with: Sunrise coffee, sunset walks, and not overthinking the plan.

The Experimental Food Nerd

Curious, Inventive, Endlessly Tinkering

Bean: Black Garbanzo

They’re very into fermentation, own at least one obscure vinegar, and have tried to make koji at home, “just because.” Half their meals are experiments, but the other half are truly incredible.

Pairs well with: Open-minded eating, mysterious jars in the closet, and saying “interesting” in a supportive tone.

The Wine Geek with Opinions

Confident, Particular, A Little Judgey (in a Cute Way)

Bean: Vaquero Beans

They joined the club “for the community” but have very strong opinions about grape clones, apparently. Weekend plans include tasting hangouts, never-ending cheese boards, and saying things like, “it’s drinking really well right now” (unironically).

Pairs well with: Charcuterie that’s a little too nice for a Tuesday and half-finished bottles on the counter.

The Green-Thumbed Garden Witch

Grounded, Capable, Quietly a Badass

Bean: Scarlet Runner Beans

They love tending to their plants, casually refer to their sourdough starter as “she,” and probably own 2–3 Le Creusets in retired colors. Their hands always smell faintly like rosemary.

Pairs well with: Farmers’ market flowers and a handwritten note on recycled paper.

The Comfort-Is-My-Love-Language Partner

Generous, Nurturing, Big-Heart Energy

Bean: Buckeye Beans

They want to feed you. Constantly. Big pots of soup, chili, casseroles — always something warm and reassuring. Their hugs last a little longer than necessary and honestly, you really don’t mind.

Pairs well with: Big sweaters, fireplace cuddles, and second (and third) helpings.

The Fur-Baby Devotee

Affectionate, Schedule-Minded, Slightly Extra

Bean: Mayocoba Beans

Their camera roll is 60% dog, 30% sunsets, and 10% accidental screenshots. Date night means a long walk, a dog-friendly patio, and saying things like, “we can’t stay out too late, he has a routine.”

Pairs well with: Lint rollers, treat-filled pockets, and referring to your dog as “our son.”

The Nap-Schedule Enthusiast

Calm, Organized, Early-Dinner Energy

Bean: Flor de Junio Beans

You used to do late dinners. Now you do lunch dates and talk about nap schedules. Somehow you’ve never loved each other more, and yes, you will absolutely be home by 7:15.

Pairs well with: Tiny socks, big love, and reheating the same pasta three nights in a row.

The Humble, Ride-or-Die Homie

Low-Key, Practical, Always Shows Up

Bean: Split Peas

They’re not flashy and they’re not trying to be. They remember how you take your coffee, keep jumper cables in the trunk, and will absolutely help you rearrange the living room furniture (again).

Pairs well with: Shared calendars, backup phone chargers, and keys you can always find.

The French Film Aficionado

Cultured, Romantic, Slightly Pretentious

Bean: French-Style Green Lentils

They enjoy foreign cinema, have at least one item of clothing that’s “ethically sourced,” and never fail to remind you that cultured European butter is, in fact, superior. Their idea of a wild night is a throw blanket, a record, and a stew that simmers for three hours.

Pairs well with: Natural wine, soft jazz, and a monologue about farmers’ markets.

The Brooding Poet Type

Moody, Deep, Secretly a Softie

Bean: Midnight Black Beans

They listen to playlists titled “winter feelings” and “songs for staring out of windows.” They own at least one notebook they never actually write in. Deeply romantic, but would never admit it.

Pairs well with: Dark chocolate, candles, and saying “no, you choose” when picking dinner.

Final Thoughts

If you’re single this Valentine’s Day, no worries — you deserve excellent beans as much as anyone. Pick the archetype that feels closest to home and build yourself a good dinner around that.

Support local, eat well, and may your relationships be as hearty and reliable as your legumes.