valentine’s day gift guide.

February 9, 2015

This isn’t really a gift guide, but I had to get your attention.

Also, if this post sounds like a not-so-thinly-veiled attempt at hinting to my husband about what I’d like my Valentine’s Day to look like, that’s because it is.*

Now that that’s out of the way, let me say that for all of the cries of “made-up-holiday!” I think traditional Valentine’s Day gifts actually get a lot right.

Gifts that are EDIBLE (chocolate!) and/or PERISHABLE (flowers!) and/or TINY (jewelry! underwear!) and/or EXPERIENTIAL (bubble baths! special dinners! hot stone massages!)?

It’s clearly my dream holiday.
hearts In advance of this weekend’s love fest bonanza, a few thoughts on why going with a traditional Valentine’s gift doesn’t have to be ho-hum.

Chocolate. When was the last time you indulged in really delicious chocolate just because? Last night? Me too. But on Valentine’s Day I like to up the ante just a little; to find something a little more special. I was recently given the gift of these, and that is what I’m talking about. Not your average late-night bodega Reeses rescue. Of course if you and yours never indulge in a late-night Reeses than maybe that is your idea of special. Go get ’em.

Flowers. This one’s debatable. Flowers in February are a really good idea if you live in the southern hemisphere and a totally foolhardy idea if you live in the northern hemisphere. But I’m a personal fan of most foolhardy ideas and houseplants only go so far. Never a lover of red roses, I like the idea of going a slightly unconventional route. My three cents: a ginormous bunch of baby’s breath wrapped up in tissue and tied with a bow might just be better than 24 long-stemmed roses; bringing home a branch that your lovah can force to bloom indoors might just be the most romantic gesture ever; and paperwhite bulbs never hurt anyone (here’s hoping).

(If you’d rather have someone else do the heavy lifting, there are oodles of extremely talented floral designers who are able to work magic with wintertime flowers (Emily Thompson and Fox Fodder Farm are two local favorites). If you’re looking to order online and have flowers delivered any ol’ place, The Bouqs is a nice choice for sustainable stems, and not just roses, either.)


Jewels/Undies/Other Goods. As far as I’m concerned, Valentine’s jewelry doesn’t have to be heart-shaped and it doesn’t have to be fancy. It can be the sweet bracelet or ring that your someone-or-other has been eyeing. Also: valentine underwear doesn’t have to be all lace.** Bottom line: the whole affair doesn’t have to be lace and silk and dripping di-a-monds.

Experiences. Because a special dinner out is a wonderful thing. And a fancy dinner in is a wonderful thing. And a greasy slice of pizza from the neighborhood shop is a really wonderful thing. Also: massages.

Cards. Not just for scribbling your name in, for actually writing in. We’re talking love notes, friendlies. I’m especially fond of these and these.
hearts And if these all sound like gifts for women? Break the rules and get your man a bouquet of flowers and a special box of chocolate and the pair of underwear you’ve been secretly wishing he would wear.

And if you have no Valentine to speak of? Treat yourself.

Get a manicure, buy a new lipstick, make dinner with your best friends, tune into your crystals, take a bath all by yourself, go to bed early. Love is the name of this game, no one said anything about that not including a lil’ self-love. Duh.

More Valentine’s Day enthusiasm HERE, HERE, and HERE.

*Just kidding.
**Did you get the newsletter I sent last weekend? Sign up on the box to the right and I’ll make sure it arrives. I think you’re gonna like it.

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13 Comments

  • Reply Linda Zimmerman February 9, 2015 at 2:06 pm

    I am with you, I LOVE Valentine's Day!! I love it for the reasons you mentioned above and because it offers a pink and red visual during an otherwise very gloomy month!! I think of it as more of a friendship day and share the love with everyone! Happy Valentine's Day, Erin!! xox

  • Reply Christine February 9, 2015 at 3:16 pm

    When you put it that way: I kind of love all Valentine's gift too! Last year, my boyfriend gave me the sweetest note on the most amazing personalized stationary and I was just so blown away that he had fancy letterpress monogrammed notecards–it might have been my favorite gift he gave me!

    • Reply admin February 9, 2015 at 7:03 pm

      Oh, man! If you shoot me a note with your email I might be able to help sort it out! readingmytealeaves at gmail dot com!

  • Reply Hannah S February 9, 2015 at 3:38 pm

    Love this post. Why not treasure Valentines day whether its with a loved one, a friend or just yourself. Its the perfect excuse to spoil yourself, love the chocolates idea and the idea of flowers that don't die within 2 days šŸ™‚

  • Reply simplymme February 9, 2015 at 7:00 pm

    Hello! This post is very cute, just did a similar one in hopes that my boyfriend will get the hint also. I signed up to receive the newsletter but never got it. I reentered my email but it says I am already on the list.
    PS I am a huge fan of your blog!

    • Reply Erin February 9, 2015 at 7:03 pm

      Oh, man! If you shoot me a note with your email I might be able to help sort it out! readingmytealeaves at gmail dot com!

  • Reply perri February 10, 2015 at 12:24 am

    if you are looking for absolutely delicious gourmet chocolates check out these guys – beautifully designed and delicious, my fave!

    http://compartes.com/

  • Reply Zanna's Sky February 10, 2015 at 1:13 pm

    I love the gift of experiences (dinner, a little trip, and unusual date ect)! Although as you say, a little extra something special chocolate-wise never goes amiss šŸ™‚

  • Reply barbara February 10, 2015 at 2:24 pm

    I was just thinking about buying some flowers for my husband! But I don't like Valentine's day so I think I will save your list for a non conventional day!

  • Reply Ruth February 11, 2015 at 1:41 am

    Ha, I am actually, no joke, studying kyanite crystals for my PhD. Can't decide whether that would make them the perfect gift or the worst gift for me. Guess it depends on the day? But for real, everyone could use some kyanite in their lives.

  • Reply thefolia February 13, 2015 at 3:33 am

    I just bought the same crib…I loved our simple it was and yes the price is incredible especially since the little peanut will be 50 Ibs in no time and then adios. Sweet dreams!

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