As I was thinking through our Valentine’s Day celebrations this year, I was thinking back on the gifts we’ve given each other over the year. In part to be sure I don’t give a duplicate gift and because we have had some really sweet times Valentine’s Days together, Josh and I as a couple and with with Hugo. I love to give gifts and have always enjoyed the process of finding the perfect thing. Here is a very short, but thoughtful guide to some of my best of the best, all-time favorite gifts for Valentine’s Day and beyond.
Love Letter Journal
Josh has always carried around a Moleskine journal and has shelves of used ones in his office. Did you know that they offer beautiful personalization for their journals on their website? Last year for Valentine’s Day I ordered the XL Hardcover in Red and had it engraved with special quote. I then wrote a love letter on the first few pages and explained that the purpose of this journal was to have a place to write back and forth to each other. It has been meaningful to have this pop up in unexpected places and on significant days over the last year (our Christmas Eve letters slipped under the door when we were quarantined away from each other). I love having something beautiful and high quality to share and one place to keep it all contained.
A Home Cooked Meal
I’m sure you’ve gathered by now how much I love to feed people (I love you and I made meatloaf). Some years we go out on Valentine’s Day, but my favorite thing to do is stay home and cook something delicious. This year (stop reading right here Josh!) I am re-creating the menu from one of our favorite dates of all time. It was a magical night in Rosemary Beach at La Crema and we waited until almost 9pm to get a cozy table out in the street with warm, salty, beach air and string lights overhead. We ordered tapas and as it goes, those delicious little plates just kept coming and coming, every thing that we ate was better than the last.
If you need a simpler jumping off point, there is no going wrong with a roasted chicken and vegetables. Or ordering Shake Shack burgers and eating them off of your pretty plates. We’ve done that too. Just the gift of good food and time spent together has become my favorite thing in the world.
Belgian Waffle Maker
This is such a fun gift to give! And something you will use forever. I gave this to Josh one year with the promise of Saturday morning waffles (it became one of our favorite traditions). You can also include a box of good waffle mix and maple syrup. If you’re in the mood for something very special, mix up the batter for this recipe the night before and pop it into the fridge, then wrap up the waffle maker to open first thing in the morning and make yourself a glorious brunch. P.s. Order the sugar pearls for an authentic Belgium waffle experience, you wont regret it! Belgium Pearl Sugar LINK HERE
New Pajamas
This year I ordered matching pajamas for the entire family to! I have a deep love of a classic pajama set. I have a set from J. Crew that I customized with Josh’s monogram (I wore them for my wedding getting ready photos and I still have and love them.) To each her own style, but new pajamas are always a win!
A Watch or Bracelet
We’re both pretty minimalist with jewelry, but one year, completely unplanned, we surprised each other with similar gifts. He bought me a David Yurman bracelet and I bought him a classic watch (such a great price for a piece that can be worn everyday.)
Affiliate Links Here:
[…] and I celebrated Valentine’s Day a little early with dinner at home last night, but that did not stop me from dressing up. I will admit that I kicked off my shoes for […]