Love is never wasted, for its value does not rest upon reciprocity. — C.S. Lewis
If there’s anything the last 365 days has taught us, it’s to love ourselves and others more. And if you haven’t practiced self-care, what better time to start than this Valentine’s Day, right?
If I’m being honest, I used to despise Valentine’s Day. I felt like it was an over-hyped holiday that was made to mark up flowers, jewelry, and chocolates.
However, for the last several years, intentionally celebrating Valentine’s Day with my closest girlfriends has changed my perspective. We’ve learned to love ourselves more and celebrate where we’re currently at in our personal and professional journeys. Moreover, we always talk about our stance on love, relationships, and marriage. And each year, it hasn’t changed: Our identity is not in someone else. We do not need men to complete us. Yet, should we meet someone who is our match, we’re aware that we’re already complete and that our future partners are an added bonus who compliment us.
Since my girlfriends and I are missing our annual Galentine’s, I thought it’d be fun to reminisce by sharing some 2021 Valentine’s Day gift ideas for yourself, mom, sister, and friends.
HOME GIFT IDEAS
DECOR
Venus Et Fleur — If you want flowers that keep on giving for the next 365 days of the year, these are it! From a single rose to dozens and dozens, just pick out a box/vase, number of roses you want, and your favorite color! I mean, there are 24 colors to choose from so good luck on just picking one, ha! This is a Valentine’s Day gift that can be delivered so yay!
Diptyque candles — Nothing is more lovely than lighting a new candle right before you take a bath or curl up on the couch, am I right? This beautiful floral scented candle is perfect for now all the way into spring. And don’t forget to recycle it and use it as a vase for flowers after you finish burning it. I just purchased this beautiful small rose-scented candle myself!
Soft long robe — This robe looks so plush! I plan on replacing my two robes with this luxe one in the coming months.
Soft pink throw — How many throws is too many? Asking for a friend.
Customizable jewelry box — I have a few of these stackable jewelry trays in the taupe color and love them! If you’re looking for a Valentine’s Day gift for moms, these are beautiful! It’s lined with velvet and very well made!
KITCHEN
Wine chiller — A chic chiller in a neutral, go-with-your-home-decor color? Just add a bottle of Veuve Cliquot or Moet & Chandon champagne and you’re all set.
Cocktail glasses —Okay, I lied. Just add a few of these beautiful glasses, then you’re all set!
Sugarfina candy — A few years ago, a colleague of mine gave me a box in the Peach Bellini flavor and I loved them! Candy is amazing. Champagne is amazing. Together? Perfection.
BEAUTY GIFT IDEAS
Nothing says self-care than to give yourself a manicure. Here are my favorite neutral pink nail polish shades:
Dior – Incognito — One of my favorite neutral nail colors in recent years. This shade pulls a bit towards the lavender side on my olive skin tone.
OPI – Bubble Bath — Hands down (pun intended, ha!) my favorite shade of all time! It looks amazing sheer or opaque!
Essie – Ballet Slippers — A close second, this cult-favorite blush pink shade is classic. With several coats, it’s closer to white. Here’s what it looks like on Marianna Hewitt’s nails as sheer and opaque.
Pear Nova – Still Life — I purchased some product from this black-owned beauty brand last summer and the color is amazing! It pulls between a lavender and pink on me so this color will be in my rotation come spring.
SKINCARE
Summer Fridays Cloud Dew — This newly launched moisturizer is on my radar because the texture reminds me so much of Dr. Dennis Gross’ Hyaluronic Marine Oil-Free Moisture Cushion. If it’s anything like the other product, this cloud dew is going to feel amazing on the skin if you keep a jar of it in your fridge!
Summer Fridays R+R mask — If you’re looking for some extra pampering, this face mask has wild rose powder to exfoliate your skin. Talk about major V-day vibes!
MAKEUP
Chanel liquid lip — I first heard about this liquid lipstick from my friend, Nioby, loved how it looked on her, and added it to my wishlist because 1) it’s Chanel and 2) it’s neutral. Duh.
BUSINESS GIFT IDEAS
TECHNOLOGY
Planet Beyond PBO1X Earphone in Rose — I came across these stunning earphones on Instagram and couldn’t believe my eyes. Finally! Someone who gets me and my love for aesthetics! Aren’t they beautiful?!
BOOKS
Style Your Mind by Cara Alwill Leyba — If you or any ladies in your life are still planning your goals for 2021, this workbook is so helpful! Cara asks the tough questions and gets you to really think about what you want.
It’s been several years since I’ve shared a Valentine’s Day-theme article so I hope you enjoyed it! I have some other great in the works so stay tuned!03
If you could treat yourself to a few things from my 2021 Valentine’s Day gift ideas, what would you choose from my picks? What do you have planned for Valentine’s/Galentine’s Day?
Rachel
February 4, 2021Okay, I have never been that big of fan for Valentine’s Day either, but just as you have come to embrace more of the love side for your self and girlfriends, I feel that too! If I could order everything on your gift guide for me and my friends, I would for sure! My top 5 would be those amazing Venus Et Fleur roses! I can’t believe they last for a whole year!! Crazy cool! Next would be a Diptyque candle. I always love their candles! Oh yes you can never have to many throws, lol! I’d be curled up with that big soft pink one and drink some champagne with my girls! Oh and of course, I would through back some Sugarfina candy while I had my Summer fridays mask on! So yeah, great list! Thanks for all the ideas! Hope you have a happy Valentine’s Day!
Huong
February 4, 2021Right? I love those flowers too! I’d love to have them all around the house! Haha, so you basically want almost everything from my picks then! Good for you! You deserve it, love! You are most welcome! I hope you have a great Valentine’s Day too! x