Don’t be the one who gives the boring, cheesy or lazy Valentine’s Day gift this year. Because nothing feels like your loved one didn’t try like a box of going-stale generic chocolates from the drugstore, am I right?
Whether you’re giving gifts to your significant other, friends or family members, skip the greeting cards, boxed chocolates and stuffed bears this Valentine’s Day.
Instead, with a little do-it-yourself effort, you can turn everyday items that your loved ones will actually use into Valentine’s Day gifts. Here are seven ideas.
1. Natural and organic beauty products
Give your loved one a fancy lotion, soap, shampoo, moisturizer or other beauty product. I’m not talking Suave® here. Think more natural and organic products that feel spa-like. (My favorite natural brands that you can easily find at your local Target are Acure, Alba Botanica, Pacifica, S.W. Basics and Yes to.) Make the gift feel Valentine’s Day-themed by tying a red ribbon and twine around the bottle.
2. Everyday essentials in a cute container
Whether you’re gifting a few beauty products or another assortment of items, like a coffee mug and a package of locally-roasted organic coffee, tie the items together by placing them in a cute basket, crate or bucket (like this IKEA bucket.) Be sure to choose a container that you think the recipient will use again. That’s part of the gift!
3. Health gifts to feel good
Give your significant other health items that will make her feel good. Maybe she’s been meaning to take more vitamins, for example. Gift her fish oil, a women’s multivitamin or a probiotic. (Again, tie a red ribbon around the bottle to make it festive for Valentine’s Day.) And, be sure to opt for high-quality vitamins. Check out Whole Foods, Sprouts or Trader Joe’s.
4. Tea for comfort
Another feel good gift is tea. Whether loose leaf or in bags, tea is warming, comforting and uplifting. Make the gift feel special by checking out a local health food store or tea shop. You’ll be more likely to find something besides the regular brands you see in grocery stores.
Or, opt for a different type of tea (black, green, white, herbal) than he normally drinks. Or, a brand she hasn’t tried before. As a diehard black tea drinker, I never would have guessed that I’d love herbal bedtime teas, but they’re my favorites right now. The go-tos in my mug are Yogi Honey Lavender Stress Relief and Yogi Bedtime tea.
And, if you want to add-on to the gift, give a related item, like a small plate for his tea bag or a tea infuser so she can try loose leaf tea.
5. A plant (or two)
A bouquet of flowers is fun, but gifting a plant is even better. Plants brighten up a space, clean the air and they last longer than a dozen roses. (If you need ideas for what plant to buy, here are my five favorite low-maintenance houseplants.)
6. Fill a mason jar
This is a simple gift idea that still feels special. Fill a mason jar (or two) with her favorite candy or nuts. It’s a two-in-one gift.
7. A favorite wine or beer
Gift your loved one a favorite bottle of wine or a pack of beer. It seems simple, but if it’s a brew he’s been meaning to try or a wine you think she might like, the thought really does count. Be sure to tie on a red ribbon for that extra thoughtful touch.
Don’t stress out about a Valentine’s Day gift. These simple, yet thoughtful, gift ideas are all you need.