Roses are red, violets are blue... — Glitter for Breakfast

... I can't wait for Valentine's Day, can you?!

Believe it or not this is from Mardi Gras Land in NOLA. It's a giant warehouse where all of the floats are kept/built.

It's almost Valentine's Day! If you read last year's Valentine's Day post, you know that I LOVE Valentine’s Day. For me, it’s never been about romance and what your marital status is or isn't. Instead, it’s a day about love in all it’s forms and who doesn’t love, love?

I'm peaNUTS about you (and also very corny).

This year I will just be sending Valentine’s, i.e. no gifts, but if you are still looking for what to get those in your life, here are some of my favorite gifts to give and receive:

Food: I like when things are a little more creative so for me, the requisite, chocolates feels a little stale. Instead, I like gifting (or getting) something a bit less conventional.

Fatty Sundays - Delicious, gourmet chocolate-covered pretzels. They come in tons of flavors and have gluten free options, not to mention the sister duo behind the brand are super sweet.
Jeni's Splendid - If your valentine is more sundae than sunday, why not hook him/her up with an ice cream lover's dream box. From pints to sauces, ice cream sandwiches, an ice cream desserts cookbook, and so much more, Jeni's is always a crowd pleaser.
Want to do something a bit more personal? Bake your loved one's favorite treats (add pink/red M&Ms, candies, sprinkles, food coloring, etc. for added V-Day cheer) or how about making your loved one's favorite dinner to enjoy at home?

Apparel/Bath & Body: This is a bit trickier unless you know the person's style and preferences very well but even if you don't, there are ways to make each of these ideas more generic/specific as needed.

Nail polish - Obviously in shades of red and/or pink (or not if that's totally not the recipient's style). I tend to prefer Essie polishes, but whatever your brand of choice is works!
Pink/red clothing or clothing with a heart/heart print. Again, this really depends on the person's style, but I've gotten some fun heart print scarves from my mother, as well as pink sweaters, and other such items that are both festive but don't scream V-Day and can (and are) worn year-round.
Key chain with a heart, cupid, or the word "love"
Cozy slippers and a robe - I'm pretty sure the clothing equivalent of a hug is a fluffy robe and slippers.

House & Home/Other: Again, the recipient will dictate what you choose here, from style to price, but there are ways to make any of these options work no matter who's receiving.

Picture frame - If possible, fill it with a photo of the two of you or if it's a spouse/partner, a family photo, picture of your child, pet, or even a memory like a playbill from the first show you ever saw together... you get the idea.
Flowers - I know this seems to go against what I said about being more unconventional re: chocolates, but flowers are fun and brighten up a space for days in a way that chocolate just doesn't, and I do love chocolate. Pick your loved one's favorite kind, or you could get more creative and do seeds and a pot or seeds of his/her favorite flowers for when the weather turns nice.
Paper weight - Old fashioned? Maybe, but hear me out. I imbue objects with meanings and memories, I'm talismanic (not how you use that word but just go with it.). If I'm having a down moment, the ability to touch or look at an object that is tied to a loved one or is in the shape of something I love, is really calming for me.
Jewelry/Catchall Dish - No one likes a messy bedside table, or any table for that matter. How about a heart shaped (or other shaped) dish for your valentine's rings, glasses, watch, whatever. There are also ones with some great quotes on them if that's more his/her style.
Coupon Book - A coupon book is a great gift as it can work for any recipient and be completely personalized or not. From raunchy to generic household chores, basically anything will work!

True story: Taken en route to a date. After an intense few months he ghosted. Clearly this was not an omen.

Do you have any favorite Valentine's Day gifts? Anything you're hoping for?