Today is the first day of February, which means we are exactly two weeks out from Valentine's Day.
I have always loved this holiday. It brings me joy to have an excuse to tell the people in my life how much I love them. Maybe it's also because I'm such a big fan of snail mail?
I had a blast putting together this year's gift guide. Every single item you are about to see is either sold via an Etsy shop or an independent, local business. Please continue to shop small, it makes a big difference!
Let's kick things off with a few card options. There's no question that the steamiest show of the past few weeks was Bridgerton on Netflix, making it a perfect time to send a valentine inspired by the show. This one of the Duke is amazing.
This card featuring the Queen feels perfect for your best gal pals.
I also love this card featuring Bridgerton besties Penelope and Eloise.
If you're planning to send several cards, consider this adorable set of five from Lovely Earthlings on Etsy.
She also makes this card design called Sounds of Love, which I think is quite beautiful.
It wouldn't be Valentine's Day without chocolate, am I right? EHChocolatier makes a raspberry bliss baton which is dark chocolate surrounding a raspberry fruit center. Bonus: these are vegan!
They're also offering heart-shaped dark chocolates filled with peanut butter and jelly.
You may remember that back in November, I shared the launch of Cirque du Souffle, confections by T Lawrence-Simon. Chef T has released four brand new chocolate bars just for Valentine's Day.
My favorite of the collection is called the Sugar bar. It's caramelized milk chocolate with Oreo crumbles and strawberry couverture.
I also devoured the Nice bar, which is ceylon cinnamon enriched dark chocolate, with a sprinkling of hibiscus kiss sugar and a drizzle of ruby chocolate.
If you're looking to give a gift beyond a card, chocolate or flowers, there are lots of wonderful possibilities. For the teeniest little loves, these rainbow heart booties are just precious.
To give the gift of warmth, I love these cashmere fingerless gloves.
These red and black mittens are a super cozy choice too. They are fleece lined on the inside.
A red scarf will add a fun pop of color to any winter coat. Plus, the recipient will be wrapped in your love - literally!
Crush Boutique put together a lovely gift box just for Valentine's Day this year that includes an eye mask, exfoliating sugar cubes and a box of chocolates in a decorative pink box.
I'm also in awe of all the fun gift boxes being offered by Mint Julep. The Pink Heart gift box includes pink sunglasses, heart-shaped stud earrings and a heart print face mask.
The Lavender Heart gift box has a velvet headband (squeal!), purple heart-shaped earrings and and a red and pink patterned face mask.
The Pink on Top gift box includes frosted pink sunglasses, pink stud earrings, a pink pair of Hanky Panky underwear and a heart patterned face mask.
If you'd prefer to gift items for the home, I can't say enough about this Red Yuzu candle. It smells heavenly and comes in a decorative glass jar.
If you're planning an at-home Valentine's Day dinner, serve your candy, nuts or dips in these heart-shaped dishes.
This gift is a special one, particularly for people who love Boston. It's a set of coasters that can also be used as a trivet. I've given this as a wedding gift and the couple was thrilled.
I hope this list helps you to find something perfect for the people you want to celebrate on February 14.
*Home page courtesy of Unsplash, all other images courtesy of vendors.