Treat Yourself: Valentine’s Day Gifts

I remember very clearly one of my most fun Valentine’s days to date. And it didn’t involve any romance. There was no one special in my life that particular year, and a bunch my friends and co-workers and I decided to treat ourselves. We plotted to have dinner at our favorite Thai restaurant near the college campus. Some of us were on break for our evening shift at the TV station, and others had worked earlier that day. We caravanned down the hill from the station, several cars in sync through town, smiles on our faces and the distinct feeling that we were going to have fun. Thoughts of loneliness or ‘missing out’ were far from our minds. And we did have fun, sharing lots of laughs over pad thai and drinks.

Valentine’s Day is what you make it. You can make it light-hearted and fun, if that’s what you want; you can even ignore it if you prefer. Instead of waiting for someone to meet your expectations, be it a spouse, a partner, or just a friend – why not manage the day yourself? In the past, I’ve been guilty of harboring silent expectations for holidays like this, only to have them unexpressed and therefore unmet.

Ain’t nobody got time for that!

For fun, and in the name of taking charge, I’m sharing a few ‘treat yourself’ gift ideas for the upcoming holiday. Many of these I own myself and I consider among my favorite things.

TOP ROW:

Classic Solid Mug, by Margaret and Beau, made in Portland, $38  //  I got this for Christmas after dropping a few hints to my family. Nothing says self-care like a pretty mug to drink your tea or coffee out of, right? This 12 oz. mug makes me smile every time I use.

Silk Scarf, by Cuyana, made in Italy, $45  //  I bought this for myself last spring. It’s a bit of a luxurious accessory that I sometimes wear around my neck (when I want to feel fancy), and other times tied around the handle of my bags (when I want to feel styled).

MIDDLE ROW:

Simple Totem Necklace, by Loop Jewelry, made in Portland, $68+ (on sale)  //  My friend Lauren, the jewelry maker behind Loop, sent this to me in December to share her new gold-fill chains, and I love the way the necklace shines all over. My favorite part is the geometric design. I like wearing it over simple tops and sweaters to add visual interest.

Geometric Plant Stand, by Eric Trine, made in LA, $65  //  Like every other Instagram-using millennial, I am all about plants these days. Or maybe it’s because my kids are finally independent enough for me to nurture something else. I really like this white, geometric plant stand, I think it would nicely contrast woven baskets I typically use.

Second-Skin Undies, by Grana, made in Cambodia, $29/3  //  These are my go-to undies, and Grana has revamped their ‘Italian Sensitive’ fabric making them even more durable. Their first version was a little thin and didn’t hold up well to repeated use. These undies are slightly thicker, very comfortable and virtually panty-line free. I can’t recommend them enough! (Just don’t put them in the dryer.)

BOTTOM ROW:

Personalized Cuff, by ABLE, made in Nashville, TN, $48  //  My husband bought me this a few years ago for our anniversary, and it has both of our initials on it. I wear it every single day, in the shower, to bed, wherever. I don’t take it off, and I love that it’s a thoughtful accessory that I don’t have to remember to put on. It would be a fun piece to have your own initials on, or instead opt for the simple gold cuff.

Blush Nightgown, by Yala, sustainably made in China, $66  //  This Eugene-based company recently sent me one of their bamboo viscose jersey nightgowns, and it is incredibly soft! They just added this new style and color and I think it’s the perfect, simple nightgown. If you’re in between sizes, I recommend sizing up.

Dalia Purse, by Nisolo, $148  //  Your BFF in the form of a leather bag. She’s not too big, nor too small, but just right. Great for everyday.

If none of this tickles your fancy this February, there’s always chocolate, a Valentine’s Day requisite for me.

This post contains affiliate links. If you click them and make a purchase, I may make a commission. Thank you for supporting the brands who make Seasons + Salt possible!