Unexpected Gifts to give to your Valentine

When you see something in the store that makes you think of your significant other you immediately want to grab it or come up with an excuse or holiday to purchase it for - so why is it so hard to find a Valentine's Day gift?

It's because we think too hard about it. We know that our Valentine IS expecting something. We want it to be perfect hoping that they'll love it.

Wing it with my easy Valentine's Day list of things to purchase this red & pink season!

First of all, it is ALWAYS better to go with something homemade. It shows the time you put into making something special for your significant other. If you're wondering where to get started here are a few stores to get your creative juices flowing: Target has a dollar section, Wal Mart has a cute Valentine section, Hobby Lobby has clearenced Valentine's sale. Go pick out a few things to glue together & see what you come up with.


If you're not up for making anything find a local charity is. Local charities may be selling Valentine's day cards or gifts that not only benefit a good cause, your Valentine may love the unique homemade items!

Here is an example. I created these Valentine's to sell for our local SPCA. If you're good at creating something think about giving for Valentine's Day & selling your crafts for a greater good. It'll make you feel that much better, even if you do or don't have a Valentine to create something for, someone will appreciate it.

Now on to the gifts!

You've got your crafty Valentine made but that's just the beginning! It counts as the card so here's some helpful hints to get a nice little Valentine basket together for the ladies....

What's her favorite store? Valentine's Day gifts don't always have to go along with the Valentine theme. Forget the cheesy Valentine hand towels & frames. Get something that's timeless or something that she can always wear or use. For instance, where does she shop for clothes? Notice her habitual shopping & the places she LOVES to stop by? Is she always hinting at Tiffany for that heart charm, Anthropologie for home goods, or Nordstrom for those shoes she's been dying to have? Create a basket of her favorite things & incorporate the colors of the holiday...pinks, reds, whites and you've got it!

Give her magnets & pictures to put on her fridge. A daily reminder of the leading & not to mention, handsome man in her life. These Zanibar magnets from Anthropologie are adorable & only $15 on sale! Hurry now & ship overnight to add to your Valentine's basket of goodies!

Have you & your Valentine traveled together? Get a notebook, like this one pictured, and add pictures from your trip, ticket stubbs, and written excerpts from your travels together. It'll make for a memorable coffee table book to share with friends or something memorable to keep for herself. Definitely a great gift! It doesn't have to be perfect, just apply tape to the backs of each item & have it ready for Valentine's Day.

This 'Lifestyle Notebook: Travels' is available at Anthropologie on sale now for $14.95 & ready for purchase online!

Add your Valentine's flowers into a funky or vintage vase. It'll be unexpected and add a little something to your gift. This one's just $7.95 at Anthropologie, order now by clicking on the picture above.

Need a direct gift guide? Anything from Tiffany's will do!

Tiffany's home page says it all, click on the picture above to go directly to their site to browse charms for Valentine's Day. Hurry! Complimentary shipping on all orders through Feb 12 noon EST!

If you are looking forward to purchasing multiple knick knacks keep them orderly in a cute little tote that she can re-use. She'll appreciate the unexpected 'gift bag'. It looks a lot more cotained rather than dumping all of your Valentine items into a gift bag. Click on the picture above for the direct link to purchase this tote from Bed Bath & Beyond.

Order from a local cupcake boutique or bakery for mouth watering desserts!

Local boutiques listed below located in Houston:

Click on pictures below to order directly from their menus

Sugarbaby's is absolutely adorable & the cupcakes are delicious!

Sugarbaby's now carries French Macarons! Perfect for any little Marie Antoinette.

For Sugarbaby's I recommend the Carrot Cake, Dippity-Doo-Dah, Banana Nutella.

There is a holiday assortment readily available for Valentine's Day.

Magnolia Cafe has the cutest Valentine cookies ready to order! Hurry & put your order in now & while you're at it order a few petits fours, absolutely lovely. When you pick up your cookies order a to go cup of Apricot Chardonnay Tea! I absolutely love it!

Catering menu also available on the website for your next event.

Sprinkles is a Houston favorite. If you're a local don't miss out on ordering Valentine cupcakes. If you're feeling adventurous order a dozen & make every cupcake a different flavor.

I recommend the Red Velvet, that for sure should be one of your Valentine picks!

Last but not least don't forget her flowers! Just food for thought, you don't always have to get roses. For instance, I always receive hydrangeas & absolutely adore them! What is her favorite flower? Maybe mix it in with the roses & get the florist to make a cute arrangement for you!

A beautiful picture I found from a fellow blogger. Click on the picture above to go to the 'Flower Pictures' blog.

 

Avoid buying aprons, or any cleaning items! No woman wants to be reminded of laundry, cooking, or dishes! This is the holiday to escape & relax and it is definitely a guys job to make reservations for dinner. Surprise us with your favorite spot or taker her to her favorite place. Pick up on hints when she keeps talking about that new hip sushi restaurant that just opened. Nothing cutesy for cleaning the home unless is decor you know she'll love!

Happy Valentine's Day! Enjoy!

Sensationally Yours, Haili