I love Valentine's Day. When I was little, my mom had a big box decorated with hearts that we passed around the table each year. Inside were gifts for each of us, wrapped in tissue. The gifts were tokens, nothing extravagant. They were little expressions of love, my favorite kind of gift. Here's a list of some special things you might want to give and get this February 14th:
My Life in Paris by Julia Child: Every year Julia Child and her husband Paul sent out creative, silly valentines to all their friends. You can learn more about their joyful and loving relationship in this book about their time together living in France.
Red and White Straws: My boys love to drink from these special 'Valentine's Straws' on February 14th.
Individual Valentine Candy Boxes: Learn how to make these matchbox candy boxes at Inchmark, one of my most favorite mommy blogs. Blogger Brooke is a former editor at Martha Stewart and she is full of creative, visually pleasing projects for little ones.
Tom's Shoes: A pair of Tom's in Valentine's red. I love to see my husband, Brian, walking around in these comfy (and really, these are some of the most comfortable shoes ever made), cute, red shoes. Best of all, for every pair of shoes Tom's sells, they send a free pair to children in need.
Prime Meats: Treat your honey to a special meal, complete with homemade heart-shaped soft pretzels, at one of my favorite romantic restaurants, Prime Meats in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn.
Wishing Wall: Write your wishes on colorful slips of paper, roll them up and place them in this recycled cardboard wall by Cardboard Design and watch your wishes come true.
Potted Plant from Tiny Park Flowers: Tiny Park Flowers specializes in potted plants and flowers for delivery in Brooklyn and Manhattan. These super chic potted plants are actually greener than cut flowers because they last longer and continue to grow. I love this ornamental oregano plant with a subtle hint of pink for Valentine's Day. Order by Feb 7th for Valentine's delivery.
Black Jet Bakery Cookies: Made by one of my childhood best friends, Gillian Shaw, these chocolate chip and sea salt cookies are taking San Francisco by storm.
Kids Cooking Set: This set of an apron, oven mitt and rolling pin comes just in time for your little one to help you make some heart shaped sugar cookies. Plus the color scheme couldn't be more perfect.
Lingerie from The Lake and Stars: Any girl would love something special from The Lake and Stars. This line is so beautiful, modern and elegant. Plus, the brand campaign on their website is amazing.