Gifts for your Valentines

Although we cannot be physically near our friends and loved ones this Valentine’s Day, we can still show our appreciation for them by giving them gifts. Since it can be difficult to select the perfect gift, here are some ideas that anyone in your life is guaranteed to love.

Houseplant + Pot

Houseplants are the perfect way to brighten up any room, and because we are spending so much time at home, they are the perfect gift to remind your special person that you are thinking of them. You can find a small plant such as a rubber plant at your local Trader Joe’s ($5 to $10), but if you are looking for a larger plant like a pothos plant,  Home Depot also has some great options for around $15 to $20. For an inexperienced plant caretaker, some great beginner options are a snake plant, aloe vera and a ZZ plant. Don’t forget to also pick up the perfect pot to go with your plant from Target, Urban Outfitters or Amazon for $5 to $20.

Candles

Another great home decor gift is a candle. You can buy scented candles from Target, TJ Maxx, Amazon and Etsy ranging from $5 to $20. However, if you want to add a more personal touch, you can give your special someone homemade twisted candles. In order to make twisted candles, purchase long stick candles from Hobby Lobby or Amazon, which are about $2 each, then soak the candles in hot water for about 30 minutes or until they are soft and bendable. Next, twist them into your desired shape. Once hardened, the candles are ready to be lit.

Personalized Mug

Another affordable DIY gift is a personalized coffee mug. You can purchase plain mugs at Dollar Tree or 99 Cents Only Store. For a quick design, wash your mugs and decorate with a Sharpie marker, then seal your design with a thin layer of Mod Podge glue. To achieve a trendy marble look, pour nail polish in a bowl of warm water. Then, dip your clean mug into the bowl, allowing the paint to cling to the mug. You can clean up your design with any nail polish remover, but be sure not to let any paint get on the rim or inside of the mug to keep it food safe.

Valentine’s Day Facemasks

Since we all have to wear masks whenever we go out, giving your loved one a mask will remind them of you whenever they put it on. Etsy sells various Valentine’s Day designs for about $5 to $15 depending on the seller. You can have the Etsy vendor send the gift straight to the recipient’s house in order to avoid any sort of physical contact. By purchasing facemasks from Esty, you are supporting small businesses who need our help during this pandemic. The facemasks you purchase will help give back to the community and also keep your friends safe.

DIY Body Scrub

The perfect addition to anyone’s self-care routine is a body scrub. They are easy to make at home for less than $3. In a mixing bowl, combine white or brown sugar and coconut or olive oil in a 2:1 sugar to oil mixture. To add scent to your scrub, you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oils or a tablespoon of your favorite body wash. Then, transfer your mixture to a small mason jar and it is ready to gift. This scrub smells amazing and is very moisturizing and exfoliating.