Non-Cheesy Gift Ideas for Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day...one of those days that people either love or they love to hate.  It's totally filled with all of those gimmicky "Hallmark" things and February 14th can be a painful reminder that one is more single than single this year but this holiday is also totally sweet with all the cutesy heart-shaped decorations, candy and let's not forget wine!  Valentine's Day doesn't require a significant other to be celebrated.  Celebrate the best girls in your life, your family, pets, or even yourself!  Of course, it's easy to run by Walgreens and grab a stuffed bear holding a heart (it is the thought that counts), but if you're searching for a more thoughtful gift for your S/O (or treating yo-self), here's some non-cheesy gifts that they will LOVE.

Personally, my boyfriend and I prefer experiences over gifts for this holiday.  Last year, we went to a concert at an intimate venue here in STL and it was hands down the best Valentine's Date.  Tickets to a concert, sporting event, play, movie, or any experience (cooking class, pottery making), the list could go on always make a great gift.

You've seen them drop their phone more than once.  The roses on this phone case will last much longer than the Valentine's bouquet and the case will help protect from any mishaps.

Casetify - Red Roses Phone Case

It's all in the signs.  Zodiac rings that are cool, minimal, and she'll want to wear every day.

Mejuri - Zodiac Ring

Men often have a hard time shopping and spending money on themselves so why not treat him to some new shoes so he can toss the old, worn out ones away?

Nordstrom - Vans 'Authentic' Sneakers

What's Valentine's Day without a little poetry?

This Valentine Taco shirt (plus many, many more tees) are available at Gabriel Clothing Co.

Gabriel Clothing Co. - Roses are Red Tee

Nobody prints off photos nearly as much as they should these days.  This small, portable photo printer is perfect for girls nights, parties, and of course date nights.

Amazon - HP Sprocket Portable Photo Printer

A charming coffee table book for romantics who are crushing, committed, or anywhere in between.

Amazon - I Like You, I Love You

Heart-shaped glitter earrings will have her all heart-eyes.

Macy's - kate spade new york Gold-Tone Heart Glitter Square Stud Earrings

This mug says it all, "You're my person".

Target - 15oz Porcelain You're My Person Stackable Mug

Because home is where the heart is...how adorable is this heart print welcome mat!?

Etsy - Black & Wheat Co Heart Doormat

♥ always

Allison

Photo Sources:  Casetify, Mejuri, Nordstrom, Amazon, Gabriel Clothing Co., Macy's, Target, Etsy

8 Things to do for Valentine's Day

Don't get me wrong, I love love, but Valentine's Day has never been especially special to me.  If you love someone, you love them 365 days a year not just that one day, February 14th to be exact, that Hallmark threw out there for everyone to be all lovey dovey gushy about their significant other.  I guess there's some religious history to it, but we have a tendency to forget that part.  Cutesy hearts, love notes, and the day after Valentine's Day when all the candy goes on sale are all great things.  I've just never felt it to be necessary to get all dressed up, go out to an over priced restaurant and pay an arm and a leg for a dozen roses on a specific day.  Well, also partly because I don't even like roses, but if fancy dinners and roses are your thing, that's awesome.  Ignore the rest of this post.  If you're more anti-Valentine's Day like me, here are 8 things to do for Valentine's Day that aren't the average "Valentine's Day" dates.  Whether you're with a significant other, single, or celebrating with Galenine's, there's an option for everyone

1.  Go to a museum
2.  Buy wines.  Buy cheeses.  Make the ultimate cheese board and have a date night in.
3.  Binge watch classic love movies - Casablanca, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Gone with the Wind
4.  Get creative in the kitchen.  That saved recipe you've been dying to try?  Create it.  If it fails, pizza delivery is only a phone call away.
5.  Single(s)?  Treat yourselves to manicures and pedicures.
6.  Map out your next travel adventure.
7.  Go the old school game night route with board and card games.
8.  Fuel your artistic side with a craft or coloring night.

This year, I'm planning on going with option #2.  I'm curious, what are your Valentine's plans?

Valentine's Day Gift Guide { for her }

Valentine's Day is just around the corner.  I'm starting off the gift series with a gift guide for her. Featuring a little fur, a little lace, floral, techie accessories, jewelry, and lots of love to help inspire ideas for that lucky lady in your life.  Don't be afraid to send your boyfriend or husband this list as a subtle hint!

peace, love, sparkles and flamingos
Allison

Valentine's Day Gift Guide {For Her}

Can you believe it's already February?  That means that Valentine's Day is sneaking up on us.  Everyone that knows me knows that I'm typically the anti-Valentine's Day, cupid bashing soul.  Overrated is how I feel.  Making reservations at fancy restaurants months in advance, mushy cards, and overpriced roses have never been my thing.  I feel like many couples use Valentine's Day to express how much they love someone then are off the hook for the rest of the year.  Don't fall in that trap.  If you love someone, little things should show on a regular basis.

Okay, I promise, I'll stop nay-saying Valentine's Day now.
Hearts are my favorite shape, cutesy lip things are fun, sparkles and pink are pretty, and I can eat enough conversation hearts to cause a self-inflicted stomach ache.  These past few years, I've been my own Valentine and usually treat myself.  So, Valentine's Day isn't so terrible.

Ladies, if your guy is a little clueless about what to get, just refer him to this post.
Remember, it's the thought that counts so splurging on Valentine's Day isn't necessary (clearly I've shown that I'm the type that would appreciate a box of Walgreen's chocolates and a bottle of booze).  Guys, if you want to do a little something more for your sweetheart on the day of love, here are some gift ideas that she'll adore.

{Ora Delphine / Heartbreaker Crossbody}

Valentine's Day by missallierae

Valentine's Gift Guide by missallierae

peace, love, sparkles and flamingos,

allison

Bitter-Sweet

Valentine's Day.  
You either love to love it or you love to hate it...Either way, it's still about love.  I categorize myself as the bah-humbug love-to-hate type when it comes to this overrated Hallmark holiday...a bit bitter, I realize.  Don't get me wrong, hearts are my favorite shape, I enjoy the candy, sparkles, and clever little notes.  I simply feel if you truly love somebody, that should be expressed daily in some form, big or small, whether it's a simple "you look beautiful today," peonies and a favorite pizza on a random day in April, or a date night at that new restaurant in town.  Valentine's Day is just a silly excuse for people to get dressed all fancy, go to an over-priced dinner at a crowded restaurant, eat messy chocolate colored strawberries (while attempting to remain attractive while doing so), and pay an arm and a leg for a dozen roses to be delivered (after all, the flowers will just perish in less that a week anyways).

Regardless of your view of the holiday, you're bound to do something.  Here are some wardrobe ideas for the fancy dinner, night out with the girls, or movie and popcorn at home.

{Darling:  Pretty in Pink}

Darling:  If your "perfect" Valentine's Day would be catching a rock concert after dinner, the first look is definitely for you.  I mean, who wouldn't adore a sassy pucker printed midriff top and black leather skater skirt pairing?

{Dearest: Lady in Red}

Dearest:  La-la-la-Love.  We all know red is the color of the season, so why not dress like the she-devil?  Any of these looks will make that stud-muffin feel lucky to have you on his arm.

{Honey: Cozy Valentine}

Honey:  This would be my go-to look considering my ideal Valentine's Day would be spent at home with that special someone, a bottle of my preferred poison (vodka), a gourmet cupcake (with sprinkles, duh), an intense Wii session...or all the above with a group of close friends and Cards Against Humanity.  

{Damsel:  Bombshell Vixen}

Damsel:  Splendid for dinner, drinks, and dancing with the ladies.  Red and black will always be the sexiest colors (it's a proven fact) and guarantee for that head-turning, jaw-dropping wow factor that will cause the guys to stare.

{Bitter-Sweet}

Still not overly enthused with February 14th?  I couldn't contain my giggles when I stumbled across this gem of a sweater...It just spoke to me, literally.  Want it? Need it?
Buy it here: Go F*** Yourself Sweater 

So long, and Happy Valentine's Day, darling

Find all the other looks here:  missallierae on Polyvore