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

Holiday Gift Guide Series: For Him

Okay, so it's down to the wire.  There's not much time to finish up Christmas shopping with Christmas Eve being on Monday.  You've probably gotten it all taken care of but if you're scrambling to find a last minute gift for the boyfriend, husband, dad, brother, some guy in your life, this guide is for you.

A record player is a great gift for anyone who loves music, not to mention countless records will make go-to presents for years to come.

Target - Victrola Record Player with Bluetooth and 3 Speed Turntable

Whether it's an anniversary, birthday, or another important date, a personalized star map print will show off the constellation of the night sky on that night.

Posterhaste - Personalized Star Map

For the adventure seeker, the bucket list of big and small adventures.

Urban Outfitters - The Bucket List:  1000 Adventures Big and Small

Good taste in music:  check.

Good taste in drinks:  check.

These coasters are upcycled from vintage vinyl records, the perfect gift for the music guy.

Uncommon Goods - Upcycled Record Coasters

Some like it hot, and who wouldn't like to sample 7 different hot sauces!?

Amazon - The Good Hurt Fuego Hot Sauce Sampler Set

Chicer than a cardboard beer case and it even has a nifty bottle opener attached, bonus points if you fill it with his favorite brew before gifting!

Foster & Rye - Acacia Wood Beer Caddy

Fun printed socks have become my go-to small gift or stocking stuffer option, and how fun are these Christmas camper socks!?

The Sock Drawer - Christmas Campers Socks

The classic Clubmaster sunglasses are effortlessly cool.

Amazon - Ray-Ban Classic Clubmaster Sunglasses

The casual and trendy grey and black Adidas will quickly become his go-to sneaker,

Nordstrom Rack - Adidas Cloudfoam Super Daily Sneaker

Nothing says winter vibes and stylish lumberjack quite like a red and black buffalo plaid flannel shirt.

Express - Plaid Flannel Shirt

A good-looking utility jacket with removable sherpa lining is cozy for winter and transitional for early spring and fall!

Lucky Brand - Removeable Sherpa Jacket

What gift ideas do you have for a guy in your life this year!?

Photo sources:  Lucky Brand, Urban Outfitters, Posterhaste, Amazon, Target, Uncommon Goods, Express, Nordstrom Rack, Foster & Rye, The Sock Drawer

Holiday Gift Guide Series: Best Friend and Girl Boss

In search of the gift that says ILYSM for the BFF or Boss Babe in your life?  Or maybe that's the same person.  Whether you need a Secret Santa present or just a little something for someone, this gift guide has all the gift inspo you need for the bestie boss babes in your life.

Best friend:

Talk about a 90's accessory throwback.  She'll be all set for the gym (and her hair will look cute) because scrunchies have made a comeback.

Etsy - Velvet Scrunchies

She knows all your dirty little secrets (and vice versa) and that you should probably be on Santa's Naughty List.  The name of this essie polish is "Berry Naughty" which couldn't be any more fitting.

Target - essie Nail Polish in Berry Naughty

A partners in wine print is perfect for your wine-loving partner in crime.

Etsy - Partners in Wine Print

Never Have I Ever card game that has everyone re-living awkward and embarrassing moments.  Perfect game to have on hand for a girls night because who doesn't enjoy a good laugh at their best friends' expense?

Target - Never Have I Ever Card Game

Adorable zodiac trinket trays to store sparkly treasures.

Urban Outfitters - Zodiac Catch-All Dish

Nothing says nostalgia quite like plush best friends heart shape pillow.  It's basically the new age BFF heart necklace - one half for her, one half for you.

Urban Outfitters - Best Friends Heart Velvet Pillow Set

There are obviously countless memories so an Instax photo frame is a great gift to show off the best selfies or favorite adventures between the two of you.

Urban Outfitters - Instax Multi Picture Frame

Because you clearlyyy love her to the moon and back.

Urban Outfitters - Geo Moon Light Sculpture

Girl Boss:

She's building her empire and killing the game.  This Evil Queen candle speaks for itself.

Evil Queen - Boss Babe Candle

She sets goals and gets (sh)it done!  Or maybe has a tendency to procrastinate a bit so here's a friendly reminder to knock that off.  :)

Urban Outfitters - The Native State Get Sh** Done Art Print

Always using her phone for everything, this simplistic marble design PopSocket makes holding a phone with one hand a breeze.

Target - PopSockets Marble Cell Phone Grip and Stand

Girl Boss things.

But first...coffee.

Amazon - Girl Boss Coffee Mug

Matte and shimmer eyeshadows, this magical travel size palette is perfect for the girl on the go.

Sephora - Enchanted Sky Eyeshadow Palette

After a long day, she's one to kick her feet up and sip on a glass of rosé.

Target - Women's Rosé All Day Casual Socks

Sometimes the IG husband or boyfriend or best friend photographer are not around and it can be incredibly difficult to get photos on your own.  The iPhone tripod is without a doubt the most useful gift a blogging girl could ask for.

Best Buy - Dynex Tripod

♥ always

Allison

Image Sources:  Urban Outfitters, Sephora, Target, Best Buy, Etsy, Evil Queen, Amazon

Cooler than Corny Valentine's Day Gifts

Can you believe it's already February 1st?  January somehow seemed to fly by while also being 1,000 days long.  If you haven't started thinking about Valentine's Day gifts yet, here's a guide to gift ideas she'll love.  These presents will definitely earn you major cool points over the same corny, cliche items.

Drugstore chocolates are nice but how amazingly nice is this adorable 6 piece set of Be Mine chocolates by Christopher Elbow Chocolates?  They're almost too cute to eat...almost.  There's others sizes and options available!

Christopher Elbow Chocolates:  6 PIECE BE MINE SINGLE ORIGIN CHOCOLATES

Who wouldn't love to feel pampered and relax in a luxurious bath?  A bath bomb gift set is almost as nice as a trip to the spa, right!?

Lizush:  11 Bath Bomb Set with Gift Ready Box

Is minimalist more her style?  This geometric print from TheInspiringType on Etsy is surely the way to her heart.  Their shop is full of black and white minimal prints that can be downloaded right away.

TheInspiringType:  Geometric Heart Print

Okay, admit it...you've seen her saving all these hanging terrariums on Pinterest.  Air plants last much longer than roses so why not surprise her with a Hanging Terrarium Air Plant Kit by BirdAndFeatherCo?  She'll love the fact that she can build it immediately instead of running out to the store for all the necessities and will be left wondering how you just knew she wanted one.

BirdAndFeatherCo: Hanging Terrarium Air Plant, Amethyst Crystal Point, and Pyrite

She'll be feeling warm and fuzzy when you gift her this plush heart-shaped accent pillow!

Nordstrom at Home:  'Cuddle Up' Faux Fur Heart Accent Pillow

Cuddles and movie night in?  This so-soft snuggly faux-fur oversized jacket will be an absolute favorite to get through the rest of winter.

Soft Surroundings:  Hug-me Cardi

Insert heart eyes emoji!  Supersoft and lightweight tee that's all googly eyes on the front and tells it like it is on the back with "c'est la vie" written across it.

Topshop: C'est la Vie Motif Tee 

"Girl next door" meets flirtatious and a side of sexy with this ruffle tee showing off one shoulder.  The essential piece to throw on with a pair of jeans or dress up for a date night out.

1. State:  Ruffle Cutout Tee

Shimmy shimmy with these playful and trendy tassel earrings.  Since this pair features Ultra Violet, 2018's Color of the Year, she'll definitely be accessorizing with these spring, summer, fall, and winter.

LovelyHeartThings:  Ombre Violet Tassel Earrings

Has she been holding up her resolutions to hit the gym more often this year?  Treat her to this sporty, stylish and functional backpack to tote her essentials to the gym!

adidas:  Originals Tote Pack II Backpack

What gifts would you love to receive this Valentine's Day?

♥ always
Allison

Mother's Day Gift Guide

Mother's Day is coming up this weekend, so if you're in need of a thoughtful gift for your Mom, here's a few ideas to make her feel extra special on Sunday.

What are you doing to treat Mom this weekend?

Best Mom Ever Cosmetic Pouch / Clutch

Mama Bear Tote Bag

Evil Queen - Mom-Bie Gift Bundle

Faux Druzy Earrings

Pastel Floral Necklace

Mini Tinted Lip Conditioner Trio


♥ always
Allison