Holidays are such a fun occasion for me, a way to mark that time of year and a wonderful reason to be a little more festive than the day to day. I’ve always enjoyed being a little extra over the top, especially when it comes to holidays, and Valentine’s Day is no exception. Whether you’re single, celebrating solo, with friends, with family, or a loved one, I’ve got you covered. We all deserve an outlet for a healthy change of pace, especially as Covid continues and ways of doing so take a bit more creativity than before.
Gifts
Whether you’re treating yourself to some self care, sending a friend, a family member, or a significant other a gift, there’s so many fun options to get creative and spark some joy in your own or someone else’s day.
My Amazon Storefront is filled with a plethora of options for a great home Valentine’s Day. Check out Wonder Women Bingo or a fun game for couples to nurture their relationship created by psychologists. Take some fun photos at home together and instantly have tangible printed photos to create a gallery wall with this Polaroid camera.
Enjoy the many fun treats and eats that take little to no effort to make at home. Throw down your favorite snacks and candies on a heart shaped cheeseboard (like the one I created pictured below). Make some delicious heart shaped waffles for a fun brunch. Throw in some chocolate into a fondue pot while you enjoy your Netflix Party hangout. Enjoy your eggs in heart shaped quiche pans. My personal favorite are making rasmalai cake or no bake cheesecake in these heart shaped geometric molds— it looks so fancy but are so easy to do.
Support a Black Owned Business:
There are so many great products from smaller brands with high quality goods. Check out se of my favorite gifts from Black owned businesses:
If you or someone you know is a foodie, they may be happily surprised by this gift. An elegant packaged box of truffle ranch sauce and truffle sriracha, both made with black truffle flavor. Made in NYC, with truffles sourced from France, Trufflin is a uniquely elevated gift.
Bosa Modest Wear has beautiful tailor made clothing, with many matching Mom and child options. Their winter poncho sets regularly sell out quick, and their African print dresses are perfect for spring/summer.
Cookie Society is a boutique bake shop in Texas that ships their larger than average infamous cookies nationwide, using high quality ingredients to create these gourmet treats.
Nailah’s Shea is a hand-crafted Shea Butter beauty and body care line, using only pure Fair Trade, certified organic Shea Butter. The beautiful packaging and luxurious hand crafted quality has made these soaps a staple gift I love to share.
Forbes magazine called Phillip Ashley “the real life Willy Wonka.” Phillip Ashley Chocolates are luxury chocolates from Tennessee that have been featured at the Emmys, Oscars, and Grammys events.
Unique Gift Ideas:
Aside from the wonderful Black Owned Businesses listed above, there are some other great inclusive gifts. Nothing says cozy like some beautiful pjs. Try out these matching family pajamas from Hanna Andersson or these beautiful made in Philadelphia 100% cotton gorgeous printed pajamas that range from size XXS-4X from Print Fresh. I recommend going up a size from Print Fresh as they can run a bit snug.
Activities
There are so many ways to have a fun day at home, and these are just a few of my favorites. It may be winter, but picnics can happen any time of year. Throw down a picnic blanket indoors (I use my fur throw and place it on my rug), get out those glasses that are reserved for guests, order in your favorite meal, and enjoy a picnic at home. Top it off with a sprinkle of some fake rose petals if you feel so inclined, or simply spread out your favorite treats on serving platters. Whether you decide to pick up simple treats from the grocery store or make something fun, plating your food nicely on a serving platter makes all the difference in feeling fancy at home.
Want to have a virtual evening in with loved ones or friends? Choose a classic movie to enjoy, get on Netflix Party, and watch it together. Setup your own fondue pot at home or make mini chocolate chip waffles for one and enjoy.
Have a fun cooking night in. If you live alone, pop open zoom, set it up on your kitchen counter, join some friends and create the same meal together.
Want to have a fun game night with loved ones? Download the app “Houseparty,” start a room with friends and join in on a virtual game together.
Try out an at home paint night! Whether a solo activity, on zoom with friends, or at home with a loved one, this great Black Owned Business Modern Monet Kits has wonderful paint at home sets that make the process of recreating beautiful images in paint on canvas an ease.
However you decide to celebrate, I hope you have a wonderful day of love and care! Sending you all best wishes on this holiday!