Ah, Valentine’s Day. Whether or not you’re celebrating the holiday in all its frilly boxed chocolate and dozen red roses glory — it’s a good excuse to simply treat yourself or those you love. From cocktails with your bestie to a romantic dinner for two, a pizza night with the kiddos, or an evening all to yourself (binge-watching a new Netflix series with a glass of bubbly, anyone?), here are a few unique gift finds that’ll be the cherry on top of your solo Valentine’s rebellion.
-Katie McCall
#1 - “JUNIPERUS” EAU DE PARFUM
If you’re looking for a fresh scent that’ll make heads turn — this is it.
Uplifting and clean, Juniperus by Fiele Fragrances is sustainably made by hand in Los Angeles, California, using only the highest quality organic essential oils, and purest, wildcrafted ingredients from around the globe.
Cruelty-free to boot.
Purchase at fielefragrances.com, $6 (1.5 mL sample) - $180 (50 mL)
#2 - CANVAS MARKET TOTE
If someone you know is farmer’s market obsessed, this multi-pocket tote bag is surely the way to their heart.
Not only is it built to last with heavy-duty canvas and adjustable (vegan) leather straps, but this particular style also boasts a bonus insulated insert.
With a place for everything — milk, eggs, flowers, produce, cheese — what’s not to love?
Purchase at Food52, $70
#3 - “PLANT THE BOX” SIAM POPPY CANDLE
Candles are a no-brainer when it comes to gift-giving, but this particular collection keeps on giving long after its soft glow has burned out.
The box — plantable, biodegradable, and seed-infused — grows into the plant, herb or flower that inspired the scent of the candle.
A favorite, Siam Poppy, offers a combination of natural poppy with black and red currants and citrusy lemon notes, creating a tropical yet sensual aroma.
Purchase at kobocandles.com, $32.50
#4 - ASTER FLOWER WOOL CASHMERE SOCKS
Let’s be honest: (most) everyone loves socks.
Even those who publicly categorize our fuzzy foot friends as last-minute “add-on” gifts secretly wear them with internal glee while snuggling up on the couch with a good book or new flick.
And these beauties will not disappoint …
A fine Italian yarn blend including merino wool and cashmere make them both warm and aesthetically pleasing.
Lovingly crafted in small batches in the USA.
Purchase at lisab.com, $32
#5 - “GIFT FROM THE SEA” BOOK
Originally published in 1955, Gift from the Sea is a timeless, beloved classic written by Anne Morrow Lindbergh, who shares her meditations on life and relationships during a brief vacation to the sea.
This lyrical, hard-to-put-down read is therapeutic and insightful, sure to drum up questions of love, peace, solitude, and contentment in today’s modern world.
Purchase at amazon.com, $10
About the Author:
Katie McCall is a Midwestern girl with a deep love for nature, food, and family. Raised in the rural suburbs of Chicago, she spent her childhood foraging for morel mushrooms, picking green beans, and exploring the outdoors. This connection to nature continues to inspire her work and lifestyle.
After earning a B.S. in Journalism from the University of Illinois, Katie moved to Chicago to pursue food writing. She later attended Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts to further her culinary skills, and eventually co-founded Two Wild Seeds, a gluten-free bakery she ran with her mom in St. Charles, Illinois. Though the bakery closed in 2021, Katie continues to freelance and share her passion for food.
Outside of writing and cooking, Katie enjoys living a self-sustaining lifestyle, gardening, decorating her 1905 farmhouse, and discovering new treasures at local farmers' markets and antique shops. Always in search of new ways to create, Katie is passionate about making life as delicious and fulfilling as possible.
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