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This Week’s Finds

Published: January 1, 2024

Valentine’s Day Ideas

I love to gift small things to friends, relatives, neighbors and coworkers on this holiday. I’ll bake or make candy and gift wrap tiny little treasures I find. Nothing big or fancy, but just something to let them know I’m thinking about them. I often celebrate Galentine’s Day with friends, or serve up a buffet for all my single friends. Always casual, and always fun.

Check out some of the fun things I’ve found this month. Some items are already on sale, and some aren’t. There is something for everyone, including YOU! Don’t forget about treating yourself to something special.

First up, nothing is easier, faster or more appreciated than sending a gift of food. No time to bake yourself? Send a big, smashable chocolate pizza heart or a complete surf-and-turf dinner. Remove the stress and just order online. Have a brownie lover on your list? How about a box of 36 brownies in assorted flavors? YUM.

Want to gift a little something to someone special? A girlfriend, niece, sister or coworker? An Etsy Gift Certificate is perfect. They can use it for anything their heart desires, and the choices are endless. Purchase in any denomination and show her you care.

When looking for a little somethin’ somethin’ for someone special, small little unique items always do the trick. Look what I found: this Berry and Rose ceramic candle is precious, as are these adorable juice glasses – what a great way to start the day!

Start off Valentine’s Day with a champagne toast served in pink flutes – so festive! Or maybe a martini is more to your liking? These beautiful and unique martini glasses are the perfect way to celebrate.

Let’s not forget the time-honored tradition of sweets for this holiday. I love making heart-shaped treats for my nieces and nephews – heart-shaped waffles and heart shaped cookies are a favorite. Be sure to try my Peanut Butter Waffles recipe– so good!!! Turkish heart-shaped nesting bowls will come in handy for serving everything and anything. For the bourbon lover in your life, how about a bag of bourbon infused coffee?

Celebrate Valentine’s Day and the Chinese New Year with this cherry red, essential French oven with dragon lid. Soooo cool!

On my “wish list” for a couple of months now, is this magnificent salad bowl and fork and spoon server set by Pepper and Vetiver. It is just stunning. When not in use for salad, display it with fresh fruit. My Healthy Chicken Caesar Salad for Two would look smashing in this bowl.

A ceramic pitcher scattered with hearts makes a great statement at any meal. Gathering friends for a Galentine’s dinner? These pink floral plates will bring it all together.

Then, looking forward to Valentine’s Day, I found some cute items to make the holiday fun. LeCreuset has this great heart shaped 2 qt. cocotte, perfect for whipping up stews and braises. Or this cute little heart-shaped Madeleine pan will produce fabulous heart-shaped cookies.

These heart-shaped pinch bowls from LeCreuset are a nice addition to any kitchen, as is, the heart-shaped spoon rest. Just a little something to say you are thinking about them.

This adorable red mini cocotte with a heart-shaped knob will make anything you create special. You know how I love a good fondue! Whether you decide on cheese, chocolate or a “hot pot” broth version, serving fondue for Valentine’s Day can be an intimate experience. Cuisinart’s fondue set is on sale for under $80 – a great deal.