The Self-Love Gift Guide

Let me put this out there – most people have strong feelings about Valentine’s Day, good or bad. I get it. I can’t say I’m sold on the idea either, but I do love the pop of color, and I sometimes find myself perusing the aisles at the store after the long dark hole that is January. On a personal level, I love Valentine’s Day because it was this day 10 years ago that I found out I was going to be an aunt for the first time. I already adore my family, and now we were expanding? My heart was so full. For the sake of our mental health and the year we have just gone through, let’s show a little love to ourselves this Valentine’s Day. I mean, it is on a Sunday this year. Sunday’s are great self care days. Whether you’re spending the day with your significant other, family, friends, or you’re enjoying the best kind of company {your OWN}, remind yourself that love doesn’t have to be a big gaudy act. In fact it’s the little things, the real things, that show us what love is all about. In fact, let’s just make it a month of self-love. Take care of yourself on Sunday, and hit up the sales next week. Either way – I hope you find some inspiration and some comfort from this guide.

xoxo, Katie

Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company

I’m going to let you in on a little midwest secret here, and it’s called Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company. Being a St. Louis native, I grew up down the street from this family-owned storefront. I had no idea that the little chocolate suckers my friends and I would buy after school were actually the humble beginnings of a chocolate paradise. After years of perfecting the chocolate business, they purchased Bissinger’s Handcrafted Chocolatier in 2019, and I am not kidding you – I melt for Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate. Indulge this Valentine’s Day, and order yourself some of this delectable chocolate from a family-owned business. Support small nationwide!

Facebook: ChocolateSTL | Instagram: @stlchocolate | Twitter: @chocolatestl

Uncommon Goods – Nevertheless She Persisted Puzzle

I love Uncommon Goods. If you haven’t checked out this website before, you could actually spend the entirety of Valentine’s Day scrolling through and choosing perfect birthday and holiday gifts for the entire year if you wanted. That being said! This 1000 piece puzzle caught my attention. Puzzles are fun solo or accompanied, and what better theme than the historical women who have paved the way for women today? Activity + History Lesson + Accomplishment = One perfect Valentine’s Day.

Facebook: Uncommon Goods | Instagram: @uncommongoods

Pierre Alex Jeanty – HER.

I clearly love Instagram, but not in the “influencer” way. I love words and quotes and little lessons that are posted throughout the day. In the spring of 2020, I stumbled upon Pierre A. Jeanty. I wasn’t in a relationship, but the posted quotes about love really resonated with me. Being a poetry lover, I ordered HER. and HER. Vol 2 because why not…we were in a pandemic, and what else was I going to do? Surprisingly enough, I read every poem as a love note to myself or to the future relationship I wanted to have. It’s beautifully written in short, meaningful poems that remind you of your worth, your abilities, and to put self love above all. Jeanty has several other books in his collection, including HIM. Definitely go check it out!

Facebook – Pierre Alex Jeanty | Instagram – @Pierrejeanty | Twitter – @PierreAJeanty

Love Notes – Hand Poured Candles

I usually make the switch from cozy, holiday inspired candles to floral, clean spring candles in mid-January. I hit my wall of winter, and I find myself willing spring to come as soon as possible. Therefore, I collect candles ALL THE TIME, and I try to always have a variation on hand to suit my mood. I have not tried Love Notes myself, but I will be adding to my cart when I finish this piece. The name is great – I’m sending myself a Love Note! I’m sending my friend a Love Note! How…lovely! After exploring the website, I can’t even decide which one I would try first. Founder Nya Kam has 10 scent collections to choose from. The packaging is beautiful, there are various price points, and she even has a spa line called “Self-ish Body Tea.” I’m so looking forward to sending myself a Love Note and relaxing in a warm bath full of Self-ish Body Tea while pretending it’s not 5 degrees outside.

Facebook: Love Notes Fragrances | Instagram: @lovenotesfragrances

Etsy CounselorMomDesigns – It’s okay to not be Okay Shirt

Do you think I would compile this list without a piece of mental health clothing? Never! I ordered this shirt when I took the position with This Is My Brave. I almost always wear one of my mental health pieces of clothing when I travel to a show (or used to). This shirt is so soft, so comfortable, true to size, AND the message is just so on point. Personalize it a little bit by choosing the color that fits YOU. Check out Katie J’s whole shop – you’ll find gifts for everyone in one place. And it’s a great conversation starter! Whenever I wear mine, someone always comments on it. Remember, we’re all in this together!

Philosophy – Amazing Grace Fragrance

My best friend discovered Philosophy’s Amazing Grace fragrance when she was living in New Orleans (Hey, Nicole!). I remember her telling me about it after she awkwardly told a woman how amazing she smelled, and the woman kindly – and proudly – told her she was wearing Amazing Grace. (Don’t get me wrong – I don’t think it’s awkward to compliment other women – AT ALL. This particular story was just awkwardly funny.) I’m so glad she found out about it though because it is my absolute favorite. It’s nothing fancy. I’m not fancy. It’s just clean, with some floral notes, and it makes me feel oh so feminine. It’s a great pick me up when I’m heading out the door (or sitting at my computer working from home as I do these days).

Finally…take the day off from social media

You’re about to get inundated with engagement announcements, baby on the way photos, “I’m the luckiest (girl / guy / person) on the planet” posts. Honestly, when you’re none of those (even by choice), the noise can be overwhelming. Even if you are one of them, you don’t need the weight of comparison on your mind! Remember that for the most part, people put their best self forward on social media, and your best self does not equal their best self. Choose YOU this Valentine’s Day / Month. Show the love and kindness to yourself that you inherently deserve. It’s ok to step away. It will all be there when you get back.