Caroline Shares Her Favorite Valentine’s Day Gifts

With my birthday last month and Valentine’s Day around the corner, this time of year has always felt extra sweet. And even though distance is keeping many of us apart, I can’t think of a better time than now to show the people in our lives how much we care. To make this Valentine’s Day special, I’ve got my eye on a selection of goodies that are perfect for gifting to friends, family and yourself too. From romantic candlelight to cozy loungewear, and something sweet (of course), here's a roundup of a few of my favorites that can turn the simplest moments into memorable ones to savor for years to come. 

It feels like we’re all getting fewer hugs than we’re used to these days but the right clothes have a way of making us feel that warm embrace. Cue anything by Lauren Manoogian. This Brooklyn-based designer creates the coziest knitwear and accessories using handcrafted, sustainable practices and organic fabrics. My ever-expanding collection includes this double knit hat, sweater and to-die for statement coat. All of her pieces are so easy to wear and look lovely layered together or worn separately – you can't go wrong gifting from her collection. 

I designed a sage bundle with The Quiet Botanist here in the Hudson Valley, NY. A sage wand is the base for the bundle of dried white globe amaranth, poppy heads, pepper grass and lepto grandiflora. The bundle creates a great gift, objet d'art, host gift, table setting and so much more. The flower bundle can be separated so that the sage wand can be burned, which is known to clear out negative energy in the home.

And, we finally have our DIANI Mazuri candles back in stock! I'm so excited to burn my favorite scent again and gift to my favorite people. I always like to add a box of matches too and found these cute cupid matches.

There's something innately romantic about candlelight and I've been a nightly candle burner for years. It evokes a sense of calm in any home environment and since many of us will be eating at home this Valentine's Day night, I say we lay it on thick with the candlelight. While I typically light tapered candles with antique candlesticks, adding these sweet, soft pink glass votives gives a subtle nod to the occasion we're celebrating. Add in our 100% beeswax votives for over two hours of illumination. One of our very best gifts year round are the pair of ceramic doves. The dove not only symbolizes love, but peace and renewal. And, they come in a sweet little box to make for an even easier gift.

Nothing says "Be Mine" like a little something sweet and, since we won't be dining out this year, I'm still going to get my sugar fix! I'll be filling up our cookie box with some homemade cookies and serving them on the trusty gold-rimmed cookie plate. This gift idea is an instant crowd pleaser and super simple to put together. You can easily drop it off at a friend's house or send it in the mail for the sweetest surprise. 

I hope these gift ideas inspire you to send some love this Valentine's Day. It feels like we all need a little more connection these days. And what better way to show you care than with the surprise of special something. Shop the exclusive DIANI Valentine's Day Collection for some favorites that I like to treat myself to as well as those I love.

 Sending lots of love to you and a big virtual hug,