Gift Guide | Simple + Meaningful Gifts for Valentine’s Day

I love a reason to celebrate and as much as this holiday gets flack for being too “lovey dovey”, I see it as a day to intentionally think about the ones we love most in this life. Because, who doesn't want to be loved and feel celebrated right?

Valentine’s Day isn’t one I usually go all out for, but I love thinking of simple ways to still make it feel meaningful for our little family. Hanging up a little decoration like this one we made last week and making heart shaped pancakes for breakfast is as much as we do to celebrate. And I love to grab a small gift with a hand written note to put on the table for my kids to see in the morning. Something that is simple and still makes them feel thought of.

I also love to think of unique gifts ahead of time so I’m not rummaging through the dollar section at Target last minute, knowing the item will be thrown away in a week (we’ve all been there). So I put together this list of some of my favorite finds from small shops I follow and love (and have used). I hope it gives you some inspiration to think a little outside the box for your next gift or helps you find that perfect thing for the one(s) you love most.

painting of floral hearts sitting on a shelf

Valentine’s Day Small Shop Gift Guide:

Provision Coffee:

Our favorite local coffee roasters. Not only is their coffee delicious, I love their mission and the story behind why they started. If your significant other is a coffee connoisseur you can’t go wrong with their Prickly Pear Blend. Honestly, it's always so hard for me to find something for Shane that he hasn’t bought already or could find a better deal on--but getting him good coffee is always a win (and admittedly it's a win for me too ;))

Books:

I’m grabbing a few of these fun books for my kiddos as a small gift. I think books are always a great thing to give since it will last much longer than the plastic toy that’s bound to break within a week! Here a list of some of my favorites that I’ve saved on my Amazon account.

Barberry & Lace:

If you’re looking into meaningful jewelry pieces to get your special someone that will last a lifetime, this shop is it. I’ve been wearing her earrings, rings, and necklaces for years and they each mean so much to me. A couple years ago I gifted myself this ring and had Shane’s name written on it. I haven’t taken it off since and you’d still think it was brand new.

pssst. Use code COLEY15 for 15% off your order!

Rainbow Row:

Speaking of jewelry. I love little shops like this for my girls--something sweet, meaningful, and so pretty! I've been in love with this shop since I found them at Phoenix Flea a few years ago. My mother in law gifted these bracelets to me and my girls for Christmas one year and I might’ve cried at the thoughtfulness of it. Plus they’re just so dang pretty how could you not fall in love with every piece they create!?!

Cuddle & Kind:

While we've had to purge too many stuffed animals in our home over the years, these ones from Cuddle & Kind I’ll be keeping until I’m old and gray. Not only are they adorable, but the heart and mission behind their company is one I’m on board for over and over again. Each one hand knit and provides 10 meals for kids with each purchase of a doll. Each of my kids have one and absolutely love them-- except Penny (who might be getting her first for V-day ;)).

Meaningful Artwork:

Unashamedly making a plug here on giving art to your loved one because who doesn’t love something pretty to hang in their home, right?! More than that I wholeheartedly believe that giving art pieces that speak to your heart and story give more than dressing up your walls. It's a gift that can speak deeply and bring joy every time you look at it. Plus, it is something that will last for years and years to come. I created this one from the song Shane and I had in our wedding. And this one as a reminder that when love is the anthem in our home, any fear can be defeated with that. This one gives words to live by with the added touch of prettiness too. And you can look through this whole collection we’ve put together for all of our favorite pieces for Valentines day and well beyond.

coley kuyper art framed on shelf and wall

Shop local:

So if you’re one of the last minute buyers, but still want to get something meaningful and unique, the best place in town to go to right now is Junk in the Trunk’s new store front at Scottsdale Quarter. With 25 local businesses all in one place, from I guarantee you can find something special there for your loved one (hint hint hubbies). A couple of the ones I listed above are available to shop here too!

painted mural art and clothes at junk in the trunk store front

images above c/o Be Peachie

Here are a few of my favorites from the JITT store:

Cayla Gray: Beautiful candles and perfume scents to give you all the warm fuzzy feels

Citizen Home Decor: Hand-crafted wood decor-- perfect little gift toppers or pieces to hang in your home

Vintage Market Home: They have a keen eye for finding the prettiest vintage items you’ll always be drawn to

Rusty Saturday: More vintage goods that will have you wanting more

Naked Rebellion: High quality lingerie + underwear that provide shades for every body-- I just love the mission and heart behind this brand

Cricket + Ruby: The cutest little shop curated with perfection for your little ones

Form Floral: Pretty and fun floral bouquets ready for you to bring home

You can also find a handful of my art prints and greeting cards there too!

I hope this was a fun and easy way for you to find something unique this holiday or to tuck away as ideas for other special occasions. I truly love each one of these brands and I hope this post has helped you fall in love with them too!

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text for pinterest post hand holding greeting cards