A Rococo Guide to Gifts: LOVE TOKENS!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
It’s obviously late in the game to be putting up a gift guide for a holiday that’s three days away. Nevertheless, she persisted.
Valentine’s Day has forever been co-opted into my life as one of my days because it’s my half birthday and my only chance as a summer baby to celebrate in school & bring the class hershey kiss roses. Thus, Valentine’s has never been so much about crushes and lurv as it has been about meeeee! I’m kidding. (I’m not). But my mom did indeed do a very good job making it a fun and cute and crafty time of year and I’ve never been without a Valentine because she’s always been there.
In college, I’d throw Lonely Hearts Club parties and have Galentines brunches as we yearned over whatever boy was breaking our spirits that year (don’t worry - some of those very boys have become husbands, there is hope!) And yet, now as a full grown adult I can say I have yet to have one successful Valentine’s Day with a boyfriend because boys are disappointing and Valentine’s Day is what you make of it.
Nevertheless, she persisted. My best Valentines remain my mama, my friends, and myself. So this gift guide is for them and you and me, and maybe to send to your significant boy if they’re chill like that. But buy the bra for yourself <3
BIENAIMÉ Hand Lotion $35 This is the peak holiday for Bienaimé gifting, peep the packaging, r u kidding me! I’ve gifted the lip balm before and will gift it again. I love giving something that feels precious and special but can still be all used up.
CATBIRD Sweet Nothing Gold Signet ID Ring $98 Dainty little thing and customizable! Tiny initials! Can vouch for this because I love the one that I gave to me.
D.ROSI Set of 8 Notecards & Envelopes $140 For your dearest and most dignified Valentines, write your love notes on some real grown up stationery.
TOKYOMILK Greeting Cards $5.50 The cutiest cards - and glittery! Order a bunch and give em to your pals. Best of the v-day designs gathered here.
NAKED LETTERS Panties $29 Some of the prettiest little creations I’ve ever seen out there (and, I would say, at pretty prices).
HOUSES & PARTIES Pink Silk Charmeuse Devil Bonnet $368 I meannnnn, come on. DO IT. GET IT.
FLEUR DU MAL Top Stitch Bra $128 Ok, bombshell alert!! An all time dream bra always that’s always on the editorial inspo board, no time like the present to just send it full valentine mode.
OPEN SEA DESIGN CO. Jade Vanitas Card $5.00 More pretty Valentine cards for your love letters alert!
MERIT Flush Balm $30 Bonbon level blusher, such a treat! I’m also a big proponent of gifting something you know someone uses, like their favorite nice mascara, etc. The gifting of Merit is an idea I have lifted directly from my friend Billie who has gifted me some of the best Merit discoveries.
AERIE Lace Ruffle Bikini 10 for $38 The most foolproof Galentine’s gift theme because it is fun to match undies with all your friends!! I have been known to add iron-on initials!!
LA MONEE Flaming Heart Lockett $20 This Etsy seller does really lovely milagros and sacred hearts, case in point.
GOHAR WORLD Pair of Embroidered Lace Envelopes $30 For some reason there is no thrill like getting something with your name on it. My roommate once gave me a sugar cookie with my name on it and I freaked. Huge fan. Tuck a little note inside ofc.
LADIES OF THE RACHMANINOFF EYES By Henry Van Dyke $18 Books are always the best gift. You should choose something dear to you, straight from your heart, that you want to share with the person you love…. If nothing comes to mind, this McNally Edition of Henry Van Dyke’s long underappreciated novel is a delightfully breezy read with a side of seance and intrigue - and a very cute cover.
COU COU Balconette in Cherry Red $65 It’s been genuinely so fun to watch Cou Cou go from a capsule of white and black bralettes to a full fledged line with florals and bright red ruffles! We love to see a girl boss winning!
GOHAR WORLD Dessert Candle $68 Almost too special to light. Alllllmostttt. Happy 1/2 Birthday!
TINSEL TRADING Applique Ribbon Medal Kits $30 Stay tuned for an upcoming post on the festooning of the FW25 collections. In the meantime, get on top of the game & assemble some award ribbons to bedeck your lover. Best Boyfriend Award or whatever!
HARICOT VERT Upload Your Own Face Charms $28 Ok so there’s lots and lots of good options here. Sort through their picto-charms to create a little totem of your affection or, even better, upload your! own! face! It’s the 2025 lover’s eye. (The custom love note is wonderful too, seriously lots of good options).
PARCEL Love Letter Writing Kit $16 Last but not least, some more of my favorite stationeries. Romance isn’t dead! It’s all over these cards! Full selection of faves can be found here.
All this and TONS more can be found in my Love Shop For Friends & Lovers bc I can’t stop adding things:
Love you lovers!
I love the dessert candles!!!!