25 Ways to Love Yourself this Valentine's Day
A gift guide, just for us.
With the most polarizing Hallmark holiday on the horizon, I considered how to best address it with the Our Tiny Rebellions community. Valentine’s Day is a time for love, but the ying-to-that-yang stings deep for many. We will all receive our fill of toxic positivity on Instagram, where the hollow boxes are checked and the sentiment faces outward. But this newsletter celebrates women’s tiny wins and pleasures – the ones we experience and give to ourselves.
To supplement the love we will share with our friends and family, let’s become our own Valentines this year. I had *zero* issues finding inspiration for these 25 gifts, some of which I’ve treated myself to over the past year and others that are still on my most-wanted list. In any event, I hope what’s here can bring you more pleasure, satisfaction, and (self) love.
Happiest hour. You’ve spent the past two years reviving the coast-to-coast college girlfriends group chat, which is a beautiful thing, but instead of texting mom memes back and forth, try meeting for virtual drinks. Cocktail Courier ships every ingredient you need to make a fancy bev (or three) at home.
New streaming service. You’re out of shows, which happens sometimes, but your friends keep telling you about the best show on Apple TV+, HBO Max, etc. Sign up for one year of a new streaming service and open the content floodgates a little wider.
Summer concert tickets. Planning a special event for the warmer months might just be the benchmark you need. Our first live show in over a year was transcendent. Put it on the calendar and begin your daydream.
At-home massage. Whether you could never carve out the time or felt squeamish about spas, it might have been a while since your last rub down. Having massage in your home is a comfortable alternative. Businesses like Zeel operate in the New York City area, but you can search locally for traveling massage therapists near you.
Weird snacks. Do you freak when Trader Joe’s releases a new chip? Several online retailers offer a hookup to strange and exotic international snacks shipped directly to you. Handpick your selection or try a mystery box from Bussin Snacks or Exotic World.
Clockwise, from left: Birkenstock, Glossier, CheeseBoarder, Always Pan Happy feet. I am a two-decades-long Birkenstock enthusiast. No sandal in the world is more comfortable and durable. Now that they’re “back in style,” though, the colorways and options have exploded. Check out these baby blue suede Arizona Shearling sandals.
A bold lip. Did you forget what your face looks like? Remind yourself with a bright, striking lip color. One of my favorites is Glossier Generation G in Zip, with a price point palatable enough to experiment.
Charcuterie. Yes, I am suggesting you visit CheeseBoarder on Goldbelly and buy yourself a cheese board. Imagine receiving a catered-style spread at your doorstep and slowly picking at it while watching The Tinder Swindler. Heaven.
A fancy pan. The Always Pan from Our Place isn’t great because it looks good (even though it does look good). It’s my most practical gadget of the year. Steam or sauté, all without the stick. It’s easy to clean and has the perfect trivet for a wooden spatula.
Paid time off. “Nothing” is the ultimate gift. No agenda. No noise. Nothing to avoid. Plan a full day of fun, or sit in a dark room and forget about it all. It’s your choice, which is the best part.
Good vibrations. The handheld Theragun mini is meant for “on-the-go” treatment for your sore muscles, but I won’t ask why you packed it on vacation.
A new face regimen. Spruce up your daily skincare routine, top to bottom, and it will show. I shop at Blue Mercury not just for its diverse beauty offerings but for its house brand, m-61, which is free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and dyes. It’s a tad more affordable, too.
Clockwise, from left: Beach Riot, Cult Gaia, Minted, La Fleur Swimwear. Enough with the lingerie – seriously, who is it for? If you want to show skin, buy a new bathing suit. Beach Riot styles are insanely sexy but cover all the right places.
A tiny statement. Talk about little pleasures. Cult Gaia has some of the most eye-catching statement clutches of the season. I am eyeing the Hera Nano Rhinestone Shoulder Bag for a springtime wedding, knowing I’ll continue to wear it afterwards.
Photo art. Minted’s Heart Snapshot Mix photo collage is a thoughtful, meticulous, and wall-worthy gift. But if you wait for your spouse to customize it for you, you’ll probably be waiting forever. Heart your best photos and undertake the project yourself.
Forever flowers. Objectively speaking, it’s absurd to spend hundreds of dollars on flowers. But these La Fleur bouquets in a box are supposed to last for several years. I buy flowers every week, so maybe it evens out. Maybe?
Scented candle. We have come a long way since our bedrooms smelled like Sour Apple, but even so, your mood can still shift around a scent. Currently, my two favorite candles are from homesick and Tocca.
Hot coffee. No one should grow accustomed to lukewarm coffee, even though too many of us have. The Ember mug keeps your drinks hot while you’re being pulled in six directions. If you’re on a tighter budget, try a Yeti tumbler. Either way, it’s time to toss that #1 Valentine mug in the trash.
Clockwise, from left: Estelle Colored Glass, NYON, Nail Art, Lululemon Gorgeous glassware. Upgrade your bar with the most stunning, hand-blown glassware from Estelle Colored Glass. Sipping anything from their classic champagne coups feels straight-up luxurious.
A solid baseball cap. If hats are life, which they are, then baseball caps are band-aids. Conceal your dirty hair days with a stealth but chic option from New York or Nowhere.
Nail art. I’ve said it, and I’ll say it again: nail art is self-care. A party for your fingers. If you’re easily overwhelmed by a blank slate, start following #nailart hashtags and bookmark ideas so you’re ready for your next visit to the salon.
An everyday accessory. Hands free is carefree. The Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L is my personal utility pack, so much so that I sometimes wear it around the house. It’s available in a gazillion colors, but pink savannah is pictured here.
Fresh pillows. Be honest: when’s the last time you’ve replaced your pillows? Chances are, they’re vile. Also, hasn’t your neck has been hurting for like, two years? Try something cooling with memory foam.
Fruits and veggies. I’m not a fan of intricate meal kits, but I do love companies that help to simplify breakfast and lunch with healthy options. Daily Harvest makes delicious smoothies that won’t leave you reaching for the frozen waffles.
Life lessons. We should always leave room to improve in whatever space might inspire you. Subscribing to Masterclass can be an entry point to hear from people you admire, and you might learn something, too.
Treating yourself to a little something? I want to know about it! Comment below or e-mail me, averagejoelle3@gmail.com.
Could your girlfriends use some inspiration, too? How about your spouses? Share OTR with them, too!
Some great ideas in this post. I might need those Birkenstocks...glad someone else admits to loving them!