This February marks the first time since the pandemic began that my toddler’s school will pass out real paper Valentines on the big day. Which made me start thinking about the simple, joyful, charming tradition of crafting hearts from humble paper and glue. As children, Valentine’s Day is a holiday about appreciation: for friends, for family, for teachers, even the family dog. And somehow in adulthood it morphs into something focused solely on the (often corporate) notion of romantic love. That’s why I’m going to take a cue from my four-year-old this go-around by presenting thoughtful ways you can show gratitude for all the good people in your world.
For Everyone
These Paper Source cards come a close second to the old-school, handmade variety. Buy two boxes and let the gratitude commence. $9 for set of ten; papersource.com
For the Nostalgic One
How’s this for a one-of-a-kind gift: a charm cast in fourteen-karat gold from a singular fingerprint of someone special. The process is more straightforward than you might think. Charleston jewelry designer Christina Jervey mails out a specialized wax for clients to use to create a unique impression and then return to the Made in the South Awards runner-up. Then Jervey’s magical work begins. $750; christinajervey.com
For the Athlete
Socks? For Valentine’s Day? Yes, really: Do not mock the idea of giving this gift of extreme comfort until you’ve actually worn the unisex compression socks by Comrad, which help boost circulation, aid fatigue, and more. $32; comradsocks.com
For the Foodie
This Pappy & Company set might just be the ultimate box of chocolates, thanks to the addition of Old Rip Van Winkle’s ten-year bourbon. $12–$28; ggfieldshop.com
For the Thinker
The handsome, bookcloth-bound notebooks and journals from Washington, D.C.’s Appointed (a 2021 Made in the South Awards winner) are the place to go to dream, doodle, plan, and get things done. $24; appointed.co
For the Homebody
Let your loved one live in eternal spring with this floral top and pant pajama set by Bando. $50 each; bando.com
For the Minimalist
The designers at Leatherology in Texas dreamed up the perfect way to personalize the straightforward silhouette of their leather crossbody bag: a monogram made using the trapunto technique, which creates a raised, quilted effect. $205; leatherology.com
For the Family Dog
The harness kit by Wild One (which also includes a lead and waste bag carrier) stands up to the elements and looks smart, too. $114; wildone.com
For the Bar-Cart Connoisseur
Water, wine, or whiskey all make for fitting fillings for these sleek, smoke-hued glasses from Hawkins New York. Bonus: They stack easily and are dishwasher safe. $32 for four; huckberry.com
For the Hardest Worker
The simple, clean formula of this red clay and geranium mask by Good Juju Herbal would be a wonderful tonic for anyone in need of serious downtime. $12; goodjujuherbal.com
For the Aesthete
The Kentucky native Morgan Hutchinson of Buru is known for taking vintage-inspired looks and reinventing them, and her swing coat in plaid brushed corduroy sets the standard. $288; shopburu.com
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