The home front: love-inspired decor and gift ideas for Valentine’s Day

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Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating love in all its forms, and this year we’re seeing a lot of demand for personalized gifts, says Dayna Isom Johnson, trend expert for online maker marketplace Etsy.

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Get personal

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There’s a huge demand for personalized gifts on Etsy, says Johnson. If you search for “personalized gift” in their Home & Living category, you will get over 1.2 million results.

Personalized gifts include custom artwork of couples or pet portraits, house illustrations, or city prints that mean something to the person giving and receiving the gift. As a result, the person whose wall it hangs on is reminded of happy memories whenever they look at it.

“Other very thoughtful gifts we’re seeing this year include monogrammed ceramics, blankets with special messages woven into them, and even cutting boards engraved with a cherished recipe or quote,” she says.

The Valentine’s net is being cast wide this year

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Valentine’s Day is no longer just for lovers; people also use the day to express affection for their pets, children and close friends.

According to Johnson, popular pet gifts include custom beds, special bowl sets and personalized treats. For children, parents are often looking for DIY craft kits that they can do together at home.

Colorful parties

For home decor, there is one step away from the desire for a monochromatic “perfect home.” This is reflected in what people are choosing for Valentine’s Day this year, opting for jewel and earth tones as they feel more festive and fun, says Johnson.

“We also see shoppers embracing styles from different decades and incorporating vintage and contemporary decor pieces in a way that creatively expresses their tastes and values,” she says.

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If you’re stuck, here’s a tip

The most romantic gifts speak directly to the recipient, says Johnson.

Think about their interests and what they like to do. Think an eye-catching mug for a coffee lover, a DIY kit for the crafter in your life, or custom jewelry for a fashionista.

“When in doubt, I always opt for something bespoke or personalized, because to me, nothing says ‘I love you’ better than a unique gift that’s tailored just for the recipient,” says Johnson.

It’s all about the experience

As someone who enjoys cooking, Johnsons says she loves the idea of ​​a date night at home.

You can make it an authentic experience by indulging in culinary and cocktail kits, luxury dinnerware and glassware, which she finds on Etsy. And even pick-your-own-adventure evening tickets, she says.

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Giving sustainably

If you give the right gift this Valentine’s Day, chances are the lucky recipient will hold on to it for years to come, so it will have a long life.

An example is a beautiful vase with a bunch of flowers, says the co-founder of the Canadian slow-living brand Livom Paule Lafrance. A potted plant in a beautiful pot is also a suitable choice. “While flowers are the obvious choice when it comes to Valentine’s Day gifts, a houseplant will thrive much longer.”

A sustainably made mirror to brighten up someone’s room is also a good choice, says Lafrance.

Metal photo frames

What better way to say I love you than a photo that captures a precious moment between you and someone you love, says Lafrance. Better yet, give it to them in a stylish and ornate metal frame, she suggests.