7 Valentine's gifts for the people you love (and for you!)

Valentine's Day is right around the corner, but it's not just for lovers. I know that lots of folks aren't keen on the whole commercial Hallmark side of the day, but I'm fine with anything that reminds people to appreciate the people they love, and treat them with gifts, large or small.

I'm also strongly of the opinion that you don't just need to let partners know that you love them... parents, siblings, best friends, teachers, kids and colleagues. There are so many people in our lives, and it's important that we make sure we tell them how much they mean to us.

Not coupled up? Who says you can’t celebrate February 14 just like all of the lovebirds out there? Practice a little bit of self love instead and treat yourself to a feel-good gift – it doesn't need to break the bank, it just need to make us feel special.

Here are my top picks for Valentine (or Just Because) gifts under $50, and an extra-fancy one... because you're worth it!

flowerbomb

I was lucky enough to receive a sneak preview of this week's gorgeous Flower Bomb bouquet - pink roses are perfect for Valentine's Day, and flowerbomb will deliver on Saturday Feb 13th, too!

Traditionally, flowers are the hot gift for Valentine's Day. Don't be lame and pick up a bunch from the service station on the way home from work though (chances are, they'll have one fake rose that turns out to be a tacky red lace gstring tucked in there - ugh), get a sweet mixed posy in a jar instead! There are so many fantastic local florists across Australia who offer something different for Valentine's Day, my favourite on the Sunshine Coast are flowerbomb. I'll share more about Flowerbomb on my Facebook page this week, but in the meantime, check out their Instagram feed, where you can see the beautiful and original arrangements in mason jars that Deb of Flowerbomb is delivering to lucky recipients all across the Coast, for less than $30!

*Hot lovers tip: use discount code 'katypotaty' at checkout, and treat yourself, your lover and your Mum this weekend! For more info, head to their page for link and details.

MiM Studio

Um, I'll take a pair in each colour, please and thank you

Simply stunning accessories that I loved the minute I saw them, the Balance Bar earrings by MiM Studio would get a run every single day if they were in my bling wardrobe. Perfect for dressing up and down, these babies available from Down That Little Lane are cheap enough that you don't need to decide on a colour - take all three!

Gold Class Cinema voucher

For the slightly exhausted Mum in your life, whether it's your own Mum or your bestie with a few kids, a Gold Class movie voucher and a thoughtful card offering your babysitting services is such a well-received gift. What's even better is if you team up with their regular babysitter, and pre-pay for a night of childminding, so you can go to the flicks too! My tip? Don't skimp on the Gold Class snacks - those potato wedges go great with a glass or three of wine!

Nocturna

It wouldn't be a round-up of gifts I love to give without a scented candle, and at this time of year, just before the seasons change and it gets a little cooler, my favourites are by Nocturna. The V. Salem is a gorgeous oriental scent in Nocturna's signature mysterious black jar, woody and decadent. Perfect for wooing that special someone, or perhaps save it for a romantic solo night in with a good book in the bathtub!

*Hot lovers tip: enjoy 15% off the entire Nocturna range leading up to Valentines Day, by using promo code THELOVERS at checkout.

Bill Bryson book

Bill Bryson's newest book is nestled right in the middle of the 'favourite books' shelf. It's a thing.

My all-time favourite way to spend a rainy afternoon is curled up with a good book, and with the rainy Summer seeming to last longer and longer, I've recently been engrossed in Bill Bryson's latest travelogue, The Road to Little Dribbling. Laugh-out-laud moments and lots of quirky facts that had me reading aloud to BB make Bill Bryson books a winning gift for pretty much everyone.

Kokopod

Step away from the chocolate brownie. This is not a gift you are going to want to give away. One of Queensland's best chocolatiers (seriously, just ask the wise folk at The Urban List), Brigid of Kokopod has delivered some amazingly sweet treats to stockists across the region this week - and you're going to need to be quick to get your sugar rush!

Head to The Fruit & Deli Co. in North Lakes, Top Spot Fruit in Aspley, Something About Audrey in Sandgate, Raw Sugar Cafe in Toowoomba, Myrtle's Pantry in Caloundra and Chocolates on Gallery Walk in Mt. Tamborine for the ultimate in Valentine's decadence.


Kapten & Son

Lastly, and definitely not least... I do love a splurge gift. It's not under $50, but it is the coolest dang watch I've seen in years.

Oh Kapten, my Kapten. I am freaking in love with Kapten & Son watches. New to Australia, these super-classy timepieces just scream style and sophistication. With so many customisable features including the size of the face, I've got a sneaky feeling you'll be seeing Kaptens cruising everywhere.

I'd love to know, are you single or coupled-up? And do you do Valentine's Day?