A Simple Thing ✨ no. 16

For your Valentine 💘

February is here, and with it comes the opportunity to celebrate those we love. A few years ago, I decided to shift what those celebrations looked like, and I love how sweet our Valentine’s traditions have evolved. For this week’s A Simple Thing, I invite you to consider a similar shift.

A simple thing to do this week…

🧁 Make a treat for your Valentine.

You don’t have to look far to find heaps of Valentine’s Day goodies—the grocery store started stocking them before the new year, the drugstore has an entire aisle dedicated to them when you pop in for seasonal cold remedies, and, of course, the big box stores have them in abundance.

But something I grew tired of was the excessiveness of the holiday—the plastic containers and tins that pile up for the sake of a few treats. Sure, they’re exciting and, let’s face it, convenient. But with just about two weeks until the big day, what if we set aside an hour to make something special for those we love instead?

A few years ago, inspired by a sweet romance novel, I started using Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to create homemade treats—ones I can take 100% of the credit for (and know 100% of the ingredients in). On birthdays, the celebrated person gets to choose the dessert, but on Valentine’s Day, I get to flex my creative muscles and think up something everyone in our home will enjoy. I whip up a sweet and pair them with handmade cards, and it’s an expression of love that fills my cup too. Plus, it usually saves a little money (and waste).

What would it take to celebrate your Valentine(s) with handmade love?

Prioritize the time now—block it off on your calendar.
Would waking up an hour earlier one day do the trick? Or pausing an episode or some scrolling one evening?

Decide what to make.
This is part of the fun. What would your loved ones enjoy? May I recommend:
🍓 strawberry shortcake cupcakes (made these last year—huge hit!)
🥜 chocolate peanut butter stuffed cupcakes (made these in 2023—also a hit!)
🧈 ooey-gooey Rice Krispie treats (quick, easy, and always a crowd-pleaser!)
🍫 the best brownies or easy chocolate mousse for the chocolate lover
🍰 a decadent no-bake cheesecake (I think I’ll make these this year!)

Me personally? I’d love a box of stuffed dates that I can keep in the freezer and enjoy each night with a hot mug of tea. Simply cut open fresh Medjool dates and remove the pits, stuff them with creamy peanut butter and a nut of choice (pistachios add a fancy touch!), then drizzle with melted dark chocolate and top with flaky sea salt. Set in the fridge or freezer to harden. YUM.

Then, gather your ingredients.
Add anything you need to your grocery list for your next trip.

Make your treats and pair them with a lovely homemade card.

Taking the time to make something by hand is a beautiful expression of love—it’s easier on your wallet, more environmentally friendly, and more personal.

How are you planning to celebrate a loved one this Valentine’s Day? Share in the comments—I’d love to hear! 💞

A Simple Thing ✨ no. 12

A Simple Thing ✨ no. 13

A Simple Thing ✨ no. 14