Less & More: The WFH Mom Edit

Gifts for Him

The men in my life like their gifts to be practical. Food/consumables are preferred because it doesn’t count as “stuff” and doesn’t take up space, but tools and everyday necessities are also welcomed. These gifts may seem impersonal and “boring” to some, but knowing someone well enough to give them a gift they will truly use every day is the ultimate love language, in my opinion.

• Fly By Jing Gift Set ($55 on Amazon): I’ve mentioned my love for this brand before (check out my entire gift guide dedicated to food here), but both my husband and my dad love the spicy crunchiness and endless applications the four products included in this gift set offer. You can use these jars with everything from scrambled eggs to ice cream and they disappear quickly, so there’s a good chance the ones we bought for Christmas are already in need of a refill.

• Carhartt Beanie ($20 on Amazon): If my husband didn’t already own one of these, I would absolutely get him one for Valentine’s Day. I tried to borrow his once and was quickly admonished. Dan loves his (especially as someone who works outside a good bit of the time during winter weather!) and wears it every day for a few months out of the year.

• The Martian by Andy Weir ($17 on Bookshop.org): Andy Weir is one my favorite writers and I convinced my husband to read Project Hail Mary last year. I am looking forward to gifting him another Weir.

• Numi Organic Tea, Moroccan Mint ($17.25 for a 3-pack on Amazon): I’m biased because they have been a longstanding client, but this tea is the BEST. No artificial ANYTHING and my whole family loves the Moroccan Mint at bedtime, but especially my husband. A restock for Valentine’s Day would definitely remind him how much I love him!

• Bomba Socks ($53 for a 4-pack on the brand’s site): An everyday staple like socks requires quality so you don’t have to constantly replace them. Not to mention, for men that are on their feet all day, socks and shoes are key for a good day v. a painful one. This brand makes some of the best.

• Beard Kit ($23 on Amazon): My husband has a pretty righteous beard and over the last few months has taken to using beard oil and whatnot. This set is perfect to keep him perfect coiffed.

• The Great Mental Models Books ($25 on Amazon): For the man who only reads non-fiction, these books are the ultimate life guide. Shane Parrish guides readers through mental models that can help with rapidly learning new information and spotting patterns, as well as averting mistakes that commonly hold other people back.

Gifts for Her

In my experience, gifts for women should be the opposite of practical. They want something pretty, tasty or luxurious – something they wouldn’t be able to reason through buying for themselves. Though I love a good kitchen appliance or vacuum as much as the next person, I can usually determine our family’s need for such things and as such, don’t mind spending money on them outside of the gifting season. Here are a few little luxuries that she might not want to spring for on her own.

• Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm ($24 at Sephora): Even though lip balm is an every day use product, this one is a bit elevated. She may buy herself the dupe, but treat her to the luxury version! Complete the lip luxury cycle with a lip sleeping mask from Laneige ($20 on Amazon). Ultimately kissable lips ahead!

• Heart-Shaped Huggie Earrings ($20 on Etsy): Jewelry is usually a good idea, but heart-shaped items around the day of love is even better! I love these subtle earrings that can easily be worn any time of year, but especially on Valentine’s Day!

• An oversized couch blanket ($53 on Amazon): This oversized blanket of coziness and warmth is the perfect gift to give in preparation for a movie date night on the couch – snuggle up together and it’s a gift for the giver AND the recipient.

• Potions & Lotions: Is Valentine’s Day basically an excuse to refill my “bath must haves” basket in my linen closet? Maybe. I love little self care, everything shower goodies. Throw them into a little basket for a lovely little gift set. I like a nice fruity body oil ($9.99 on Etsy), a creamy body wash ($27 at Ulta), and body butter ($19.99 at Ulta).

• Pink Weights ($18.99 on Amazon): If she likes to workout, these are great for your ankles or wrists to add a punch to Pilates. Pro tip: If you’re in between five pound dumbbell sizes (ie: you’re not quite ready to start using 30’s for bench press, but the 25’s are a little too light, these are a great bridge option!). Also, these can just add a bit of challenge to running errands or walking the dog on those days when a full workout is NOT happening.

• Bath Bombs ($31 for 12 on Amazon): I will never say no to a cozy bath and a fun bath bomb. I love these heart shaped candy bombs and I *might* let my kids use one, too.

• Audible Subscription (3 months for $45 on Amazon): Whether she has to commute or walk the dog, she’d probably love to be listening to a new book while she does it. Let her test out Audible! (See some of our book picks here, most of which are available as audiobooks!)

• Valentine’s Day Tumbler ($42.99 on BruMate or $29.99 on Amazon): If you didn’t get one of the coveted Stanley cups (which are now going for $100 on eBay), try one from BruMate or Simple Modern. I actually like their Valentine’s Day designs even better!

• Elevated Chocolates from Godiva ($38 on Amazon): Give me a fudgy truffle and I’m a happy girl.

• Silky Cute Pajamas ($28 on Amazon): I am in my fancy PJ era and I want all the silky, printed sets. Would an eccentric, kooky auntie wear it? Ok, I want it.

• A Novelty Stack o’ Pancakes ($28 at Urban Outfitters): It never hurts to give me more to add to my stash of dopamine decor and this stack of pancandles is so cute and perfect for the kitchen.

Gifts for Kids

• Wicked ($19.95 for the DVD or $29.99 for digital on Amazon): My Wicked obsessed girl has been asking to own this movie/watch it again since we saw it in the theater. We still have a DVD player (ask me why!) so she’s getting the DVD for Valentine’s Day.

• A Cozy Pajama Set ($26 at Amazon): At 8 and 10, my boys are not as interested in the cutesy heart printed PJs anymore (I’m crying) but they do still love a little PJ set and these Marvel ones are perfect.

• Family Puzzle with Heart ($13.99 at Amazon): This is a gift for the whole family, but better way to spend quality time together than around the table, putting a puzzle together? This one features scenes of love to put you in the Valentine’s Day mood.

• Owala Water Bottle ($24.99 on Amazon): My daughter is obsessed with water bottles, and this is THE one to buy right now. Add to the collection with a seasonal pink hue!

• LEGO Creator Set ($15.99 at Amazon): My son will not care that this gift is not Valentine’s Day “themed.” He just loves a good LEGO set and this flatbed truck helicopter combo will make his heart happy.

• Snoopy Cupid Squishmallow ($14.99 at CVS): My kids already have an epic collection – why not add to the madness with this fun Snoopy?

• Valentine’s Day Apparel ($20 at Amazon): My kiddos go to a private school where they have to wear uniforms, but on certain occasions, they can pay $1 to charity to wear other clothes, usually within a theme. There is ALWAYS a Valentine’s Day dress down day, so I like to get Ella a fun shirt to wear that day (and beyond). There are some cute options this year! I stashed more of them in my ShopMy Valentine’s Day collection.