Valentine's Gifts for the Family

Gearing up for Valentine’s Day, I was connecting with some dear friends around the idea of gifting. I’ve thought a lot recently about why I am drawn to make a purchase, and I’ve realized that I imagine an experience behind each item. Whether a sweater, placemat or pair of running shoes, I’ve gone through a process of imagining what I’m doing, experiencing and feeling having that object in my life. The interesting thing is that I also realize those experiences and feelings are available this very moment, with or without the purchase. My daughter’s old bedroom (pictured here) is the embodiment of this idea. Every detail of her room was curated over years, and I’ll always treasure the wonderful memories and moments we shared in this space and interacting with those elements.

In many ways, this realization made me pickier about what I invite into our home, and it made me more confident in the gifts I decide to give to my children, husband, friends and even myself. Taking the time to be intentional about gifting feels like the ultimate luxury and only makes those gifts more personal and meaningful to the receiver. May a few of these Valentine’s Day finds below spark a special feeling… or remind you that a special feeling is simply a thought away! XO, L

All Images from the home of Lauren Fornes. Photo by Brooke Schwab.