{"id":15680,"date":"2022-02-07T19:03:41","date_gmt":"2022-02-08T03:03:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kimberlypearl.co\/blog\/?p=15680"},"modified":"2022-02-08T22:40:38","modified_gmt":"2022-02-09T06:40:38","slug":"love-languages-gift-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kimberlypearl.co\/blog\/love-languages-gift-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Love Languages"},"content":{"rendered":"

A Valentine’s Day gift guide from someone whose expressed love language is gift-giving.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"sarah

From Sarah Bahbah’s art series, “Fool Me Twice<\/em><\/a>“<\/p><\/div>\n

Understanding your love languages\u2014how you give and<\/em> receive love\u2014and how those you love (romantically and<\/em> platonically) is hardly the be-all-end-all to nurturing successful relationships, but it’s certainly a step toward nourishing them. I’m no expert (there’s a book<\/a> on that), but I’ve been told that gift-giving is one of my fortes. Who am I to ignore the obviously unbiased <\/em>opinion of recipients of gifts, from me?<\/p>\n

Relationship advice is difficult to offer when you’re navigating a long-distance situation (perhaps not so gracefully, but luckily, my partner is patient), but what I can <\/em>offer are a few ideas on what to gift your Valentine. Friend, family, lover, whoever you want to shower with affection in one week’s time, or even better\u2014any time and always.<\/p>\n

Words of Affirmation<\/strong><\/h1>\n
\"sarah

“I wanted you to write me love letters.<\/a>“<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

If verbally articulating the sentiments is difficult or feels disingenuous (it won’t, if it’s not), write to them. Write a love letter, pen an inscription on the first page of a book that reminds you of them, leave a series of rose-colored sticky notes<\/a> on all the things they touch throughout their daily routine. Remind them of how wonderful, powerful, exquisite, and loved they are.<\/p>\n

If you’re comfortable in talking through it all, reserve a few hours for the We’re Not Really Strangers Couples game<\/a> or Relationship expansion pack<\/a>. Keep a couple of Kin Euphorics<\/a> or Ghia Ap\u00e9rtif<\/a> on ice (Avaline<\/a> is lovely if you drink alcohol and prefer a cleaner ros\u00e9); set the mood with a candle<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Acts of Service<\/strong><\/h1>\n
\"sarah

“You’re a goddamn queen. What could I give you that you don’t already have?<\/a>“<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

What is something they need or need help with? Daily acts of thoughtfulness are what count\u2014and for Valentine’s Day, showing them that this isn’t just a 24-hour display is bound to mean more than any grand gesture. Perhaps they’re exhausted from being and<\/em> doing everything at work; deep clean their space and make it feel like a calm escape. (Bonus points if you light incense<\/a> or candle<\/a> as the final touch; it adds a sensorial element to creating peace of mind.)<\/p>\n

Or, in addition to preparing a romantic, home-cooked dinner, portion extra servings so they have meals sorted for the following week. (Inka makes gorgeous food containers<\/a> that they can keep forever; label each box with a love note using sticky\u00a0notes<\/a> that complement the Inka trim.)<\/p>\n

Have a cup of coffee waiting for them in the morning (don’t forget a glass straw<\/a> if you know they never let the brew touch their teeth. It’s the little things!)\u2014and keep doing it from Valentine’s Day onward. If you don’t live together, fret not: consider gifting them a Nespresso machine<\/a> or coffee maker with a timer<\/a>. In simplifying their day-to-day, you’re showing them you notice it all\u2014and that you’re there to support them no matter what.<\/p>\n

Receiving Gifts<\/strong><\/h1>\n
\"sarah

“A flower to remember me.<\/em><\/a>“<\/p><\/div>\n

The possibilities are endless and entirely subjective\u2014so might I interest you in things I would love to receive,<\/a> or gifts I’ve been given and treasure with all my heart? Ahead, a few suggestions:<\/p>\n