15 Personalized Gift Ideas for All the Awesome Women in Your Life

1. Heart-shaped jewelry

Now don’t get me wrong – heart-shaped jewelry can be super cute, but oftentimes, it can feel a little cheesy and predictable for Valentine’s Day.

2. Huge teddy bears

Those big teddies – or even just the cheap stuffed animals from the drugstore – are not practical whatsoever and tend to collect dust. Unless you know of a very specific plush that your Valentine's been wanting, it’s okay to skip the stuffed animals.

3. A dozen roses

While red roses can be a romantic gesture, there are so many other flowers to consider. Roses are simply generic AF and very expected – instead, get to the bottom of what your Valentine’s favorite flower is and run with that! From lilies to mums, you could even create your own bouquet with just a little extra effort.

4. Fake plants

The same idea goes for fake plants. Why invest in a fake plant when a real one can be so much more meaningful? This way, every time your Valentine goes to water the plant you gave them, they’ll be thinking of you. ❤️

5. Matching gifts

Matching t-shirts, mugs, socks, and the like are honestly pretty cringeworthy, unless you’re really into them. Your Valentine will definitely appreciate a unique gift a lot more this year.

6. Cheap chocolates

Cheap chocolates are good for a last-minute gift, but if you want your gift to feel special to your Valentine, please take the extra time (and money!) to opt for a fancier box. They’ll look better and taste better.

7. Anything impersonal

All of this goes to say that anything impersonal makes a cliche and outdated Valentine’s Day gift. You don’t even have to go insanely above and beyond for your date this year – just a little extra consideration will definitely make them feel loved.

​What is a good Valentine's Day dinner?

A good Valentine's Day dinner is anything that is delicious and romantic, and that will change for every couple (or if you're alone!). V Day is always a good excuse to cook up a steak if you and your partner eat meat, but pasta or seafood are also great ideas. Or go for a surf and turf dinner that incorporates all of them. You can also add aphrodisiacs into the menu, but whatever you pick, don't forget dessert!

What is the Valentine's Day menu?

Your Valentine's Day menu is totally up to you and your partners' tastes. You can check out what's local to your area if you want to have a menu that reflects this time of year in your state. In terms of courses, you can opt for dinner and dessert or go all out with an appetizer, entrée, drinks, and dessert.

What to make for a romantic dinner at home?

Here are some popular Valentine's Day foods you can consider making:

• Steak
• Seafood
• Chocolate
• Pasta
• Sushi
• Wine
• Fish
• Crème brûlée
• Strawberries

Prepare to swoon over this simple sous vide steak. Pair it with a baked potato and steamed veg. (via Brit + Co)

Nothing says high class quite like a well-cooked steak. Take it from the pros and cook it medium-rare for the most intense flavor. We love the classic steak and baked potato combo, but feel free to shake things up with a different side. (via Brit + Co)

You know we love vodka cocktails, so we are all about some vodka pasta! It's a 30-minute recipe topped with basil pesto and loads of your favorite cheese and you can add some red pepper flakes for some extra spice if you want. Swap the vodka for broth or water if you don't want to cook with alcohol. It'll taste just as good! (via Brit + Co)

For charcuterie board fans or those of us who'd rather much on apps than have a full-blown dinner, these poke bites are cute, delicious, and have us dreaming of summer. Pickled ginger, avocado, and red onion take this recipe to a new level. Yum! (via Brit + Co)

A soup that's delicious *and* features veggies, cheese, and pasta all in one? Count us in. Just put everything in your slow cooker and let it come together while you finish getting ready. (via Brit + Co)

This one-pot wonder is great for any day of the week. Salmon, potatoes, olives, and green beans (along with some other delicious ingredients) come together to create a flavorful combo that you'll daydream about until you can eat it again. (via Brit + Co)

A healthy, colorful dish like this butternut squash recipe makes for a great dinner recipe for vegetarians and carnivores alike. Plus it makes for an awesome winter comfort food. (via Brit + Co)

Air fryer salmon is a great Valentine's Day dinner idea for anyone who works long hours and doesn't want to spend hours upon hours in the kitchen. Plus it's healthier than your other frying options! Not a fan of salmon? Try chicken or potatoes for other yummy options. (via Brit + Co)

This recipe from Rachael Ray has some of the most interesting and captivating flavors we've tasted in a long time, and with meat, fruit, dairy, and starches, you're eating a lot of the food groups. (via Brit + Co)

All you need for this delicious date night recipe is sausage, canned tomatoes, and pasta. And don't forget your favorite cheese, of course. This is a great option for having a fancy dinner at the dining table or curling up on the couch for a romantic movie. (via Brit + Co)

There's something so sophisticated and stylish about having a charcuterie board anytime of year, but especially on Valentine's Day. You can make it a red, pink, and white color scheme with fruit, dried flowers, and cheese, or try your hand at a breakfast-for-dinner board with heart-shaped pancakes, berries, and chocolate. (Via Brit + Co)

Quick, easy, and delicious, what's not to love about this chicken recipe?! Tomato-y, buttery chicken goes great with flavorful naan and white rice. Sprinkle with cilantro before you serve. (via Brit + Co)

If you're avoiding regular pasta, try zucchini noodles instead of regular for a healthy take on your favorite dishes. Serve with pesto, olive oil and vinegar dressing, or Alfredo sauce to make a creamy pasta. (via Brit + Co)

This dish might be geared for summer picnics, but it will also make a great option for your winter nights in. Change up the spices and seasonings depending on what your favorite flavors are, or make a couple different mixes and try them all! (via Brit + Co)

Okay so donuts don't technically count as an option for dinner but you can definitely make them for dessert! (Especially if you've already had your fill of lobster tails or pasta). You can even add some espresso to the chocolate glaze for a mocha taste. (via Brit + Co)

Not only does sushi make for a yummy Valentine's Day dinner for you and your S.O. but the actual construction of the sushi sounds just as great! Swap regular rice for some DIY cauliflower rice but feel free to keep your favorite fillings and sauces. (via Brit + Co)

Another great option for a smaller, finger food dinner, stuffed avocados make for a tasty and filling dish. You can also leave out the shrimp to make this an easy meat-free recipe. (via Brit + Co)

We're huge fans of ramen noodle meals and know this is one Valentine's Day dinner idea that can't be topped. Call us biased, but you'll find it hard not to be once you get a taste of this caramelized blend of pork, open face-egg, and jalapenos. (via Brit + Co)

Get your hands messy with this appetizing and flavorful recipe! With ingredients like tomato paste, garlic cloves, and red wine, your taste buds will be satiated. (via Brit + Co)

Looking for Valentine's Day dinner ideas that are healthy and won't put a dent in your budget? Try your hand at this creamy Cajun mushroom pasta! (via Brit + Co)

Eating breakfast for dinner seems to stir up our inner little girl, so we're sharing this delish recipe with you! (via Brit + Co)

Chicken Piccata

Chicken is always a pretty safe option when cooking dinner, but this recipe dresses it up into something extra delicious. (via Culinary Hill)

Duck Confit Salad

Make your Valentine something extra fancy with this confit salad. Not only is this Valentine's Day dinner elegant but it also features pomegranates and avocados, so we can't say no. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Whether you're making brunch or having brunch for dinner, this is a great French toast-croissant hybrid. Swap the drizzle of maple with a chocolate drizzle to make it extra Valentine-esque. Serve with white wine or champagne. (via Brit + Co)

With classic Cuban flavors, this mouthwatering pork recipe is juicy and moist. Pro tips: Spring for a high-quality meat source from your local butcher or farmers’ market, and marinate the pork overnight to make this top-notch recipe even tastier. (via The Food Charlatan)

If you’re both eating garlic, then you won’t have to worry about dreaded “garlic breath” after. Shrimp and gnocchi are already amazing on their own, but put them together for a powerhouse meal that everyone will want. You'll want to grab some red wine to go with this one. (via Damn Delicious)

If you prefer something a little more casual (or just love handheld food), try out these amazing wraps. Make your own tzatziki if you're feeling adventurous. (via Forks and Foliage)

These naturally pink ravioli are packed with decadent flavors and topped with a balsamic reduction for a sweet and savory combo. Plus considering it's Valentine's Day, we'll take all the pink food that we can get our hands on. (via A Beautiful Mess)

Pasta dishes have a certain sensuousness to them, and this indulgent, cheesy manicotti dish cries out for a cozy and lovey-dovey night in. Feel free to use store-bought marinara sauce or make your own. Bring on all the bread and garlic butter. (via The Cooking Jar)

Mussels are delicate, fleshy, and delicious and lend a hand to any full-bodied sauce. The beer base will require all the bread to sop up every last drop of goodness. (via Drizzle and Dip)

Butter Candles

Add a little bit of ~mood lighting~ with these candles that are literally made out of butter. They make the perfect addition to any dinner and are like 2023's version of butter boards. (via Brit + Co)

If you're celebrating Valentine's Day with your girlfriends, or even going stag, make this colorful and sweet dessert board. You might spoil your dinner but honestly, it's worth it. (via Amanda Wilens)

This healthful, Whole30-approved pot roast doesn't skimp on yum factor even though it's made with completely clean ingredients. (via Noshtastic)

This plant-based tomato sauce blends cashews, roasted tomatoes, and onions. It is so good, the non-vegans in your life won't mind eating it too. (via Fit Foodie Finds)

Raspberry Almond Crumb Cake

Let this moist raspberry almond crumb cake help set the tone for sexy activities after dinner. It's full of ooey-gooey goodness that'll leave you and your date's mouths watering. (via Cozy Cravings)

Leighton Meester's kids understand the Hollywood of it all.

While recording a Vogue Beauty Secrets video, Leighton Meester revealed that her kids are pretty used to traveling for her and Adam Brody's work.

“My kids, they get what we do," she says. "They come on location a lot." And while both Leighton and Adam have worked on some pretty big projects (and Leighton just joined Nobody Wants This season 2!), the Gossip Girl actress doesn't "think they're fazed at all."

"They get a lot of us off set and a lot of us not working, which has been always a really big benefit for both of us," she continues.

She also revealed to Brit + Co exclusively that Arlo is pretty helpful in the kitchen. “What I try to do is meal prep as much as I can. Sometimes that doesn't work out for me, but for my kids — I'll make things ahead of time," she says, adding that she's in “one of the luckiest positions that a mom could be.”

“When I was still nursing or my babies were still young, I had plenty of space and time to [be with my kids]," she continues. "And I know most women who are mothers don't have that opportunity at all.”

What has Adam Brody said about his parenting style?

When asked about his parenting style with Leighton Meester, Adam Brody told Today's Hoda & Jenna that he feels like their parenting is the "perfect" balance. "Of course, I’m going to feel like it’s the perfect balance of all of it," he says, adding that they're "very honest."

"We have some very truthful conversations, for better or worse. But other than that, I wouldn’t say overly strict," he continues. "There is a helicopter, you know, to keep them safe. I’m not overly strict but I see the sharp edges, literally...I want to keep those heads maintained."

What has Leighton Meester said about their family traditions?

When it comes to spending time together during the holidays, Leighton also opened up to Brit + Co exclusively about their go-to activities in an interview for her 2023 rom-com EXmas.

"We do a lot of hanging out," Leighton says in our conversation. "It's infuriating to people who live in cold weather but we go to the beach or we go in our pool or jacuzzi. We have snacks by the jacuzzi — we call it jajuterie!" Can I get in on that?

How many children does Leighton Meester have?

Adam Brody and Leighton Meester have two children, a daughter named Arlo, and a son whose name they haven't told us yet.

What are Leighton Meester's kids ages?

Arlo is 9 years old and was born on August 4, 2015. Leighton Meester and Adam Brody's son was born in 2020 and is 4 years old.

How old was Leighton Meester when she had her first child?

Leighton Meester was 27 years old when she had Arlo in 2015.