Valentine's Day Gift Ideas: For YOU.

Last year, for the first time in my adult life, I spent Valentine's Day alone. Almost all of my close friends had plans with their boyfriends, girlfriends, husbands, or wives, and, well, I had no plans at all. I sensed - judging from the sympathetic looks and the many (very kind) offers to keep me company - that this was supposed to be a sad day for me.

But the truth was, I wasn't sad. I've always loved Valentine's Day - the flowers, the chocolate, the happy indulgences - why shouldn't I get to celebrate love, just because I was single? After work on the evening of the 14th, I picked up a slice of red velvet cake and some flowers, and treated myself to a book that I'd had my eye on for months. When I got home, I cooked myself foods that I love, and put down a deposit on a set of ten French lessons. It was not just a good night, it was a great night. It was empowering. Dateless didn't have to mean depressed. Corny as it may sound, I was my own Valentine that year, and, if I do say so myself, I was lovely company.

Whether you've got a Valentine this year or not, why not treat yourself to a happy little something that puts a smile on your face: a peppy prize ribbon; a chocolate pig; a tiny, sequined heart of gold? Buy yourself a ring, splurge on beautiful flowers, cook yourself the best meal of your life. Celebrate you.

Clockwise, from top left: Mini ban.do heart, $10; Modern Flowers Botanical photograph, $20; Silk jacquard handmade eye mask, $25; "You Are Awesome" prize ribbon, 25; Satomi Kawakita ring, $100-400; Flying chocolate pig, $8; "I Know How to Cook" by Ginette Mathiot, $32.64; Mophead Hydrangeas, $68; Fondue au chocolate, soon to be restocked.