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Diane Gottsman | Leading Etiquette Expert | Modern Manners Authority

Leading Etiquette Expert and Modern Manners Authority Diane Gottsman’s official blog, with Business Etiquette, University Etiquette, Social Media Etiquette, Dining Etiquette and more.

Warm Hearts, Thoughtful Gifts: Valentine’s Day Ideas for Friends

11 Feb 2025 By: Diane Gottsman

Valentine’s Day Ideas for Friends | cup of beautiful tea with loose leaves, heart-shaped, frosted cookies

Valentine’s Day is around the corner and stores are already running low on Valentine’s cards and boxes of chocolates. My very favorite candy is cinnamon jelly shaped into hearts, displayed in a candy jar on my side table in my living room.

There is something exciting and special for me, even today, to see the seasonal candy pop up in the grocery aisle. It reminds me of my childhood when my classmates and I looked forward to the little box of Valentines we would carefully write our names on the back and hand them out during a special party in the afternoon at school. I’d bring my little collection of cards to school and couldn’t wait for the exchange to begin. It is usually accompanied by sweet treats and party games. We did the same for my children and they are doing the same for their children.

Historically, Valentine’s Day was celebrated among romantic partners. Still, there are many ways to spread the joy, whether you are young, young at heart, single, married, and of course, among friends with a Galentine’s Party or Tea, a special delivery to a few key friends. I am going to concentrate on the latter in this blog, giving you some Valentine’s Day ideas for friends that you might want to incorporate.

A Basket of Joy

How special to show up to someone’s door with a small basket, filled with their favorite things. A few inexpensive treats like an emollient lip gloss for the weather, a scarf, a pair of socks are all thoughtful and welcome. One of my favorite gifts from a friend has been a paper bag of fresh ginger and lemons, a pretty jar of honey, and a mug to make fresh ginger tea. It’s always a hit during the colder months, but anytime is a delight to enjoy.

A Loaf of Hot Sour Dough Bread

Plate of sourdough bread next to butter dish and flowers in vase

My girlfriend has taken up bread making and my life has never been happier. She brings over hot, sourdough bread regularly, but as a gift on Valentine’s Day, it’s even more special. Add a pretty card, a vintage scarf, some specialty butter, and life is good.

A Needlepoint Lesson in Friendship

Needlepoint in green and white, two valentine’s ducksAnother one of girlfriend’s recently picked up needlepoint because her younger daughters have gotten into the new, trendy experience (yes, what’s old is new again!). She bought me a needlepoint set up of my own to show me how to needlepoint. The experience sounds like so much fun, but spending time with my girlfriend, laughing, and enjoying her company as we do a needlepoint project together will make for the perfect afternoon.

A Vase Full of Greenery

Valentine’s Day table Decorations with topiary and hearts, blue and white

I have never met a blue and white vase I didn’t adore! Add a topiary, some kitchen utensils, makeup brushes, or virtually anything to the vase and I love it even more. As a centerpiece, the little vase has a precious charm, and what a wonderful gift to give a friend. Decorated with a heart ornament, or candy, and the gift becomes a special memory.

You may also like Heartfelt Ways To Spark Joy This Valentine’s Day. 

For more information about working with Diane, America’s “Go To” social and professional etiquette authority, please visit The Protocol School of Texas. 

See what Diane is up to by following her on Instagram and Facebook and find etiquette inspiration on her Pinterest account. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, refer to her posts on Inc. and HuffPost. 

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Diane Gottsman

Diane Gottsman is a national etiquette expert and modern manners professional, sought out industry leader, television personality, accomplished speaker, Huffington Post blogger, author, and the owner of The Protocol School of Texas, a company specializing in executive leadership and etiquette training. Diane is routinely quoted in national and international media including The New York Times, The BBC, CNN, Bloomberg Business Week, Kiplinger, Huffington Post Canada, U.S. News and World Report, and Forbes. She is the resident etiquette expert for two popular morning talk shows, SA Living and Good Day Austin. She has been seen on The TODAY Show, HLN Headline News, WGN Chicago, and CBS Sunday Morning. Her clients range from university students to Fortune 500 companies and her workshops cover topics ranging from tattoos in the workplace to technology at the dinner table and the proper use of social media.

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Diane Gottsman is a national etiquette expert, sought after industry leader, and owner of The Protocol School of Texas,
a company specializing in executive leadership and business etiquette training.

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