So you’re in need of a Valentine’s Day gift, which means at some point you did something right. You followed our style guides, the hair was on point, you didn’t overdo it on the aftershave and you got yourself a girl. Huzza! But that doesn’t mean the hard work is over, dear reader.
The relationship assault course is littered with the bodies of men who fell at this crucial hurdle by blindly feeling their way through a department store make-up counter. Fortunately, we’ve got your back with the best Valentine’s Day gifts that aren’t a crappy box of chocolates.
An Update On A Classic Scent
Every woman is unique, but fortunately for those who’ll be buying Valentine’s Day gifts, they do share a few common traits. One, unsurprisingly, is that they like things that smell good (who doesn’t). So save on the guesswork and snap up a fragrance
like Marc Jacobs’ Daisy Love, an update on their best-selling Daisy perfume. Adorably packaged with an oversized daisy top, the bottle will look nice on her bathroom shelf while its fresh floral fragrance of daisy tree petals will work year-round.
Instagram’s Hottest Tote
Her insatiable lust for light luggage creates the perfect window for you to earn some brownie points with a bag-shaped romantic gesture. Brazilian brand Nannacay’s eye-catching woven totes stole everyone from Millie Mackintosh’s to countless bloggers’ hearts last year. Our pick is embellished with blue and teal pompoms and guaranteed to go down a treat.
Something Nice For Her Coffee Table
Spark her creative side with this inside look into the lives of the most iconic and influential creative directors by Kinfolk creator Nathan Williams. With over 90 influential profiles of figures in the fields of fashion, publishing, and entertainment, she’s sure to recognise industry stalwarts — and the bright red cover will add a spot of colour to her decor regardless of how often she opens it.
Timeless Frames
You don’t need to look outside to know it’s still properly winter in the northern hemisphere. However, as A-Listers and people with hangovers will attest to, sunglasses are so much more than a one-season accessory. Aside from damaging UV rays being year-round, helping your other half get ahead of the game with these mega-cool contrast colour-tinted shades will save you from being dragged shopping come spring. And of course nothing says “I love you” like the implication of a holiday…
A Case For Her Most Prized Possession
Given that it’s now completely normal for a mobile phone to set you back several months’ rent, it’s little wonder protecting it becomes priority number one. Help keep her tech tip-top while also giving it a visual upgrade with this flowery option with gold-coloured edging. More than just a pretty cover, there are also usefully placed magnets which mean that when she’s on a call, the case stays securely in the open position with the front held back, instead of flapping around. You’re pretty much guaranteed to come up smelling of roses.
Romance In A (Nail Polish) Bottle
To most men, nail polish may not seem like the most exciting gift in the world, but it’s usually an altogether different story for the fairer sex. This deep, dark shade of red practically has romance and passion written all over it. Lazy present? Yeah, probably. Will it work, though? Yeah, probably.
A Seriously Solid Blow Dry
With all the ongoing advancements in technology, coupled with the desire of electronics companies to stay one step ahead of the competition, it’s become something of a challenge to find a hair dryer that doesn’t require a PhD in engineering to operate (we’re looking at you, Dyson Supersonic). Save her a fortune in blow-dries by buying her one of the most solid hair dryers around.
A Wooly Winter Staple
Few things are as cuddle-inducing as taking your Valentine’s Day activities outside, but nothing kills the mood quite like frostbite. Plan ahead for a walk in the park by buying her this cable knit pom pom hat, which will still be a sound investment the next time winter rolls round.
A Brow Upgrade
While you yourself may not be particularly well-versed in the intricacies of slap, the good people over at MAC certainly are. So long as you steer clear of foundation or anything else that needs to be matched to her skin tone, you really can’t go far wrong here. If you’re still struggling to decide, we’d suggest this all-in-one eyebrow kit. An on-point choice, if we do say so.
A Brand New Pair Of Jeggings
Providing she wears clothes, she will have a pair of form-fitting jeggings. You will probably have seen them in droves, tucked into ankle boots or knee-high boots or literally any other type of boot come winter. But the most fundamental part of a woman’s cold-weather wardrobe can always use an upgrade. So keep things current for her with a brand new pair, like these timeless ones from TopShop. A name she’ll definitely recognise and love.
Something For Her Wrist
There’s no one that doesn’t benefit from an elegant timepiece as a gift on Valentine’s Day. No longer will calls for the shower to be vacated be met with cries of “sorry, I’ll be another 15 minutes yet, I didn’t realise the time,” and she’ll get a shiny new watch under £100 from respected yet wallet-friendly brand Timex. Everyone’s a winner.
Something For Her Walls
If you’ve heard the word “Tiffany’s” being muttered by your partner in recent weeks, there are some big expectations this Valentine’s Day. To swerve any sizeable bank dents, act the fool and buy this canvas print of one of the most stylish films of all time: Breakfast At Tiffany’s. Phew.
Not Just A Dozen Roses
Roses on Valentine’s Day may be a bit of a cliché — okay, a lot of a cliché — but that doesn’t mean women don’t still want to receive them. Up the ante by adding a dozen to the traditional 12, and you’ll be in her good books in no time. We promise the good folk at Serenata will arrange them way better than you ever could using flowers from the garden that you hacked up with the kitchen scissors.
Bedazzle Her Ears
Even the most hairy-arsed, beer-swilling, football-loving, wood-working man’s man should be able to recognise that this is one seriously nice set of earrings. And if you’re sold on them, imagine what your significant other will think. Just make sure she actually has her ears pierced before you go splashing your cash. Otherwise, you could be out of pocket and in for a rather awkward Valentine’s Day.
Something For Her To Slip Into
Make this the year you swallow your fear and brave the lingerie section alone. Just remember to give the customary nod and grimace of acknowledgement to any other lost souls you happen to make eye contact with (we’re all in the same boat, after all). Alternatively, you could save yourself the trauma and buy your (and by “your” we mean “her”) lingerie online. Not quite as courageous though, is it? Regardless of your embarrassment meter, this pick can work equally well as a cosy pyjama as it does lingerie, so there’ll be no “you bought me lingerie?!” complaints.
A Hot Take On A Trend
Unless you’re utterly hopeless, you’ve probably picked up on the fact that many women have a certain fondness for footwear. And that leopard print is mega in. If you’re not utterly hopeless, then you’ve probably already figured out that this fondness makes a pair of leopard print shoes an excellent option when it comes to buying presents. Opt for this pair from Kurt Geiger (double fashion points) and you’ve bought yourself a one-way ticket to gratitude city, population: you.
A Fire That Keeps On Burning (Sort Of)
Can’t afford a romantic spa break? Fear not. Recreate the relaxation of a luxurious and calming pampering session at home by firing up this specially formulated de-stressing candle from Neom Organics. It might not be quite as lavish, but it’s the best you’re going to do for £16. Besides, who doesn’t like posh candles?
