You knew it was coming. Just as you’ve made it through Christmas gifting, Valentine’s Day rears its expectant head. Your partner isn’t easy to buy for (otherwise you wouldn’t be here), and flowers and a dinner voucher won’t cut it. At least you’ve learned from last year.
To help you avoid cliché, we’ve put together this list of gifts For Her and For Him that’ll surprise and delight, setting a nice prelude for the rest of your plans.
Gifts For Her
Jewellery As Exciting As A Ring
We’re not here to instruct on rings. That’s between you, your partner, and your bank. If you’re not ready to drop the knee, or that was quite some time ago, here’s a few pieces that are just as thoughtful.
Spanish brand Simuero’s birthstone necklace ($320) is a nice place to start for a unique, funky bit of bling. For something more local, Lucy Folk’s collection of necklaces and bracelets, like this Draa Valley bracelet ($550), add a found-antique charm to a simple stack.
For the ultimate show of love, indulge in Cartier’s newest (situationship-proof) Love Unlimited bracelet ($15,600), an oscillating bangle that she can now take on and off at leisure. If she’s covered on the jewellery front, a new jewellery box like the Erede Valence Box ($640) will be just as exciting.
Something To Wear After Hours
Clothes are a personal decision, and now is no time to experiment. Fragrance and accessories are instead a safer route for something sentimental, useful, or downright sexy.
For a one-size fits most approach, Diptyque’s L’Eau Papier ($203) is a soft fragrance with notes of musk, mimosa, and white rice. Fragrance sample sets are also a great way to ensure she’ll end up with something she likes – Libertine Parfumerie’s range of samples like the Soft and Subtle Set ($79), paired with a gift card for a full bottle, is a good start. Up the romance with a Mecca Fragrance Consultation for Two ($75), redeemable for a product at the end of the session.
Maybe she’s more practical, so a Mulberry Passport Holder ($495) is the perfect upgrade from her decades-old kikki.K one. If she’s ever uttered the words “Tom Ford Gucci” she’ll appreciate the new Frameless Mask Glasses ($870) on your next trip to the beach. A more classic option is the Burberry Thin Leather Bridle Belt ($1,000). For something a little (f)riskier, Kat The Label’s The Cupid Set ($105), is a ain’t-broke-don’t-fix red lingerie set sure to excite.
For The Domestic Goddess
When buying homewares, the best route is something she wouldn’t buy for herself. Set the mood for a night in with new sheets from Cultiver ($590) and a Loewe Midi Sweet Almond Candle ($460). No Valentine’s is complete without champagne, so add a bottle of Krug Grande Cuvée ($472) to top it off.
Of course you’ll get a bunch of flowers for the big day– but a recurring gift like this Bunch of Lilies Subscription (from $45) is a nice way to keep the romance alive. Improve your bunch of flowers tenfold with the HAY Hans Vase ($205), to proudly sit next to the Flamingo Estate’s Guide To Becoming Alive ($56).
Gifts For Him
Hobby Tools For His Latest Obsession (Bar You)
If he’s hard to buy for because of his niche interests, general wisdom would instruct you to steer clear. However, any of these picks will be genuinely appreciated (with a small dose of “wait, how did you know?”).
For the avid golfer, the best gift isn’t club- or garb-related. The Forge de Laguiole Golf Divot Tool ($345) is a practical and elegant divot repair tool from France’s most esteemed cutlery town. Crafted in the iconic ergonomic handle shape (and made entirely by hand in Laguiole, France), it’s a tool for the golfer who has everything – and will earn him serious credit (and envy) amongst his golf buddies.
If you share movie nights, then the A24 Movie Logbook ($22) is a great way to record your thoughts post-film. Spur his love letters (or budding manuscript) with the uber-limited-edition Montblanc “SCHREIBERLING” Limited Edition 1969 Fountain Pen ($4,270), made in collaboration with Wes Anderson.
For the Outdoorsy types: you can help him stay safe on bike rides with the Fly6 Pro Bundle ($629), or make sure he goes the extra mile with a Strava subscription (from $15), some Adidas Adizero sneakers ($360), and a pair of JBL Endurance Zone Earbuds ($200). Iron-pumpers will prefer a sturdier shoe like the new Nike Metcon 10 ($200).
An Outfit For Date Night
Whether he’s the most stylish man you know, or thinks Savile Row is an excel function, it’s always a good idea to give something he can wear to date nights.
Furnish his wrist with the ever-popular Tissot PRX Titanium 38 ($1,438), or the minimalist Echo/Neutra Rivanera Piccolo ($2,479) to pair with a William Crabtree & Sons Rugby jumper ($276) on your picnic date. If he needs an update in the shoe department, these Morjas suede boat shoes (US$300) will last a (very stylish) lifetime.
If He Has Strong Opinions About Food And Drink
Maybe his idea of bliss is a perfect serve negroni, or dreams of wagyu marbling and wood chip varietals. If he’s any kind of foodie, sommelier, or has a taste for the finer things, you can’t go wrong with a well-thought gastronomy gift.
For a man who spends considerable time slicing, dicing, and mincing, there’s no better companion than a Boos Cherry Cutting Board ($202). If he’s out harvesting cherry toms for a Julius Roberts salad, then a pair of Hunter Downpour Boots ($240) and a pair of Tobisho Pruning Secatuers ($128) will come in handy. The consummate consommé consumer will thoroughly appreciate a Staub Cocotte (24cm) ($400).
For something boozier, get him to mix you a Manhattan in the aptly named Georg Jensen Manhattan Shaker ($256), or savour a glass of wine from his newly minted Vinomofo Membership (from $149).
