The Shitter's Guide To Valentine's Day Gifts
Did somebody say gift guide?!
Shitters! I don’t know if you’ve looked at a calendar recently, but January is finally over, Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and NOW is the time to get your shit together (as of send time there are still a couple 5:30 and 9:30 tables at Roscioli… not ideal timing wise, but neither is forgetting to set a calendar alert to make a Valentine’s reservation!).
As I’ve said in years past, I tend to celebrate with a nice dinner (out or something special homemade), flowers (these are my favorites of all time!), and an experience gift of some kind, but if someone waltzed in on the 14th with my dream tennis bracelet… I’m not saying no!
Very curious to see where we land here! Anyways—when it comes to gift options, I couldn’t leave you hanging! Even though gifts aren’t the point of the holiday, they can go a long way in showing your partner (and even your friends and other loved ones) that you thought about them and wanted to make them feel special (which IMO, is very much the point)! What follows are a few fun ideas for everyone on your list!
A Valentine’s Day without flowers feels like a Christmas without gifts—they’re the first thing you think of for a reason! My personal preference has always been Venus et Fleur. They make the most luxurious eternity roses and floral arrangements that are made to last for a year, though I have one of their long stem blooms from years ago that’s still just as beautiful as day one!
IMO, most florals you get on Valentine’s Day are already pricey and will die within days—I would rather spend a little more for something that you, your partner, or any loved one can enjoy for longer. My personal favorites are their classic long stem arrangements (how insane would a dozen or two of these be?!), as well as their their reflexed roses—they’re SO beautiful, and their pinks in particular are just perfection! Everything they do is stunning and so high-quality, and I’m always blown away by how fragrant they are—they smell like fresh, dewy roses for months! If you want a showstopper that stands the test of time, these should be your go-to!
Also at the top of my personal wishlist: Cabernet-colored cozies and the thickest cashmere socks I’ve ever seen. Speaking of cashmere, this cozy wrap feels like a hug, and is beyond useful whether you’re traveling, using it as a winter scarf, or just as a shawl on spring/summer nights. Pair all of it with a handwritten note to make it extra special!
Valentine’s Day isn’t just about big gifts—between Kate McLeod’s new almond and cocoa butter body stone, my favorite winter lip combo (pencil in Minky and lip tint in Bisou), and two different kinds of eye masks (silk and gel), there are plenty of little ways to treat yourself or your galentines!
You already know how we feel about diamonds… this princess cut solitaire necklace looks exactly like a Cartier style I’ve had my eye on forever for a fraction of the price, and though they didn’t make the cut for the collage, these diamond huggies and this stunning Toi et Moi ring are two of my personal favorites.
It wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without something sexy! Set the mood with my favorite candle and slip into this set—it’s as pretty as it is wearable on days that aren’t Feb 14, and won’t poke or scratch like most lingerie. Is science sexy? Finish this book and get back to me! And sticking with our theme, Westman Super Loaded and Rhode Sleepy Girl are two ways to fake a nice flush or enhance the real thing!
Nothing says 30’s like a wishlist full of cashmere sweaters—this one’s at the top of my list, but they have a lot of new styles that are on my eye lately (including this collared cardigan), and speaking of soft, I would never say no to a restock of this incredible cream or luxe body care (this smells just like Baccarat Rouge, which is to say incredible). Diamonds are decidedly not soft, but a pair of stacking rings to represent the two of you together forever would melt my little heart!
As for treats (a must in my book!), these will always be my go-to, but there are so many other fun options out there! You can customize bars of Tony’s Chocolonely on their site (!!!), and these gummy lips are another forever favorite (get that Red Dye 40 while you still can!).
And now for the boys! He deserves something snuggly too—this marled cashmere pullover (on killer sale!) is perfect for cozy weekends, and I can’t believe he doesn’t have his own pair of our favorite cashmere socks yet! These microdosed EarlyBird gummies are a great way to wind down (perhaps with an embossed book from his collection?!), and this Grounding Body Stone is something nice that he might not otherwise pick up for himself.
For the guy on the go, turn him onto Mr. Federer’s namesake glasses via Oliver Peoples (these may not magically transform your husband into Roger, but you are welcome to fantasize!). A faux-tega laptop case lets him travel in style (though no complaints if you want to spring for the real thing!). And speaking of splurges… you didn’t think I was limited to delusional gifts for women only, now did you?
A red light mask is a FAR less delusional splurge—men stress about aging skin too! And the prospect of joint custody makes it a mutually beneficial gift… (PRIYANKACB always gets you a discount)! Also mutually beneficial: these vintage-inspired digital cameras take film-style photos that he can upload to his phone or computer. Men are clinically addicted to taking photos of everything but you, but perhaps this is the encouragement he needs to change that!
For the homebodies and the home chefs, I love a nice kitchen upgrade and a chic new apron. The thought of a man giving one of these to a woman who is not an amateur chef or baker gives me the ICK big time, but giving an apron to a man… always encouraged! This candle from Flamingo Estate smells like Tuscany, and would look/smell great in a home office, as would a desk-size Venus et Fleur bloom (men should not get flowers for the first time at their funerals, ok)! And who doesn’t smile when they see classic Valentine’s boxers?!
Other Recommended Reading:
Today’s newsletter was written in partnership with Venus et Fleur, whose florals I’ve admired, received, and purchased as gifts so many times over the years! What a pinch me moment! If your brand is interested in working together on a future post, please reach out to me at priyanka.aribindi@gmail.com
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Extreme Cream supremacy represent!
Ok but is this my sign to ask for a tennis bracelet??