Into the Heart Land — 25 Tantalizing Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas!
Love may conquer all, but that doesn’t mean it’s acceptable to forget (or ignore) Valentine’s Day when you’re in some form of a relationship — whether it’s a new development that’s still in its nascent stages, a long-distance arrangement, a live-in partnership, or a marriage. And, words to the wise: the longer you’ve been with the person, the higher the expectations, so don’t show up and give the mother of your three children a box of candy hearts! If you’ve both agreed that the day is a hoax, that it’s an attempt to commercialize affection, some conspiracy woven together by greeting card companies, florists, and chocolatiers, then boycott the whole thing with gusto. But if, cheesy as it may be, you can discern the sweet sentiment behind the occasion, that celebration of love and commitment, then make sure your V-Day is victorious.
Below, check out some gifts that would make any girl’s heart start racing this Valentine’s Day. And yes, single ladies, being your own Valentine (and buying yourself a treat) is beyond acceptable and will bring you much more joy than sulking and whining about all the couples around you. After all, loving yourself comes above all else!
Christian Loubutin Pensamoi Satin Rose Red Sole Sandal, $1395. Available at NeimanMarcus.com
Know how they say food is the way into a man’s heart? Well, the same is true of shoes and women. While kids’ faces light up at the sight of adorable puppies, women’s eyes widen and their jaws drop when faced with a shoe they find mesmerizing. Featuring a flirty peep toe, thin ankle strap, 4 3/4″ stiletto heel, and crystal-adorned floral details at the side of the heel counter, this Christian Louboutin satin d’Orsay sandal is the steel magnolia that will steal any woman’s heart.
Dannijo Herrin Earrings, $148. Available at Dannijo.com
Trendsetting girls with an edgy sense of style will appreciate these oxidized, silver plated ear jackets featuring a row of ruby red Swarovski crystals. The ear jackets feature three distinct parts: a clear rectangular stud earring; an ear “jacket” that is inserted through the post of the stud earring after the latter is in the lobe, so that it sits behind the lobe and slightly below it, extending outward in a fanned out shape; and a closure. The ear jacket, of course, provides the main “wow” factor thanks to the round clear Swarovski crystals positioned along the length of the U-shaped metallic strip and, more importantly, to the prong-set, teardrop-shaped, downward-facing, red Swarovski crystals positioned along the lower rim.
Ora Delphine Mini Heart Crossbody in Buff and Black, $135 each. Available at OraDelphine.com
Candy hearts? As if! Up the ante this year with a heart-shaped cross-body bag that will tap into the Valentine’s Day sentiment while infusing an irresistible adorableness into any gal’s wardrobe. These genuine leather Ora Delphine bags epitomize feminine charm. In addition to their heart silhouettes, these bags — measuring 7.5″ in length, 7.5″ in width, and 2″ in height —feature top double zipper closures that, when positioned side by side, resemble a metallic bow. The façade of each bag is split into two sections, with one side of the heart shape filled in with a metallic gold hue that, in turn, matches the zipper accents and tabs, as well as the golden hardware.
Venessa Arizaga Royal Affairs Necklace, $206.25. Available at VenessaArizaga.com
Talk about red-hot! As eye-catching as a scarlet letter (but actually covetable!), this Venessa Arizaga necklace features ruby red thread woven through a 20″-long, gunmetal-plated brass chain. To add a luminous appeal and a regal elegance to the piece, Arizaga then embellished the necklace with faceted round glass rhinestones and teardrop-shaped stones, all positioned along the center of the piece to create a bib-like effect.
Oasis Heart Dot Intarsia Jumper, $62. Available at Oasis-Stores.com
Baby, it’s cold outside! In addition to warm bear hugs, winter-weary gals will covet cozy knits like this playful cotton-and-viscose sweater stamped with with white and green hearts. It’s the perfect top for everything from a figure skating date to a Netflix binge-fest.
Our Q&A A Day Journal, $18.95. Available at UrbanOutfitters.com
This journal was designed as an ongoing activity for two people, allowing them to document their lives together through the course of three years. Each day, a new question is presented, prompting journal keepers to provide a response and, of course, a blank space is included for each party’s response. One day, for instance, you might be asked to fill in the blank in the sentence “Love is ________” while, on another day, you might be asked “What is your New Year’s resolution?” or “Who inspires you?” With a question for all 365 days of the year, this journal allows couples to keep a fun record their thoughts and memories, creating a time capsule they can review years later.
Kendra Scott Alexandra Earrings in Bright Red, $65. Available at KendraScott.com
There’s an exotic Moroccan vibe to the silhouette of these Kendra Scott earrings, and the bright red glass center stones look as sweet as Jolly Ranchers, inspiring the ultimate jewelry candy crush. Measuring 2″ in length and 1.36″ in width, these dangling earrings will satisfy any jewelry lover’s sweet tooth.
Graf Lantz Wine Tote Duo in Red, $129. Available at Graf-Lantz.com
Perfect for any gal with an Olivia Pope-worthy fondness for wine, this tote is made of 5mm-thick merino wool and is designed to protect and insulate two bottle of wine — whether it’s a Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, or Chardonnay. Featuring genuine leather handles, this handmade bag makes carrying two wine bottles easy and chic, whether you’re taking them to an outdoor picnic, a friend’s dinner party, or a beachside dinner.
Gap Low-Rise Printed Hipster in Painted Heat Pink, $12.50. Available at Gap.com
Lace-adorned bustiers and garter belts are crucial ingredients in the recipe for seduction, but not even Anastasia Steele could rock La Perla and Agent Provocateur on a daily basis! Besides, there’s a coquettish, girl-next-door allure to cutesy cotton panties — and the fact that they’re actually comfortable will make them all the more welcome a gift. Made of 93% cotton and 7% spandex, these low-slung briefs feature a charming heart print along with a scalloped trim along the waistband and the leg openings.
Jet Set Candy Champagne Charm with 16″ Sterling Silver Cable Chain , $148. available at MyJetSetCandy.com
A jewelry line for globe-trotting fashionistas, Jet Set Candy specializes in trinkets inspired by different destinations and frequent traveler motifs — from charms that pay homage to city-specific sights like London taxi cabs, Amsterdam windmills, or Italian scooters to luggage tag-shaped pendants with different airport codes etched on them. This sterling silver champagne charm could commemorate a trip to France or nod to the Dom Perignon or Veuve Clicquot bubbly you sipped on your wedding day. This intricately sculpted charm features a champagne bottle with a shield-shaped label along the front (much like that found on Moet & Chandon bottles), measuring 20 x 5mm, and it’s accompanied by a champagne flute charm measuring 14 x 3mm.
PJ Salvage Sleep Mask, $20. Available at Shop.Nordstrom.com
Any girl who is serious about her beauty rest and needs complete darkness to get some fulfilling shut-eye will appreciate this eye mask by PJ Salvage. Not only is it completely adorable thanks to the bedazzled “Do Not Disturb” message emblazoned across it and the cheeky red lace trim, but it features a fabric-covered elastic strap that ensures the mask stays in place but doesn’t pinch or hurt.
Fratelli Rosetti Glitter Dandy Shoes, $610. Available at FratelliRosetti.com
Androgynous footwear meets Dorothy-in-Oz with these dazzling, ruby red, lace-less, glitter-covered derby shoes. Whether paired with tuxedo pants or an A-line skirt, these sparkling shoes take the borrowed-from-the-boys trend to unprecedented levels of glamour.
ban.do Sip Sip Tumbler with Straw, $14. Available at ShopBando.com
Whether you’re sipping iced coffee, green juice, lemonade, or water, you’ll stand out in the crowd of Starbucks cup-holding gals with this 20-ounce, double-walled, acrylic tumbler. Black horizontal stripes adorn the tumbler’s white backdrop, while a bright pink heart is emblazoned along the front, matching the translucent pink acrylic straw.
J. Crew Crystal Folliage Earrings in Wild Berry, $78. Available at JCrew.com
These 3″-long earrings feature clustered stones that at times create vaguely floral shapes, but the candy-like pink hues take the theme into the realm of fantasy. Similarly, the juxtaposition of opaque epoxy stones and sparkling glass stones makes the design more intriguing, as do the unexpected pops of raspberry red and coppery citrine.
Lolita Velvet Shades, $20. Available at NastyGal.com
Tap into your inner Lana del Rey with these heart-shaped sunglasses, which feature velvet-covered frames and black tinted lenses.
Gorjana All We Have Is Now Bracelet, $43. Available at Gorjana.com
Sure, you can gift someone a personalized necklace or bracelet with their name, birthday, or a sentiment like “Love” or “Courage,” but why not present them with something more unique? This dainty Gorjana bracelet features an 18k gold-plated brass word plate with the phrase “All We Have Is Now” debossed across its 1″-long surface. There’s such beauty to the phrase in that, depending on the context, it can have a number of different meanings. It can remind the wearer of the transience of life, of the need to live in the moment, to appreciate the here and now. It can allude to stolen kisses and tender glances exchanged by two people whose time together is limited — perhaps because they work, study, or live in different cities. No matter what the circumstance, the phrase celebrates the desire to make a moment last forever — and who can’t relate to that?
French Connection Flight of Fancy Cap Sleeve Dress, $158. Available at USA.FrenchConnection.com
This stretch cotton dress is designed to make a woman’s body go boom, and the romantic but modern floral print captures the optimism and magic of the coming spring season. A squared-off boat neckline and cap sleeves, meanwhile, make the dress appropriate enough for the office but coquettish enough for a date night.
The Beatles “All You Need Is Love” Mug Set, $18. Available at UrbanOutfitters.com
As The Beatles once sung, “There’s nothing you can do that can’t be done, nothing you can sing that can’t be sung.” The key to it all: love! This ceramic cup and saucer set pay homage to the classic “All You Need Is Love” tune, using Beatles graphics in the black, yellow, and white color scheme seen on the original single artwork. The saucer even resembles a vinyl LP, making it all the more quirky.
Lulu Guinness Red Crosshatched Leather Edie Briefcase, $530. Available at LuluGuinness.com
A roomier version of last season’s Edie, this briefcase-shaped satchel — measuring 7.3″ in height, 11″ in width, and 2.6″ in depth — is crafted out of red crosshatched Saffiano leather and features black contrast edging and a playful lip-shaped clasp outlined in gold. Thanks to the sturdy top handle, it can be carried as a briefcase, making it a coy addition to a workplace wardrobe, or it can be flaunted as a purse or cross-body via the detachable shoulder strap.
Alisa Michelle Designs “Love” Three-Tiered Necklace, $110. Available at AlisaMichelle.com
It’s a love trilogy! This Alisa Michelle necklace consists of three staggered strands that create a layered effect. First, there’s a 16″-long, antiqued chain with a rustic-feeling bar charm stamped with the word love. Next, a 17″-long, small link curb chain dangles slightly beneath it, this time featuring a square, hand-stamped charm with a dainty heart. And last, there’s a 22″-long, medium round and oval link chain strand with pebble-like pink opal stones and a rose quartz stone charm.
Kate Spade Love Birds K.I.S.S. Tally Clutch. Available at KateSpade.com
Tell your buttercup to pucker up with this clever Kate Spade envelope-shaped clutch, measuring 5.5″ in height, 9.8″ in width, and 0.8″ in depth. Made of crosshatched fuchsia leather with pale orange nappa trim, this handheld clutch features a front flap with a concealed magnetic closure and 14k gold-plated hardware.
Kara Ross Petra Split Pendant win Raw Rubellite & Smooth Amethyst, $6500. Available at KaraRossNY.com
This luxurious pendant juxtaposes a raw rubellite stone, a seemingly plucked-from-nature gem with plenty of rough and jagged areas and an overall amorphous shape, against the perfectly smooth and glistening amethyst along the lower half of the pendant. The two seeming opposites are divided by an 18k gold zig-zag line inlaid with 0.42 carats’ worth of diamonds. It’s fine jewelry proof that opposites attract!
Love Letter Napkins, $50 for Set of 4. Available at UncommonGoods.com
These may look like ordinary linens, but each 100% cotton napkin carries the complete text of a love letter written by one of the following literary icons: Emily Dickinson, Jack London, Mark Twain, and D.H. Lawrence. These silk-screened napkins capture the look of the original typewritten text, making them feel like museum-worthy treasures. They’re the perfect addition to a romantic and intimate candlelit dinner.
JustFab Valentine Bootie, $49. Available at JustFab.com
Heart-shaped cut-outs make this faux suede peep-toe bootie worthy of its own kittenish “Boop-oop-a-doop” ditty. It’s a heartbreaker!
BotaniStix Rhinestone Centipede Stake, $30. Available at Botanistix.com
Want to make a floral arrangement truly unique? Then look no further than BotaniStix, a company that specializes in glamorous floral stakes like the one shown above, which features a golden centipede with clear stones adorning its spine, the tiny creature seemingly crawling atop a white pearl. Jewels and blooms? How much better can it get?!
