25 Thoughtful Valentine’s Day Gifts That Go Way Beyond Flowers
- 1/26
25 Thoughtful Valentine’s Day Gifts That Go Way Beyond Flowers
On a day filled with sugary sweets, roses and abundant shades of red, it's impossible to imagine a holiday so ensconced in romance to have actually been rooted in drama. While there are contradicting stories on the beginnings of the day we have come to know as Valentine’s Day, two legends have prevailed.
One theory involves a few Roman martyrs named Valentine murdered by Emperor Claudius II in the 3rd century. Emperor Claudius reckoned that young men without families made for better soldiers and thus outlawed marriage. A priest named Valentine disagreed and continued to covertly marry couples until he was discovered and sentenced to death. Another man named Valentine fell in love with (most likely) the jailer’s daughter while imprisoned and wrote what is credited as the first “Valentine,” ending his letters in the still used expression, “from your Valentine.”
While some claim Valentine’s Day is meant to commemorate the anniversary of these martyrs, others believe that the church was attempting to “Christianize” a pagan celebration of Lupercalia, a fertility festival in honor of Roman gods. By the Middle Ages, Valentine's valor for love caught on. On this special day dedicated to showering loved ones, beautiful flower arrangements and luxurious chocolates are always welcome Valentine's Day gifts. But if you want to up your V-Day game in a big way, look to this fabulous curation of unique jewels, TK and TK that are decidedly more outside of the (chocolate) box. Here, our favorite Valentine's Day gift ideas for everyone on your list. We won't tell if you pick out something for yourself.Julia Ludlam - 2/26
1) Women's French Terry Robe
weezietowels.com
$16800.00
This French terry cloth robe is perfect for gifting on Valentine’s Day (especially the pink and red combo!), but it’s so chic that your giftee can wear it all year long. The delicate scallops are a fun detail, and you can add their name or monogram for an extra special touch.
Weezie - 3/26
2) Bernard, Antheia Parfüm Öl Bijou
Bernard
nickeykehoe.com
$88.00
This enchanting floral perfume, with notes of magnolia, jasmine, tuberose, ylang ylang and pink peppercorn, is the ultimate gift for the fragrance lover in your life. Named after the Greek goddess of gardens, floral wreaths and true love, Antheia perfume oil certainly lives up to its romantic moniker.
nickeykehoe.com - 4/26
3) Mon Cher Cup
Shipping
johnderian.com
$140.00
Surprise your valentine with breakfast in bed—and this sweet “mon cher” cup from artist John Derian. They’ll use this terracotta mug for years to come (and think of you every time they use it).
johnderian.com - 5/26
4) Nickel Finial Decanter
lucysmarket.com
$120.00
This elegant decanter is an easy way to upgrade your loved one’s bar cart. The finial is nickel-plated brass cast in India, and the glass is hand-blown in Portugal. Whether you give this decanter to your whiskey-loving husband or your favorite oenophile, they’re sure to love this sweet surprise.
lucysmarket.com - 6/26
5) 3-Course Valentine's Day Dinner for 2 From Hancock Gourmet Lobster Co.
Hancock Gourmet Lobster Co.
goldbelly.com
$79.00
Romantic lobster dinner for two, anyone? This three-course meal is shipped straight from Maine and includes creamy lobster bisque, lobster risotto served on a scallop shell, and molten dulce de leche cakes with semi-sweet chocolate.
goldbelly.com - 7/26
6) Pima Shorts Set in Kisses
lakepajamas.com
$94.00
These cheeky red lip-studded pajamas are made from pima cotton, so they’re light, breathable and incredibly soft. The painterly pecks were designed by watercolor artist and tastemaker Kate Schelter, and are sure to bring a smile to your valentine’s face.
lakepajamas.com - 8/26
7) Sparkling Veuve Rosé & Champagne Chocolates
$69.95
Ditch the drugstore chocolate box, and opt for these delectable bites made with Veuve sparkling rose wine and Champagne instead. These boozy dark chocolates are stamped with hot pink and yellow hearts for a fun and flirty touch.
- 9/26
8) XOXO Watercolor Valentine's Day Greeting Card
XOXO
simplyjessicamarie.com
$5.00
This watercolor “xoxo” card is a super sweet surprise to mail to a friend or long-distance valentine. We love that the thick, textured paper and blush envelope make it feel elevated. Plus, the inside of the card is blank, so you can be as friendly or flirty as you want.
simplyjessicamarie.com - 10/26
9) PARKER BAMBOO DUVET COVER SET - IVORY
pompomathome.com
$253.00
Surprise your valentine with a luxe new bedding set. We love this ultra-breathable bamboo duvet cover from Pom Pom at Home. Even if you can’t make it to a swanky hotel this Valentine’s Day, this ultra-soft bedding will make your bedroom feel like the Ritz.
pompomathome.com - 11/26
10) Patek Philippe Reference 5960P
sothebys.com
$86670.00
If you want to really spoil your valentine this year, this classic watch from Patek Philippe will certainly do the job. The timepiece is crafted from platinum and features an annual calendar, flyback chronograph and power reserve complications. The 21-karat rotor is visible through the watch’s display back, and the timepiece is fitted to a chic black alligator skin strap.
sothebys.com - 12/26
11) Iranian Flora and Fauna Small Vase
metmuseum.org
$32.40
If you’re set on giving flowers this Valentine’s Day, add a global-inspired vase to go along with them. This glazed jar features swooping birds, leaping fauna, and reaching foliage and is modeled after an ancient Iranian vessel from The Met collection.
metmuseum.org - 13/26
12) No. 12 Cast Iron Skillet
Smithey Ironware
smithey.com
$200.00
If your valentine loves to cook (or their love language is food), may we suggest gifting an heirloom-worthy piece of cookware? A cast-iron skillet is a kitchen workhorse, and can handle anything from ribeye steaks to roasted vegetables to cornbread. For a thoughtful touch, you can even engrave your valentine’s name on the bottom of the pan.
smithey.com - 14/26
13) Lua Moonlight Body Oil
Costa Brazil
standarddose.com
$98.00
This body oil is made with vitamin-rich super fruits and nut oils to give your skin a gorgeous sheen, soften fine lines, and firm up skin. Ideal for all skin types, it will make your body feel bright, hydrated and glowy (read: it’s perfect before a hot Valentine’s Day date).
standarddose.com - 15/26
14) Blush Rose Signature Candle
$75.00
- 16/26
15) Wine Carrier
Dooney & Bourke
dooney.com
$118.00
Perfect for a date in the great outdoors, this leather wine carrier is designed in America and made in Italy, elevating your evening picnic.
Courtesy of Dooney & Bourke - 17/26
16) Angelica Tribal Lampshade
Vaughan Designs
vaughandesigns.com
Handmade in England and boasting a coral block print fabric from India, this shade is a piece any textile fiend will love for years to come.
Courtesy of Vaughan Designs - 18/26
17) Colored Wine Glasses
Estelle Colored Glass
food52.com
$185.00
Hand-blown wine glasses that are crafted in Poland and come in a dizzying array of colors are a cheerful way to up your table's ante.
Courtes of Food52 - 19/26
18) Iconica Bold Earrings
Pomellato
pomellato.com
$15500.00
These slim, diamond-studded hoop earrings embody the sleek sophistication that is Milan's calling card and are a chic way to show affection.
Courtesy of Pomellato - 20/26
19) T. Bag
Sézane
sezane.com
$270.00
Made in Italy, this lizard-embossed leather crossbody provides that certain je ne sais quoi every wardrobe needs.
Courtesy of Sézane - 22/26
21) Pompeii Amphora Vase - Raspberry
thearkelements.com
$368.00
Flowers may not last forever, but give her a vase she'll love until the end of eternity.
Ark Elements - 23/26
22) Diamante Ruby Bottle
artemest.com
$490.00
She deserves her own place at the bar, so fill this gorgeous hand-cut glass decanter with her favorite whiskey or wine for a romantic night in.
Artemest - 24/26
23) Thebes Glass Candlestick
Issy Granger
overthemoon.com
$60.00
Just right for the consummate hostess, these glass candelabras will add a shapely silhouette to any table setting.
Over the Moon - 25/26
24) Stung Awake
kindredblack.com
$65.00
Beautiful and functional, this all natural lip and cheek stain will create the perfect pouty lip for your valentine. Plus it will look pretty perched on her vanity.
Kindred Black - 26/26
25) Queen of Hearts
juliab.com
$150.00
Playful yet well crafted, these embroidered cocktail napkins are perfect for your queen of hearts!
Julia B