VALENTINE’S DAY GIFT GUIDE
By Ruth J. Katz
Yes, yes, yes. Flowers, chocolates, and bubbly are still favored, time-honored standards for Valentine’s Day. But, given the nod to politically correct gift giving, it is both loving and egalitarian for couples to share in all the bounty associated with the special day. Blossoms for him? You betcha’. Here, some time-honored classics, some twists on traditional themes, and some novel, new ideas to make your beloved smile on Valentine’s Day.
ELLA GAFTER
Wear your heart on your sleeve, or at least on your cuff, your finger, or around your neck. Designer Ella Gafter can swathe you in rubies and diamonds, with any one of her glittery offerings, which will bedazzle both of you! Info: ellgafter.com.
Info: Ella Gafter on 1stdibs.com.
JUNG LEE
This stunning “Long Island” flacon is the perfect vessel for your favorite fragrance. The gleaming colored glass will accent any boudoir. Info: junglee.com.
VERA BRADLEY
Cover your whole body with hearts—a comfy robe, available in a wide range of sizes, it’s suitable for all. Soft and plush from Vera Bradley, the mistress of prints. Info: verabradley.com.
THE ART OF SHAVING
Kissable! A soft, well-shaven face might just invite a smooch or three. The Art of Shaving has all manner of razors, creams, potions, and powders. Info: theartofshaving.com.
MOET & CHANDON
If you are opening up a bottle of sparkling, then make those bubbles a rosy pink…guaranteed to put a glow in your heart and a gleam in your eyes. Info: us.moet.com.
SMYTHSON
When Hallmark sentiments just won’t do. Turn to venerable Smythson, the company that has, for over 130 years, been the purveyor to the likes of European royalty, Indian maharajas, Winston Churchill, and even Sigmund Freud. Info: smythson.com.
SWISS ARMY
Turn any Romeo or Juliet into an instant MacGyver, with Victorinox’s “magic” credit card-style SwissCard Classic. Thin as a credit card, it’s packed with the genius of the Swiss Army knife. Info: swissarmy.com.
LA MAISON DU CHOCOLAT
For a flavorful and fantastic Valentine’s Day, chocolates are a favorite to savor. Here, the luscious flavors of La Maison du Chocolat—in an individual-size cache or a ballotin-style box. Info: lamaisonduchocolat.us.
FOREO
Get rid of winter’s paltry layer of frost—and bring the blush of spring to rosy cheeks—with Foreo’s sonic, facial-cleansing brush. Available in many sizes, styles, and colors. Info: foreo.com.
TALKING GLOVES
With your heart in your hand, you can say “I love you” in countless woolen ways, all handmade by Talkingloves. Info: etsy.com.
FLEUR’D PINS
Designer Andrew Werner wanted to create an “evergreen” kind of flower to wear himself—not quite a boutonnière, but more a fashion statement. The result is his fab collection of fleurs, fabricated in python, lambskin, sequins, burlap, suede, and exotic skins. Info: fleurdpins.com.
MONT BLANC
The Write Red Stuff. Montblanc’s stylish red fountain pen will ignite fires in your epistles d’amour. Cyrano de Bergerac, move over. Info: montblanc.com.
SWEET WHISPERS
At a time of year when chocolate whatnots in heart-shaped boxes dominate the scene, here’s something a bit different. Sweet Whispers are pops of fruit, enclosed in meringue. Available in many flavors including Passion Fruit—sure to be a February sellout. Info: sweetwhispers.store.
CHATEAU DE CHAUSSE
Chateau de Chausse’s Côtes de Provence AOC 2016, is the perfect wine for Valentine’s Day. The highly popular rosé boasts enticing aromas of white-fleshed fruits in a salmon-pink colored texture. A toast to love. Info: chateaudechausse.com.
VT FASHIONS
The Every Voice Counts leather bracelet from Vincent Tropepe Fashions is a thoughtful gift and features a strip engraved with the soundwave of media personality Valerie Smaldone, stating, “Every voice counts.” Too often, those who are bullied feel as if they are without a voice. Twenty-five percent of the sale of each bracelet goes to the Tyler Clementi Foundation to empower individuals to stand up to bullying. Info: vtfashions.com.
SAKS FIFTH AVENUE
Count on the Fur Salon at Saks to showcase the most stunning and elegant vermillion furs—whether a knitted sable headband, a cozy chinchilla infinity scarf, or a cuddly sable jacket. Info: saks.com/thefursalon.
BAKED CRAVINGS
Sure Valentine’s Day is all about love and romance, but how about a little something sweet too. We discovered the much-talked-about Red Velvet Cake with Real Strawberry Icing in a Jar at Baked Cravings. Your taste buds will thank you. Info: bakedcravings.com.