LIFE & STYLE

The Best Gifts Always Dazzle

By Melanie Carden

Often we practice moderation limiting our independence in the name of health or humility. Valentine’s Day, however, is a lovely excuse to eschew all that for wildly romantic, luxurious, and memorable tokens of affection. Whatever the mood, there’s a fit here—from lavish leather goods to conflict-free rubies and even a few Galentine’s Day gifts as well.

BLUSHING PERFECTION
From renowned house  Veuve Clicquot, the La Grande Dame Rosé 2012 represents the ninth edition of this luxurious champagne. Made from its historic Grands Crus, this is a celebratory bottle of the highest caliber—worthy of a memorable Valentine’s Day. 
Info: veuveclicquot.com

HIS & HER SCENTS-ATIONS
We all know fragrance is an intimate gift. Now, selecting a scent or cologne at Scentbird--or exploring their scents is possible. Knowing fragrance is nuanced, you might opt for a monthly subscription, where your special someone can try name-brand scents via Scentbird’s mini-atomizers.  Info: scentbird.com

FASHION LOVER
If your true love is a favorite fashion-forward and dapper gentleman, he’s a Mezlan man.
Mezlan crafts luxury leather goods for men, with an absolute mastery of infusing classic style with modern-day touches. 
Info: mezlan.com

ALL HEART
What’s not to love? This minimalist-meets-romance sweater from Trina Turk is cute enough for Valentine’s Day gifting and all-season clothing. It’s 100 percent merino wool, ready for everything from date nights to snow days. Info: trinaturb.com

RUBIES OVER ROSES
This 14K White Gold anniversary band is stunning, but there’s more to its rubies than meets the eye. Charles & Colvard specializes in high-end lab-grown diamonds, moissanite, ruby, sapphire, and emeralds. These conflict-free pieces come with a certificate of authenticity.
Info: charlesandcolvard.com

GIVE A LIMITED EDITION
The suede label of this immaculate bottle of Wolves Whiskey is just the beginning. Inside, you’ll find the brand’s Winter Run, Batch 3—a complex beauty boasting notes of cinnamon, black cherry, and dark chocolate. Founded by luxury goods veterans Jon Buscemi and James Bond, Wolves Whiskey is a connoisseur’s sip.
Info: wolveswhiskeyca.com

CHOCOLATE BERRIES—
WITH A TWIST

This gift is the opposite of niche; it’s that bit of Valentine’s Day whimsy you need for everyone on your list. From teachers to friends and your special someone, these Rainbow Swirl Artisan Belgian Chocolate Strawberries 
are a much-needed refresh on this classic gift. 
Info: 800flowers.com

RED CARPET
WORTHY VELVET

The perfect little pop of color in velvet, no less. As a Valentine’s Day gift, I love these sweet slipper-style shoes from Marsoreli because they’re a beautiful balance of refinement and style. Each pair is handmade in Italy, and the colors range from neutral to red carpet wow. Info: marsoreli.com

LAVISH CHOCOLATE CHESS
If you’re looking for a stunning, over-the-top gift, look no further than the Compartés Luxury Grandmaster Chocolate Chess Pieces Set. The edible chocolate chess set is handcrafted by chocolatiers in Los Angeles and shipped with a no-melt shipping guarantee. Info: compartes.com

FINERY FOR
DISPENSARY GOODS

Luxury has made its way to the canna experience. Soho’s new cannabis boutique, Dagmar, is said to channel the high-end experience of brands like Louis Vuitton. Similarly, the online brand Ukiyohi merges art and function with refined accessories like this gorgeous custom-crafted dugout-style smoking pipe. 
Info: ukiyohi.com

GENDERLESS JEWELRY
In a word—stunning. The Joseph Duclos Lectoure Leather Bracelet is a unisex piece that is simultaneously timeless and edgy. Made in France, this collection is adorned with an 18th-century quatre-de-chiffre—a symbol used by merchants of that time, updated with a modern wink. 
Info: josephduclos.com

CAVIAR OF COURSE!
Marshallberg Farms is a pioneer in ethical Osetra Sturgeon farming in the U.S. Most caviar originates from unregulated farms in China, which might involve hormones, antibiotics, or borax. Caspian sturgeon is critically endangered, so farming is a best practice, and these exquisite tins will wow even the most discerning aficionados.
Info: thecaviarfarm.com