The best Valentine’s Day gifts for her
From non-cliché jewellery to a fragrance she’ll want to spritz forever, these are the items that show genuine care and consideration
I once knew a man who, for Valentine’s Day, bought his very serious girlfriend a Thorntons chocolate gorilla and a fairly offensive novelty mug (chipped and all; price tag still on). It didn’t land too well, a bit like Tom Hanks’s role in Elvis, or that Adam Driver film with the dinosaurs. However, permitting you avoid the clichés (and disasters), you’ll find that 14 February actually has the capacity to be extremely pleasant – but, in contrast to my old-friend’s approach, that means putting at least a modicum of thought into it all.
To set you on the right path, we’ve rounded up a collection of top-tier gifts that steer clear of the tired ideas – heavy necklaces; average set-menu dinners; even more average poetry you’ve considered bestowing upon the poor woman – and, instead, actually hit the mark. So, for a successful occasion, this is what to get your girlfriend, long-term partner or wife for Valentine’s Day…
Beauty for your beauty
Step away from Superdrug: if you’re opting for beauty products, keep things classy. For premium perfume, look to storied fragrance house Jo Malone. Its new Taif Rose Cologne Intense is a sensuous scent with notes of coffee and amber. SkinCeuticals’ tech-packed Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Multi-Glycan is perfect for skincare obsessives while the Dior Capture Day Cream is a luxurious yet hard-working everyday base that’s suitable for every skin type.
Seek out singular jewellery
Heart-shaped pendants and red gemstones scream cliché. Instead, opt for something simple – and non-seasonal – like Blackacre’s Sapling Pendant, made to order from recycled 18k white gold. If you’re going down the ring route, this handcrafted old cut diamond and platinum solitaire ring from London-based jewellers Hancocks will no doubt stand the test of time and makes for a wonderful heirloom down the line. For an alternative to the usual diamond studs and gold hoops, Mikimoto’s Jeux de Rubans earrings in 18K white gold are perfectly playful.
Timeless style staples she’ll cherish
Of course, you could eschew all the sentimental gift-giving trends and, instead, buy her something that dovetails functionality, style and longevity – the things that are immune to cyclical fashion and fluctuating trends. Knatchbull’s camel wool trench coat is just that. Italian-made leather shoes also fit such a category – Russell & Bromley’s Chester tassel loafer has been beloved for decades and remains a timeless classic. Or perhaps consider some serious timekeeping by Longines, whose 1920s-inspired Dolce Vita timepiece exudes elegance.
Good enough to eat
If the way to her heart is through her stomach, treat her to a heart-shaped box of macarons from the ultimate Parisian confectioner Ladurée. Chocaholics will be in heaven with Birley’s indulgent multi-layer chocolate box. And for an appropriate dose of kitsch, Hummingbird Bakery’s Blush Frill Heart Cake will do just the trick.
In the bag
You can’t go wrong with an elegantly understated evening clutch. Swaine’s Bond Pouch, so named for the iconic attaché cases famously associated with James Bond, is as classic as they come, guaranteed to transcend trends. Mulberry’s Bayswater Tote is functional yet oh-so-elegant, and the Harvard Large duffle from My Style Bags makes for the ultimate travel companion.
Wants, not needs
Get her something she wouldn’t necessarily think to buy herself – like a rejuvenating spa treatment at The Peninsula in London, where ancient and contemporary therapies are blended for total relaxation and wellness. Or treat her to a bottle of fine fizz from Louis Roederer: its Collection 244 NV is delectably rich, with fruity notes of wild peaches, pears and citrus. Finally, these organic cotton pyjamas from Chelsea Peers are perfect for slow Sundays in bed.
And, for yourself? These are the best watches under £1,000…
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