Gifts for Somebody You Truly Love
Carefully plotted on a matrix of romantic to utilitarian and practical to fanciful.
If you’ve been with us for a minute, then you know that gifting is my so-called “love language.” Spending, creating and giving to those closest to me is one of my favorite past times. Valentine’s day happens to coincide with my wife’s birthday just a few days later, in effect supercharging the gift-giving. (My brother’s is also just a few days later making February quite expensive.)
Over the years I’ve given her jewelry, handbags, artwork, vacations (complete with new wardrobes thank you very much) and we generally look at it as a bit of a spring break. With our daughter on the way, these sorts of grand romantic gestures aren’t really on the table. These days we’re thinking more practically, pragmatically, parentally — but that doesn’t mean boring.
So in my searching of late, I’ve bookmarked a million different things that float all over the matrix of Romantic to Utilitarian and Practical to Fanciful. The links to each, you can find below the image. Happy travels in your gift-giving. (And don’t forget, a good Valentine’s Day gift needs good wrapping paper.)
If you can’t make out the above, don’t worry, I’ll go deep on each of them. You can also zoom in on your phone or click into the image itself if you’d like to.
Olivia von Halle Bow Sleep Mask, $370: There’s nothing particularly romantic about sleeping, but helping somebody get a good rest is always a good gift. And anything in the realm of the bedroom gets some romance points. (Especially if you use your imagination.) This mask also feels a little more special than your average airplane sleep mask, thanks to the dainty jeweled bow and fine satin (better for your hair.)
L’Object Champagne Bucket, $1,200: I have very fond memories of being in bed all day with a chilled bottle of champagne on the bedside table. It’s romantic, luxurious and has a carefree charm to it. If $1,200 is more than you’re willing to spend here, I also love this version from Anthropologie. If this is what you’re giving, make sure there’s a bottle to go with it.
Fleur de Mal Bow Tie Lingerie, $78: If you’re going to gift lingerie, which is always a good idea IMHO, I would just make sure to pair it with something else. That said a big bow is a great place to start.
Ring Concierge Toi et Moi Necklace,
$1,648$1,318: It’s on my list to do something more in depth about toi et moi jewelry, which has a very rich history that includes Napoleon and Josephine and the Kennedys. But, for now, let’s just say these “you and me” diamonds are about as foolproof a gift as you can get. As it happens, my wife has one of these very necklaces and loves it. (Helps that they’re on sale.)Signed Edith Head Sketch for Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday, $15,000: Raptis Rare Books is one of my all-time favorite gift spots. While most go for the literature, there are many more treasures to be found. This is where we found our Bemelmans piece. For fashion hounds, this original illustration from Roman Holiday by renowned designer Edith Head would be an unforgettable gift.
Mateo 14k Gold Signet Ring, $1,100: There are two signet rings on this list. This one is the more classic and traditional of the pair. It’s clean, sleek and minimal — just begging to be engraved. Especially if you'r relationship is serious enough to be etched in stone.
Gorjana Fancy Bow Ring, $60: Valentine motifs like bows and hearts may be cliche, but they’re still a good inspiration. This bow ring, which is wildly affordable, is a sweet and sparkling addition to anybody’s jewelry collection.
Monica Rich Kosann 18k Locket with Sapphire, $5,425: As far as fine lockets go, Monica Rich Kosann is it. This one has been on my “to give Alex at some point” list for years. It’s also worth noting that she makes them with multiple “slides” if you need more space. Clever!
Foundrae Oversized Heart Necklace, $8,560: Hot people love Foundrae. I personally think they’re at their best when they keep things textured and less heavy with enamels etc. This oversized heart being a prime example.
Maison Balzac Champagne Coupes, $115: I’ve mentioned these in every gift guide I think I’ve ever written. They’re fun, come in a pair and are fitting for a romantic toast.
Wendy Nichol Black Diamond Stud, $517: Years ago I stepped into the old Wendy Nichol shop in Nolita — it was filled with subtly gothic clothes and jewelry. Gothic in an interesting way, not a clowny way. Anyway, I ended up grabbing a pair of these for Alex for our first Christmas together. A big hit. (Note, these are priced per stud.)
Peyote Bird Heart Brooch, $245: My last newsletter had a few Peyote Bird pieces in it and I continue to find their stuff entrancing. This pin, also available with turquoise adds a subtle heart outline wherever it goes. It’s romantic but unassuming.
Olympia Le-Tan Jane Austen Book Clutch, $1,560: This is a great gift for bookish types. And if you’re looking for a romantic author, it’s hard to top Jane Austen. Plus, you get the added bonus of getting cool girl Olympia’s stuff in somebody’s wardrobe. (Daughter and talent heiress of the famous illustrator Pierre Le-Tan.)
Jennifer Behr Pearl Bow Barette, $268: Pearls! For hair!
Cece Jewelry Enamel Signet Ring, $5,050: Aha! Our second signet ring. This version is obviously more ornate complete with a coquettish bow, heart engravings and tiny diamond stars. It’s definitely more of a statement but nails that magical Lana del Rey thing.
The Carlyle x Blair Breitenstein Cocktail Print, $425: Blair is a fantastic illustrator who has built a fashionable name for herself over the years. This ode to the Carlyle Hotel from their gift shop is a playful nod to New York History. And martinis. And manhattans.
Clare V x Schoolhouse Wall Mirror, $599: You love their face, so why not let them look at it all the more? Valentine tropes aside, this is just a great piece. Circular mirrors have a great effect on homes filled with sharp angles and the brightly colored twisted frame brings a nice touch of design to the whole thing.
Nika Zupanc Knotted Cherry Jewelry Box, $354: There’s so much at play here. The camp sexy act of tying a cherry knot in your tongue included. It’s wonky, weird and just the sort of thing that somebody should be spoiled with.
Alex Mill Cotton Linen Sweater, $175: I’ve said this a million times but I’ll say it again. Everybody looks good in a navy blue sweater. And I’d trust Alex Mill with my life. So, there you have it.
Coming Soon Bedside Carafe Set, $100: If your partner has ever woken up in the night to get a drink of water, get them this. Their trips to the kitchen or bathroom in the freezing winter will get cut in half.
Diptyque Giant Candle, $335: Liberty of London has these for cheaper than anywhere else, which is a big win. Furthermore, this woody scent is natural, sexy and with five wicks provides just the right amount of moody light.
Custom Edie Parker Clutch, $1,095: Custom is always good. True, a clutch like this can’t be used all that often but they are lovely and beautiful. Don’t try and get cute with the writing here, though. Nothing more cringy than somebody carrying a “fuck it” clutch to a black tie wedding. Honestly.
Susan Alexandra Custom Locket, $258: If that Monica Rich Kosann locket is a little beyond your reach right now, Susan Alexandra will have you covered. The graphic in the image is custom, all you have to do is send the photo of your choice. They’re kitschy in fun in Susan’s masterful style.
Coming Soon Chrome Fortune Cookie, $35: While I was designing Alex’s engagement ring, I hid all the pieces in one of these. I’ve been fond of them since then as trinket holders. If you want to put some kind of dirty kinky coupon in there, that’s all you.
Dyson Airstrait Hair Straightener, $500: Look, this is…unromantic as hell. But, if there’s one thing I’ve learned in my years it’s that you can trust Dyson with almost anything. If you are absolutely certain this will be a welcome item, go for it. If you’re thinking it would be a subtle hint because you’d like to see somebody’s hair straighter than it is, start going to therapy. Mwah.
Bose Noise Canceling Headphones, $429: True story, I bought these for Alex for Valentine’s Day. We would be traveling and I figured these would make the plane ride easier. They’ve proven useful in our sometimes noisy home and I ended up getting gifted a pair by my brother. Pure and blissful silence is a gift that’s far too underrated. (And of course, the sound quality when you want it is incredible.)
Vogue Embroidered Hoodie, $145: Honestly I just think this is funny. Vogue’s merch shop has tons of stuff and I swear if they put it on Ssense they’d be able to save Condé Nast. Let’s hope this helps!
Cult Gaia Caldera Clutch, $598: Whenever I’m drawing a blank for a “cool” gift, I take a stroll through Cult Gaia. A woman I met at a very fancy wedding was carrying one of these and she was so cool and chill and went on about how much she loved the brand. I love this gold blob.
Gohar World Taper Candle with Bow, $48: Gohar World is insane. And while it’s been rumored that some of their items are just dropshipped from Amazon, I still love them. This truly is just a simple taper with a bow on it, but it is a nice bow. (I didn’t put it in here but their egg chandelier thing is still amazing and bizarro.)
Steamery Clothing Steamer, $180: This is no muss, no fuss. But there are too many people that have nice clothes and don’t have nice steamers. Not romantic, unless maybe you use it to like, steam up a room. Or maybe steam up a window to do the Titanic thing? Whatever, it’s good.
Bose Bluetooth Speaker, $219: This speaker was a big hit over the holidays according to you guys. Big sound, small package and very good for the gadget-forward giftee on your list.
Polaroid Lab Printer, $140: Truly the best gift for any holiday. Place your phone on this gadget and out prints a perfectly made polaroid photo. The colors are bright and vibrant and you walk off with a perfect souveniresque photo. How romantic you make them is entirely up to you.
Loewe All Wax Candleholder, $150: There’s something oddly romantic and sexy about a candle that will burn down until it and its holder are disappeared. And this is certainly a better option than some “when lit meet me in the bedroom” trash candle on Etsy. Just saying!
Fritz Bernaise Bridesmaids Sweatshirt, $38: It’s a Fritz Bernaise, ladies. (Bridesmaids fans will know.)
Hermes Kelly Bag, $32,950: You’re a very good partner. (And Kelly > Birkin.)
And that concludes this Valentine’s Day Gift Guide. But, if you’re still hunting for more, I’ve compiled all my holiday gift guides below — most of which are still applicable.
Great Gifts to Give & Receive, Shipping Deadline Edition
Vaguely Arcane Gifts for the Occasional Occultist
The Best of My Elite Favorites (On Sale)
Great Things to Give & Receive, Vol. I
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This gift guide was exactly what I needed tonight! The Alex Mill sweater link seems to go to the vogue sweatshirt though, just FYI.
I missed a zero on that Kelly and got very excited 😭 that disappointment not withstanding, I loved this gift guide! Your generosity shined through and your recs are fab!