Photo by David Hillegas
A Valentine’s Day birthday was terrific fun in grade school. As a girl, I couldn’t imagine a better theme for a celebration. My young imagination found the pinks & purples, hearts, and candy completely dreamy. My mother would bake heart-shaped chocolate layer cakes with pink seven-minute icing—it was over the top for a young girl in the 80’s.
Now, with a few years behind me and a family of my own, I see this (birthday) holiday as being about much more than romantic love—it’s a day to celebrate love itself.
I have compiled a list of great options for Valentine’s Day gifting with some serious thought behind each one. From consumables to heirloom pieces, each item curated has the potential to create a smile and a memory.
The Beatles famously sang, “All you need is love. Love is all you need,” but something from this list would be a welcome indulgence for someone special!
Photo courtesy of Grace Rose Farm
1. Effort is always a most attractive trait. Try your hand at arranging something yourself with these Sweetheart Stems ($249), complete with 48 Valentine’s Roses from Grace Rose Farm. Their roses are blossom giants, and they have arrangements in a bevy of colors. If you are more inclined to tend than arrange, take a tour online to view their rose bushes—Bathsheba and Pure Perfume are my top picks for the home garden.
Photo courtesy of Croghan's Jewel Box
2. Instead of candy for your sweetheart, offer this candy-colored bracelet by Elizabeth Locke. The Pastel “Antique Animals” Venetian Glass Link Bracelet ($9,950) will indulge even the most discerning sweet tooth. Find it at Croghan’s Jewel Box.
Photo courtesy of Fortnum & Mason
3. Roses are pink,
Violets are blue,
No need for a mink,
These cookies will do.
With bonny packaging and precise flavor, these Rose Biscuits ($18) by Fortnum & Mason are by far my very favorite cookies. I love floral flavors, and this one is the tip-top ideal. The Violet Biscuits are also a smart “add to cart.”
Photo courtesy of Frances Valentine
4. A lovely shape and size that keeps the patent pink from being too sweet, this Grace Crossbody ($298) from Frances Valentine works nicely for a cocktail party or with blue jeans at the bowling alley.
Photo courtesy of Goshwara
5. I have one rule of thumb for February’s birthstone: Go big or go home! Coming in at slightly under 60 carats, these Three Tier Round Faceted Amethyst Earrings ($5,500) from Goshwara are a knockout.
Photo courtesy of à bientôt
6. Every girl loves a versatile pullover, and the Amour Crew ($138) from à bientôt delivers all the comfort without sacrificing the cute. A bright poppy color with a simple tailored shape is certain to keep her wrapped up in love.
Photo courtesy of HiNOTE
7. Don’t forget that February 13th is Galentine’s Day! Make a date with your girlfriends by sending them an elegant invitation via HiNOTE x LoveShackFancy ($6.99 for the full collection of 16 notes including personalized stationery, invites, and love notes) to get out of the house to reconnect and recharge together. Take a walk, meet for coffee, or finally plan that trip!
Photo courtesy of Krigler
8. I found the Manhattan Rose 44 Eau de Parfum ($615) by Krigler years ago, and it is sublime. It will remind her of fresh garden roses—not too sweet and not too stuffy. It is perfectly perfumed to wear any time. A flood of compliments is sure to follow.
Photo courtesy of High Camp
9. Nothing touches on nostalgia quite like the smell of Gardenias ($175) from High Camp. Say “I love you” by giving the gift of sweet memories.
Photo courtesy of The Lost Recordings
10. Communication through music should be the sixth love language. Create a playlist, burn a CD, or better yet, buy her a few records. Tell her about a few of your favorites or listen together. Right now, I’ve got my eyes on these Double Vinyl Ella Fitzgerald Records ($73.63) from The Lost Recordings.
If classics aren’t your thing, check out Waterloo (my favorite record store) in Austin. They can take you from The Rolling Stones to Rachmaninoff.
Photo courtesy of Marc Cross
11. Rear Window is in my top 10 favorite movies. I adore all things Hitchcock and all things Grace Kelly. Everyone recalls the scene when Lisa reveals she will be staying over and has brought “a Mark Cross overnight case… compact, but ample enough.” Give her the gift of being her own Grace Kelly with this Overnight Case ($3,990).
Photo courtesy of Paul Morelli
12. These Conch Posy Stud Earrings ($3,000) from Paul Morelli are lovely against all skin tones and will work for all seasons. They make a marvelous addition to any jewelry box as a flower that never fades. Paul Morelli also offers a charming pink Conch Necklace to complete the set.
Photo courtesy of Pomellato
13. Whether you go by the stars in the sky or the stars in your eyes, this Maxi Iconic Color Ring ($7,800) by Pomellato with a fruit basket of colored stones is a flawless choice. It feels easy on the hand and looks great no matter the occasion.
Photo courtesy of Quilling Card
14. If you run out of time to create a playlist for that special someone, this Quilled Love Mixtape Greeting Card ($11.00) from Quilling Card relays a fun and quirky message while gifting a small piece of art.
Photo courtesy of The Rounds
15. Can’t stop. Won’t stop. These cookies in the Valentine’s – Lover’s Standard Box ($50) from The Rounds are cool in size and color, and the flavor is divine. Throughout the year, you can personalize orders with any custom colors. This is the most fun cookie to unbox and eat! Order two of the large packages. You can thank me later.
Photo courtesy of Singhvi
16. A pearl of a choice, this Toggle Necklace – South Sea Pearls ($15,500) by Singhvi Jewels will be worn to engagement parties and Easter celebrations and is sure to be clutched by the small hands of a grandchild. It is an heirloom piece that will be treasured.
Photo courtesy of Sucre
17. If you count calories, keep scrolling, but if you love chocolate and all things deliciously irresistible, this is your stop. Last fall, these Brownies ($6.50 each) from Sucre made me detour off the interstate over a dozen times. I will always try something baked & chocolatey, and I have yet to find a brownie on earth this flawless. I’m personally looking into the possibility of a monthly subscription.
Photo courtesy of Wrensilva
18. Building on the thought of creating a playlist or gifting vinyl, why not give the something that has both music and memories? The ultimate reimagining of the record console, the M1- Flagship Console ($13,990) from Wrensilva is something that children and grandchildren will remember forever. Nothing locks in a memory quite like a sound.
By Amanda Smith Fowler
