Think outside the (chocolate) box.
Not to start things off on a negative note (it’s the season of love, after all), but is there a more polarizing holiday than Valentine’s Day? Some of us go all-in on the opportunity to show those around us a little love, but there is always the temptation to get a little cynical and write the holiday off as a clever marketing ploy. I’ll be straight with you—I used to fall into the latter category of V-day dissenters. However, as I’ve gotten older and made a concerted effort to look at things from a fresher perspective, I’ve learned to welcome every part of the holiday with an open heart.
And yes, that includes gift-giving. Whether you’re in a new relationship, have been with your partner for years, want to shower your friends with a little love, or treat yourself to something special (and maybe sparkly), our Valentine’s Day gift guide has you covered. If you’re at a loss for what to get or just need a little inspiration, scroll on for all the gift ideas you could ever need.
While my love languages are more on the Words of Affirmation and Physical Touch side of things, I’ll never pass up the chance to give someone a little something to make them smile. If you want to give me a box of chocolate, I’ll happily accept. And if a bouquet of flowers is more your speed, know that I love filling my house with fresh blooms. But in 2022, things have shifted. Gone are the days of sweets and florals being your only options. Instead, we’ve collectively expanded our idea of what counts as a romantic gift. A book of poetry? Bound to inspire even the most reading-averse recipient. The best coffee you’ve ever had delivered to your door? Sign up and subscribe. A classic Dutch oven that can truly do it all? Add to cart.
Basically, in our world of daily shifts in the zeitgeist and a constant cycling of trends, anything goes. If that sounds overwhelming, don’t worry. Ahead are the 17 most unique and thoughtful gifts that’ll make anyone’s V-day special.
Feature image by Riley Reed.
CB2 Eve Coupe Cocktail Glass
These coupe glasses balance vintage charm with a touch of modern structure. They make any cocktail, a glass of bubbly, or even your favorite dessert all the more fancy. Buy a set for your partner, friend, or even yourself for an elevated dinner party experience.
CB2 Eve Coupe Cocktail Glass, $7.95
Leonor Greyl Huile Secret de Beauté
This is the ultimate multitasking beauty product. It packs the trifecta of all beauty-boosting ingredients: essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and Vitamin E for super glowy skin and hair. Slick back your tresses or apply all over your face and body for a high-shine take on the “clean look.” Welcome to what luxury looks like in 2022.
Leonor Greyl Huile Secret de Beauté, $70
Poppy Lissiman Crikey BB Mini Handbag
I set the intention this year to no longer break my back carrying all my belongings in The World’s Biggest Bag. If you or your S.O. are committed to streamlining things as well, this is the stylish carryall that’ll make it happen. Crafted of black faux croc leather, this sustainable bag (it’s lined with recycled plastic bottles!) can carry your phone, wallet, keys, and a few makeup essentials. Translation: everything you’ll ever need.
Poppy Lissiman Crikey BB Mini Handbag, $160
Time to add an adage to the popular lexicon: If it’s good enough for Cameron Diaz, it’s good enough for me. This rosé is light, crisp, and undeniably French. Seriously, one sip will transport you straight to Saint-Tropez. Even if your giftee considers rosé a strict, summertime-only beverage, this bottle will have them counting down the days until the warm weather comes. Santé!
Use code CAMILLE15 for 15% off your order!
Your standard box of chocolates, reimagined. While we all love a good treat for the sake of snacking on something indulgent, these wellness chocolates take things a step further. With Ashwagandha, L-Tyrosine, and a blend of botanicals, each chocolate is designed to help you handle stress, promote calm and clear thinking, and soothe your mood.
Evolve Together Havana Hand Cream
Never underestimate the romance to be found in a bottle of hand cream. Dry winter skin is a downer, to say the least, but it’s no match for this cream’s restorative and hydrating formula. A blend of Vitamins E, B, and C firm skin, improve tone and keep you protected from UV light damage. You had me at “clean beauty.”
Evolve Together Havana Hand Cream, $23
Home Body by Rupi Kaur
Rupi Kaur has revolutionized contemporary poetry in the digital and physical space. Her words are vulnerable, connecting, and inspire growth within all of us. Her work reflects on her own personal experiences and perspective but is deeply universal. home body is her third collection of poetry and takes readers through the intimate journey of learning to connect with all parts of ourselves: past, present, and future. It’ll inspire acceptance and nurture a healthy sense of self-love, patience, and forgiveness in anyone who reads it.
“everything i need / already exists in me / there’s no need / to look anywhere else” – home
Home Body by Rupi Kaur, $7.48
Anthropologie Pick-A-Pom Marled Beanie Base
Because winter ain’t over yet, and we could all use something cute to keep us warm. Customize your beanie and pom-pom combo for a truly personalized topper. The options are playful, bright, and just the sort of cheering up the cold weather calls for. Take this as a sign to mix and match to your heart’s delight.
Anthropologie Pick-A-Pom Marled Beanie Base $24.95 (reg. $30)
Staub Enameled 4-Quart Cast Iron Dutch Oven
There’s no greater love than the one I have for my Dutch oven. Okay, an obvious exaggeration, but there is some truth to it. When you welcome a Dutch oven into your life, something special happens. Suddenly, you become the sort of person who unveils a loaf of homemade bread for a casual weeknight dinner party and has a pot of soup on the stovetop at all times. Again, an exaggeration, but there is some truth to the hyperbole. A work of culinary art, this enameled Dutch oven is sure to be well-loved for years to come.
Staub Enameled 4-Quart Cast Iron Dutch Oven, $199.95 (reg. $309.95)
When it comes to candles made specifically for Valentine’s Day, the options are often cloyingly sweet. This pick, however, does sultry sophistication to perfection. While roses might bring to mind a cheesy take on holiday gifting, the black rose is anything but. It’s deep and complex and fills any space with a hard-to-pin-down scent that’s completely unique.
A spectrum of colors beautifully fit for the holiday. This set features a trio of rosy nude, bold berry, and vibrant red hues. Beyond appearance alone, these balms are incredibly nourishing and hydrating for your pout. Soft and smooth lips? A V-day must.
Naturium The Deeps Trio, $33 (reg. $36)
Dorsey Princess Cut Gold Riviere Bracelet
Classic, but contemporary and full of cool-girl vibes. If you’re going for a gift that’s truly special and will be treasured by whoever receives it, this bracelet is a surefire bet. Designed with 150 individually set, square-cut crystals, and a custom foldover clasp, the Dorsey Riviere Bracelet will be the focal point of any outfit it adorns.
Dorsey Princess Cut Gold Riviere Bracelet, $190
Pottery Barn Marble Heart Tray
Of all the gifts on this list, this is perhaps the clearest symbol and celebration of your love. Made in India of 100% natural marble, this gift lets your loved one keep precious jewelry, trinkets, or mementos safe and in one place.
Pottery Barn Marble Heart Tray, $24.50
Lulu and Georgia SIN Duo Candlestick Holder
For the interior design enthusiast in your life. This modern and minimalist candlestick holder gives a calming, organic presence to any space. With a matte stoneware finish and low-profile shape, it’ll sit beautifully on any table it touches.
Lulu and Georgia SIN Duo Candlestick Holder, $58
MERIT Flush Balm Cream Blush
Nothing beats a foolproof, creamy blush. This stick offers light and luminous coverage that colors your cheeks with a creamy finish. Vitamin E offers a healthy dose of hydration for fully-nourished skin. If you crave radiant, glowy skin (don’t we all?) here’s the blush that’ll give it to you.
MERIT Flush Balm Cream Blush, $28
Hu Chocolate Valentine’s Collection
The sheer amount of in-the-kitchen content we put out on the daily may have given you a clue, but the CS Team talks about food A LOT. And when pressed to name our favorite chocolate (a seemingly impossible question!) Hu is always at the top of our lists. Their limited-edition Valentine’s Collection features real-ingredient and indulgent bars in four of their, IMO, best flavors: Hazelnut Butter, Cashew Butter and Pure Vanilla Bean, Almond Crunch, and Cashew Butter and Raspberry. Did that list just make you hungry? Good.
Hu Chocolate Valentine’s Collection, $29
Our editors can’t stop gushing about this amazing, new-to-the-scene, coffee. But it’s not just the flavor that has us floored—the process is nothing short of revolutionary. Cometeer flash-freezes pre-brewed coffee at peak flavor. All you have to do is provide the cup and a pour of hot water, and you’re good to go.
What gifts are you most excited to give this Valentine’s Day?
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