Yes, flowers, chocolate, and jewelry are classic Valentine’s Day gifts, but what if you want something that really lasts or makes a big impression? Just like there are all kinds of relationships, there are all kinds of appropriate gifts to make someone feel special. Your situationship would get something different than your wife of twenty-five years. (Should you even get your situationship a gift? TABLE cannot answer that for you. You must look inside yourself and ask if the guy who says he can’t come over tonight because of Monday night football is worthy of a bouquet. But no judgment). If you’re searching for Valentine’s Day gifts that go beyond the basics and will make your darling’s everyday life just a little sweeter, try these out.
Valentine’s Day Gifts That Go Beyond Flowers and Chocolate
The Night Sky Star Map
United Kingdom-based design company The Night Sky will plot the coordinates of exactly what the stars looked like at any time and place you choose. Printing a star map of where you and your partner met, first kissed, or had a special experience together is a one-of-a-kind gift they’ll treasure forever. It’s also fairly affordable, at only $66 for a print.
Hudson’s Bay Point Blanket
This is a perfect blanket for snuggling up together with your sweetheart. And even when you’re not together, they’ll feel warm and cozy in bed from a gift that you gave them. Hudson Bay blankets are high quality and long lasting, made with wool and historically exchanged for beaver pelts in the old frontier. These are a splurge, but they’re well-worth it, especially if you’re on the hunt for something that will both improve someone’s everyday life and feel romantic and sweet.
Le Creuset Valentine’s Day Collection
If you’re looking to stay a little more on-theme with the aesthetic for Valentine’s Day, these Le Creuset heart-shaped kitchenware pieces are both adorable and functional. This is a great option if you enjoy cooking with your partner and want to express that through your gift. You can get teapots, mugs, or heart-shaped salt and pepper shakers. These are so precious, and will make cooking together even more fun.
Le Labo Discovery Set
Le Labo is one of the kings of fragrance. If you’re a straight guy on Valentine’s Day, there’s some chance you’re scrambling to google what Miss Dior, Chanel No. 5, and Marc Jacobs Daisy smell like. While those are all great scents, if you really want to impress, Le Labo is chic, classic, and will show you know quality perfumes. Le Labo’s scents are also mostly unisex, and you can customize the set if you want to add different scents. Picking out a perfume for your lover can be a highly intimate experience that makes you reflect on their qualities and what makes them special.
The Lover’s Journal
This set of journals has prompts, challenges, and free-writing spaces in it to help bring you and your partner closer together. Spending time writing each other love letters, reflecting on things you’re grateful for about each other, and dreaming about the future of your relationship is a way to connect and create a cherished written record of your relationship.
Swarovski Florére Rose
Considering I’ve spent $169 or more on much more frivolous things, this Swarovski crystal rose is actually a steal at its price. It’s romantic. It makes a statement. It will last forever (provided no one breaks it). Anyone of any gender can appreciate a beautiful crystal piece like this, and it won’t wilt in the winter months.
Just Write a Damn Card. Make the Day Special.
If there is one piece of Valentine’s Day advice we can impart on you, it’s this. You can get someone the nicest diamond, flowers, or $600 blanket in the world, but if you don’t show your love and intention as you give it, it loses its meanings. Write a card about how much your partner means to you or cook a nice meal you can share at home. Valentine’s Day might be an arbitrary holiday, but love is one of the most beautiful, fulfilling parts of life. That’s worth celebrating.
Story by Emma Riva
Cover photo courtesy of Le Creuset
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