Valentine’s Day
Whether you’re opposed, ambivalent, oblivious or obsessed with Valentine’s Day, giving the perfect gift to somebody you care about is an undeniably satisfying experience. Skipping the teddy bears, we’ve put together a selection of some of our favorite products for readers to offer their partners, friends, family—or themselves. A Valentine’s Day gift can be anything—not only heart-shaped items or sweet treats—and our Valentine’s Day gift guide aims to be as diverse as the individuals we’re buying for.
Hero image courtesy of Julie Thévenot
Rose Noire Eau de Parfum
Rose Noire Eau de Parfum
More than an alluring scent, Rose Noire Eau de Parfum from L’OBJET comes in a sophisticated black glass vessel with lacquered cap replete with a crackling effect (like all their fragrances). Within, the beautifully balanced fragrance is a classic rose, but with warm spicy and mossy notes.
Added: February 2024
This product is sold by L'Objet
Bregenzerwald Body Oil
Bregenzerwald Body Oil
Luxurious but lightweight, this limited edition natural body oil from Susanne Kaufmann and Byredo is named for Kaufmann’s home of Bregenzerwald in Vorarlberg, Austria and inspired by the Austrian Alps. Refreshing and grounding, the fragrance is woody, sharp and green. It contains notes of juniper berries, elemi, galbanum, green jasmine, pink sugar and fig cream. Suitable for all skin types, this nourishing and moisturizing oil echoes both the opulence and rawness of nature.
Added: October 2023
This product is sold by Susanne Kaufmann
Colorado Hawk’s Nest Vineyard 2022 Sparking Blanc de Noirs
Colorado Hawk’s Nest Vineyard 2022 Sparking Blanc de Noirs
Colorado may not be the first location that comes to mind for American sparkling wine, though this bottle could change that. Crisp, fresh, just enough fruit—it’s an affordable, easy to drink sparkling wine that suits nearly any occasion or need. It’s great for gifting, too.
Added: October 2023
This product is sold by Ordinary Fellow
Siren Sunglasses
Siren Sunglasses
Handmade in Japan, VADA sunglasses are high-quality and sturdy with a distinctly jaunty look. Their Siren design features diamond-shaped lenses and are crafted from organic cellulose acetate. This material, along with the 18k gold-plated hardware, makes them feel anything but flimsy—though they are lightweight and comfortable to wear. Available as spectacles or sunglasses, Siren comes in various colorways from black onyx to bright green spearmint and candy pink Urchin (pictured here). With 100% UVA and UVB protection and an anti-reflective coating, they provide function and flair in equal parts.
Added: March 2023
This product is sold by VADA
101 Fornications Shirt
101 Fornications Shirt
The cheekily named 101 Fornications Shirt from playful Paris-based Carne Bollente (helmed by Hijiri Endo, Théodore Famery and Agoston Palinko) continues the brand’s sex-positive manifesto. The green garment has been embroidered with figures reminiscent of Renaissance sculptures, lining up in somewhat provocative poses. Playful without being pornographic, it’s a lighthearted, eye-catching design. Made in Portugal from 97% cotton and 3% elastane, this garment is intended for all genders and is available in XS to XL.
Added: March 2023
This product is sold by Carne Bollente
MENAGE Ring
MENAGE Ring
Appearing like molten lava that trapped gemstones within, the MENAGE Ring from Seattle-based jewelry brand FARIS (founded by Faris du Graf) is available in sterling silver or gold-plated iterations. The silver features citrine, topaz and a freshwater pearl, while the gold is adorned with garnet, citrine and a freshwater pearl. The piece possesses an organic element that’s charming and dramatic.
Added: March 2023
This product is sold by FARIS
Bloom Necklace
Bloom Necklace
From the Philadelphia-based brand Picnic, helmed by designer Chloe Keene, the Bloom Necklace combines fine jewelry with playful, cartoonish elements. Crafted from sterling silver, the flower-shaped pendant features simulated aquamarine, pink tourmaline, golden topaz and a lab-grown white sapphire on each petal.
Added: March 2023
This product is sold by Picnic Jewelry
The Renewal Cream Duo
The Renewal Cream Duo
From RéVive Skincare, the Renewal Cream Duo comprises 50ml jars of their Moisturizing Renewal Cream (for use before bed) and Moisturizing Renewal Day Cream. While both hydrate facial skin (thanks to a formulation that utilizes the epidermal growth factor molecule), the former aims to diminish fine lines overnight through gentle exfoliation, and the latter, a broad-spectrum SPF 30, protects against the sun. RéVive Skincare was founded by Dr Gregory Brown, who quested to develop a process to heal burn victims.
Added: February 2023
This product is sold by RéVive Skincare
LM2 Palladium
LM2 Palladium
Two balance wheels (mechanisms that regulate the mechanical movement that powers a wristwatch) spin above a subtle blue sunray dial to compose the striking, symmetrical visual presence of MB&F’s latest horological masterpiece: the Legacy Machine No.2 Palladium. Within the 44mm palladium case, 3D architecture sees each balance wheel oscillating beneath a rounded sapphire crystal cupola thanks to their own double-arc, mirror-polished bridge. Not only is the watch aesthetically complex, it’s a micro-engineering wonder. This new model will be limited to 18 pieces.
Added: February 2023
This product is sold by MB&F
70% Yuzu Chocolate Bar
70% Yuzu Chocolate Bar
Roasted, ground and molded in California’s Napa Valley, chef Thomas Keller’s bean-to-bar chocolate brand, K + M, now offers a refreshingly delicious 70% dark chocolate and yuzu blend. Freeze-dried Japanese yuzu peel joins Arriba Nacional cacao from Ecuador’s Hacienda Victoria Estate, organic cocoa butter and organic cane sugar for a luscious, light flavor.
Added: February 2023
This product is sold by K + M Bean-to-Bar Chocolate
Rabbit Hole Wallet
Rabbit Hole Wallet
From the playful, sex-positive brand Carne Bollente, the Rabbit Hole wallet (made from polyurethane) features an embroidered design of two copulating bunnies on one side. With a zip closure and a card slot, the wallet also has room for some cash and small valuables inside.
Added: February 2023
This product is sold by Carne Bollente
Brass Silk Cocoon Locket
Brass Silk Cocoon Locket
Hand-cast from a real silkworm cocoon, this brass locket from Hudson Valley-based K/LLER COLLECTION (helmed by Katie deGuzman) is a nature-inspired accessory crafted to keep tiny trinkets safe and close. Hanging from a blackened brass chain, it’s a charming take on a traditional locket with a slight punk rock edge.
Added: November 2022
This product is sold by K/LLER COLLECTION
“Danger!” Sleeping Mask
“Danger!” Sleeping Mask
From Intoart, a Peckham-based collective of artists and designers with learning disabilities, this sleep mask was created by Andre Williams. The soft velvet fabric features vibrant orange and pink letters spelling out “Danger!” (perhaps a warning not to wake the snoozer). With a satin headband, this playful accessory measures 20 by 10cm. Price is in Pounds.
Added: November 2022
This product is sold by Intoart
Smiley Flower Necklace
Smiley Flower Necklace
For her eponymous jewelry brand, designer Aeri Go finds inspiration in the Korean virtue of inner peace connecting with harmony in the physical world (a concept traced to Confucianism). Soft curves and minimalist design reflect this equilibrium, as well as a resonance with nature. For the Smiley Flower Necklace, Go crafted a bulbous floral (sculpted with wax and then cast in sterling silver) to craft an elegant, thoughtful pendant that hangs from a delicate 18-inch chain.
Added: November 2022
This product is sold by Aeri Go
Bloomingdale’s 150 Anniversary Polo Bear Watch
Bloomingdale’s 150 Anniversary Polo Bear Watch
To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Bloomingdale’s, Polo Ralph Lauren has released a covetable limited edition automatic wristwatch. Crafted in Switzerland, the stainless steel timepiece incorporates a sapphire crystal exhibition case back, as well as a commemorative crest. The watch face features a charming 3D-printed rendition of the Polo Bear clad in a cricket sweater, herringbone blazer and duffel coat. Each comes with a black and white tie silk fabric strap, designed specifically for this collection. Only 20 watches have been produced—and they’re available exclusively at the department store’s iconic 59th Street location in Manhattan.
Added: September 2022
This product is sold by Polo Ralph Lauren
Un Poco Loco Necklace
Un Poco Loco Necklace
Smiley faces, fruits, yin-yangs, hearts and pearls fill this glass bead necklace from Copenhagen-based Pura Utz. Handmade by a team of artisans in Guatemala, the playful piece promises to be eye-catching on its own, but pairs beautifully with other jewelry. The colorful necklace is available in two sizes: 42cm or 50cm. Price is in kroner.
Added: August 2022
This product is sold by Pura Utz
“Dream A Little Dream” Necklace
“Dream A Little Dream” Necklace
From Jessica Tse’s NOTTE Jewelry, the “Dream A Little Dream” pearl necklace is part of the MEZZANOTTE collection which exists as a “love letter to the magical hours that birthed the brand.” It’s a playful take on the classic string of pearls, comprising freshwater pearls and gold-filled beads. Each piece is handmade, and no two are identical.
Added: July 2022
This product is sold by NOTTE Jewelry
Giordano Earrings
Giordano Earrings
Designed by Elizabeth Whitcomb in Brooklyn’s Red Hook neighborhood, these elegant Giordano Earrings from TAPLEY feature squiggly-shaped pieces that recall whimsical, abstract foliage. Available in small or large, the earrings are made from recycled sterling silver and can be moved around for slight changes to the look. Price reflects a size small.
Added: June 2022
This product is sold by TAPLEY
Glassy Hoops
Glassy Hoops
Handblown by a local artisan in Brooklyn, these glass earrings from contemporary jewelry designer Annika Inez are a playful take on classic hoops. Available in five colors (blue, aqua, mauve, purple or clear) these borosilicate glass pieces are fastened to a solid 14K solid gold post and catch light, adding to their shine.
Added: April 2022
This product is sold by Annika Inez
Lava Earrings
Lava Earrings
Evoking the liquified, amorphous shape of molten lava, these striking earrings from Seattle-based jewelry line FARIS drip and shine across the lobe. Handmade to order, the Lava studs are a study in wearable sculptures and abstractionism. They are available in sterling silver or bronze.
Added: March 2022
This product is sold by FARIS
Wibbly Wobbly Rope Tote
Wibbly Wobbly Rope Tote
Founded by Irish textile designer Hannah Whelan, Brooklyn-based MÁLA focuses on playful but long-lasting bags. Every item is designed, hand-stitched and shipped by Whelan—and the Wibbly Wobbly Rope Tote is no exception. This twist on the classic tote bag is named after the Irish treat (an ice cream filled with banana, strawberry and lemon jelly) from the ’70s, and comes in various colorways. Our favorite is the red and pink iteration. Made from canvas, it’s 15 by 16 inches and its double handles (crafted from nylon) measure around 12 inches. Each bag will vary slightly due to its handmade nature.
Added: March 2022
This product is sold by MÁLA
Jade Beads Chain Bracelet
Jade Beads Chain Bracelet
An innovative Beijing-based brand known for uncovering connections between jewelry and the body, YVMIN teamed up with luxury fashion brand XU ZHI to create this striking jade and silver bracelet. Pairing a modern chunky chain with delicate, traditional jade beads, this piece accentuates the endurance and strength found in both materials.
Added: March 2022
This product is sold by YVMIN
Lab-Grown Diamond Cushion Cut Studs
Lab-Grown Diamond Cushion Cut Studs
Available in different sizes, metals and colors, these lab-grown diamond studs bring a sparkle to your ears. Also available loose and in other settings, Lightbox Jewelry’s stones are unlike other diamonds. Natural diamonds are unique and formed some 100 miles below ground one to three billion years ago, due to unique temperature and pressure conditions, and eventually pushed toward the ground through volcanic activity, but lab-grown diamonds are made using technology to replicate that natural process. Lightbox crafts them at their high-tech lab outside of Portland, Oregon using a Chemical Vapor Disposition (CVD) chamber, where a small slice of an existing lab-grown diamond is placed, gases are inserted and heated by microwaves. When the gases turn to plasma, it enables the lab-grown diamond to grow. It’s a linear and precise process, with a carat-sized stone growing in a month or so, and a two-carat stone growing in two months. Different gases create clear, pink or blue stones. Once grown, the stone is treated like any other: it gets cut, graded, polished and set. These blue 1.5-carat diamonds look fresh and clean in their 14k white gold setting.
Added: February 2022
This product is sold by Lightbox
Mystic Box
Mystic Box
Coming in several fun shapes, DOIY’s collection of “Mystic” ceramic boxes provides playful ways to store jewelry and trinkets. Available in various shapes—including this heart, as well as a sun, moon and crystal ball—these vessels are practical but offer a touch of magic. Price is in Euros.
Added: February 2022
This product is sold by DOIY
Mini Daisy Studs
Mini Daisy Studs
Natasha Ghosn’s jewelry and fragrance line, MONDO MONDO, blends mythological inspiration and traditional craft with contemporary charm to make timeless pieces. The brand’s 14k yellow gold Mini Daisy studs are dainty (measuring about 6.5mm) with a vintage feel. The handcrafted pieces are sold as singles or in pairs.
Added: February 2022
This product is sold by Mondo Mondo
