A Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

Gifts to give someone you love—including yourself—this Valentine’s Day.

First Editions of Their Favorite Books

Or, surprise them with a special binding of a book they don’t own yet, from an author they cherish. An old boyfriend had gifted me a beautiful copy of letters from a man to his long-time partner (a feminist writer) over the course of a decade. This wasn’t a Valentine’s Day surprise but rather something given to me on the night he told me he loved me. (Which is infinitely more romantic.)

A few ideas:

• The Diary of Anaïs Nin: Volume I, by Anaïs Nin
• Witness to My Life, from Jean-Paul Sartre to Simone de Beauvoir
• The Hour of the Star, by Clarice Lispector
• Slow Days, Fast Company, by Eve Babitz
• Giovanni’s Room, by James Baldwin
• Jitterbug Perfume, by Tom Robbins

A Perfume on Their Wish List

Surprise them with a bottle they’ve been longing for—or perhaps one you think they’ll love. Fragrance is entirely personal, but if you’re a perfume-pilled couple (or a partner who can guess what your lover will want to try next), this date night perfume guide is at your disposal.

Every time they wear it, they can’t help but think of you.

• Cartier L’Heure Convoitée, which smells a flush of flirtation and sweet, strawberry-stained kisses
• YSL Babycat needs no explanation; it’s simply one of the sultriest vanillas a person could wear
• Jouissance Les Cahiers Secrets, a soft and sensuous, powdery perfume for the introverted feminist
• Bottega Veneta Alchemie, to heat cold skin with opulent spices and magnetic myrrh
• Perfumehead LA LA Love, because you la-la-love them
• Liis Choux Choux, since they’re the most delectable—and so irresistible you can’t help but want to devour them whole

Love Letters

Preferably handwritten—but so long as it’s from the heart, a note will eclipse any other material gift.

A Beautiful Journal

Do include an opening letter—like a preface to the story of their thoughts and life—or sprinkle little love notes throughout the diary as a surprise for them to stumble upon someday.

(This I can’t take credit for either. Every time I started a new journal, my brother would disappear with it for a few minutes and over the next few months, I’d find silly messages that made my day.)

Gorgeous Loungewear—Not Lingerie

Make it a set, or splurge on a plush hotel robe. The goal is to pamper your Valentine outside the context of your relationship. It’s a reminder that you love them for who they are, not just how they love you.

A few favorites:

• Anything from Cou Cou Intimates 
• Tekla Kodiak bathrobe
• Jo’s Lounge ruffled dress with the sweetest swan lace panels
• Gauzy linen sleepwear from Deiji Studios—like this cream set or checked charcoal one
• Vintage Christion Dior is always a good idea; this nightgown is dreamy
• Fleur du Mal Haori kimono-inspired robe

Expensive Candles & Incense

Indulge them with the scents they’d second guess adding to cart.

• Diptyque Amande candle
• Loewe Roasted Hazelnut candle
• Astier de Villatte Opera incense sticks
• Nepo Latrop Paupouli candle
• L’Artisan Parfumeur Amber Boule
• Trudon Abd El Kader Room Spray

Here’s to love.

.   .   .

xx