Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

February is a lot of things. Sixty-something degree weather one year, and bitter cold the next (hellooo, Nemo!). It’s the start of spring semester, Black History Month, and of course, Valentine’s Day.

They say it’s commercial—if not altogether superficial—and to some extent Valentine’s Day is. I’ll be the first to call it an ingenius maneuver on part of the consumer industry, and yet here I am, single as single can be, wandering the Valentine’s Day pop-up aisles (at Target, specifically) with almost too much enthusiasm. I will be that girl with red lipstick and nails to match just for the occasion. Theme dressing shouldn’t just come once a year with Halloween.

Here’s the thing: single or not, we’re busy; it’s understandable. But in an American society where we’re bred to be individualistic, more often than not we take for granted those we love most. Life can be sticky; it can be hectic, too—it’s hard to sit down and tell someone just how much truly care. Think of Valentine’s Day as a chance to show the people in your life just how much you care. Is it so silly, then, to set aside a mere 24 hours of the year to cherish the lover, boyfriend, husband, best friend, girlfriend, who makes your world that much better?

It needn’t be an extravagant gesture, but with just a few days left before the day, there’s both incredible excitement and pressure to perform. Stop. Breathe. Whether you’ve been together for a week or a few years now, that person is with you and only you for a reason. You know him. You know her. Don’t second guess your efforts—but lucky you gentlemen have me around at your fingertips for a Valentine’s Day gift guide. Ladies who are are reading this: hey. Self-love is a real thing. You deserve a little something that’s from you, to you, and love, you.

Nothing says love better than heart-shaped waffles for the morning of—and the morning after. And for late night treats, gift a pair of Alessi heart spoons for honey-drizzled vanilla ice cream. Best served in bed with nothing but an Agent Provocateur robe…

For the Jane Austen lover and romantic at heart, a mug that says it all. It’s the gift that keeps on giving; with every morning coffee or nighttime cup of tea, she’s reminded that you’re her Mr. Darcy; it’s enough to make any little bookworm melt: “You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you…”

Skip Tiffany’s for the jewelry, and opt for something unique instead. Pretty blue boxes say you know where to go, but something less ubiquitous says you know her well.   Sweet little earrings for the girly-girl, and a silver ring that says it all. Nothing says yes better than the French, non? Or, perhaps a  delicate necklace with two bars, each engraved with your initials.

Don’t just tell her she’s your last love: show her.

Now onto the sexy little things, because a girl loves her lingerie. Think simple, but beautiful. Sophisticated, but sexy: your best bets are balconnets, unlined lace, or demi bras in a palette of black, ballet pinks, or a pretty neutral. (Venturing into reds and other colors can be tricky as some combinations can come across as tacky.) Matching sets – meaning a bra and underwear (matching garters and waspies optional, but duly recommended) tied up in a big box and fluffy bow are the key; presentation is everything.

For the beginners, try Victoria’s Secret. It’s hard to go wrong with something from VS. The environment is certainly less intimidating and easier to navigate; plus, the price tags are more on the affordable side (in the lingerie world). This Very Sexy black and pink lace set  is, well, very sexy. You agree?

A pink box, though, will always ensure palpitations (the good kind) from both the lucky lady—and lucky gent. Any of Agent Provocateur’s sets from their classics collection will do the trick: perhaps the Fifi? Mercy? Or Love? Better yet, make a trip of it as a couple. You’ll be happy you did…

The connoisseur, however, knows there’s more to lingerie than VS and AP. There’s the Mimi Holliday Confetti Bomb (how cute are the panties?!) set for the sweetheart; the Lascivious Nenah bra, ouvert knickers and garter belt for Lady Danger; the Mimi Holliday Luna Belle set for the coquette; and the Bordelle Angela dress for the bondage queen.

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“It took us so long to realize that a purpose of human life, no matter who is controlling it, is to love whoever is around to be loved.”

—Kurt Vonnegut

So grab your friends, your lovers, your boyfriend, husband, wife. Look them in the eye, and say those three little words.

I love you.

.   .   .

x

For  more on Valentine’s Day and self-love, read this and this.