THEVALENTINE’S DAYGIFT GUIDE
Maggie Westhead,-Digital Editor

Show your loved one how much you care this Valentine’s Day with a perfectly selected romantic gift

Whether you’re into grand romantic gestures or quieter signs of appreciation, there's a way to mark the occasion. Here, we speak to some stylish experts on how to choose the ideal gift that says ‘I love you’ without feeling like you’re just going through the Valentine’s Day motions. 

Valentines Gift Guide 2021

Show her some luxe

Sometimes it’s good to go for something a little bit more considered. Hint: not many would turn their noses up at a pair of silk pyjamas or a satin robe. Beauty products are also a good option and if your better half is a fan of scented candles then Aery's fragrant candles are a surefire hit. If you are looking to buy scent, make sure you read beauty editor Cassie Steer's How to buy perfume guide.

‘Small daily signs of affection are worth more to me than a grandiose gift once a year’ says Red editor Sarah Tomczak. ‘For this reason, I’d be thrilled to receive some lovely Le Labo shower gel, which would instantly elevate my morning shower. Or a really nice bottle of gin, so we could enjoy a glass together on a Friday evening after a busy week. Or maybe some simple gold hoop earrings that I’d wear every day and with everything.’

Valentines Gift Guide 2021

Men’s classics

If you want to quietly impress him this Valentine’s Day, go for something less expected. Here at John Lewis & Partners, we have a range of niche brands including Amor LuxAubin and British Boxers all providing refined style that’s hard to find elsewhere. 

‘I’d buy this Scoth & Soda hoodie with contrasting panels for my partner,’ says Dan Jones, writer and author of Diana: Style Icon (Hardie Grant books). ‘Scotch & Soda create super-wearable pieces with an edge, but each item always seems to have a clever little detail that sets it apart. My partner is about the same size so I'll probably steal it and wear it myself – love is about sharing, right?’

Small daily signs of affection are worth more to me than a grandiose gift once a year

Sarah Tomczak,-Editor, Red
Valentines Gift Guide 2021
Valentines Gift Guide 2021

Love yourself

‘Having spent more of my time as a bachelor than in long term relationships, I really feel that Valentine’s Day is perfect for single people,’ says Alfred Tong, columnist and contributor to British GQ and Mr Porter. ‘It’s so nice and flattering to send someone a message on Valentine’s Day – just a simple light-hearted text or even a phone call. It’s the perfect way to cheer them up on one of the gloomiest times of the year. Go for it.’

It’s so nice and flattering to send someone a message on Valentine’s Day – just a simple light-hearted text or even a phone call

Alfred Tong,-Columnist
Valentines Gift Guide 2021

Timeless appeal

If all else fails, you can’t go wrong with good old flowers, chocolates or a favourite tipple. While these gifts require less time and thought, they are universally well received. And yes, for those who want to dive into Valentine’s Day in all its pink-tinged glory, we have a selection of heart-shaped products. Who couldn’t love this heart-shaped umbrella. Romantic and practical, too.

‘For me, the romantic gestures are far more significant than the gifts – every day my husband makes me coffee to take on my morning commute and that feels really special,’ says Sarah.

Valentines Gift Guide 2021

Make it personal

If you want to make your loved one feel truly special, how about choosing a gift personalised with their name or initials? Somehow the fun of owning something with your name on it hasn’t waned from the pencil-case pride of our school days. From notebooks and decorative tiles to exquisite necklaces, our range of personalised products offers items to suit all tastes. Just remember that some of our personalised gifts take extra time to prepare, so plan ahead and check delivery times to ensure that special message is ready for 14 Feb.

‘I love Valentine’s Day,’ says Morag Turner, editor of citykidsmagazine.co.uk and mother-of-three. ‘My husband always gets me a little gift that is traditional with a twist. For example, if he’s buying flowers he will steer clear of red roses and go for white hydrangeas or an orchid because I prefer them. Much more important than a present is a card with a personal message that is special to us. But my favourite gifts are little cards and homemade things from my children. For me Valentine’s Day is much more about small thoughtful tokens than grand gestures.’

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