Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. While you never need a reason to celebrate love, February 14 is a nice reminder to cherish that special someone, even if that someone is yourself.
If you need help picking out a gift, look no further. Here are our picks that go beyond roses to give your loved one this V-day.
Whether you are in a new relationship or flying solo, spread the love with these finds.
For the new lovers
Meadowlark cherub charm necklace, $299
Jewellery seems like an easy gift to celebrate a new relationship, but it can be tricky to nail what your sweetheart would like. This cherub charm necklace from New Zealand brand Meadowlark is the perfect, subtle romantic talisman. Take note of whether they wear gold or silver as it is available in sterling silver ($189), 23k gold-plated ($299) and 9ct yellow gold ($2209).
Cambridge Imprint origami heart bunting kit,$28
The Cambridge Imprint is a small paper-making business, and their heart bunting origami kit ($28) is a love-themed gift that is a little different. It’s a great idea if you know your pookie-bear often enjoys a little arts and crafts, or you could make it a date and sit down together to learn some origami together.
Daily Blooms seasonal Bella’s Blooms subscription, $65
Florists estimate that approximately 5 million roses will be delivered on Valentine’s Day. Flowers are a must to make your partner feel special, but if you are looking to out-do everyone else get them a flower subscription. The seasonal Bella’s Blooms offer a florist’s choice bundle, which includes limited edition bundles for V-day, Christmas and Easter.
Fortnightly or monthly national delivery is available and you pay ($65) as you go. They offer same-day delivery when ordered before 3pm, so also a great option if you’ve left your planning to the last minute.
Gentle Habits perfume oil in Byron Bay, $50
You can’t go wrong with perfume, and the Gentle Habits perfume oil (10ml/$50) in the Byron Bay scent is a best-selling roll-on fragrance that is perfect for on the go. The formula is alcohol-free – safe for your lover if they have sensitive skin – and infused with coconut oil to moisturise. The packaging is sustainably refillable so when they love it, you can buy them more next year.
LeTAO gateau pudding tiramisu, $49
Homemade from the heart is a sweet gesture, but this is an impressive dessert and you don’t need to lift a finger.
LeTAO is known for their famous cheesecakes made with Hokkaido milk, and their gateau pudding tiramisu has layers of soft cream, mascarpone mousse, coffee, and caramel. Free next-day delivery is available if you order before 2pm.
Do it together
Learn to salsa dance
Sure, you could do any dance class, but salsa is all about passion. If you want to take your sweetie for a spin, surprise them with a beginner lesson. By the end of the session, you will have picked up a few basic steps to whip out next time you come across a dance floor.
Beginner classes are easy to find, often free of charge and accommodate every experience level, even if you have two left feet.
Some free beginner trial classes to check out:
Pottery and wine night
While I can’t promise that the night will end with a sensual pottery sculpting scene like Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze’s, pottery is still a fun activity to try together. Clay and wine nights follow the same winning date-night formula as a paint and sip class, taking you through the basics of pottery and making your own vessel while enjoying some refreshments along the way.
Some venues to check out:
Soak Bathhouse soak essentials, $89 ($99 Fri-Sun)
Strip off and relax! At Soak Bathhouse, of course. With multiple locations in Queensland, NSW and Victoria, you can enjoy a 90-minute soak session ($89) where you’ll go between the mineral pool, hot spa, cold plunge, sauna and steam room. The essential package also allows for two beverages, a snack and robe.
Self-love
If you don’t have a significant other to celebrate this Valentine’s Day with, don’t fret. Use the day as an excuse to spoil yourself. If all you feel like doing is curling up on the couch and watching ’90s rom-coms, do it in comfort and style with a Hommey robe ($149) in their special V-day colourway. It’s just as warm and fuzzy as a hug.
Supernova ‘Everything Shower’ ultimate bodycare routine, $147
There is no better self-care than looking after your body. The “Everything Shower” ultimate body care routine from Supernova includes a clearing body mask, a softening wash and a smoothing scrub ($147). It’ll leave you feeling brand new.
Love and Swans ‘Midnight Muerte’ bralette, $270 and high waist thong, $270
Who says anyone needs to see a cute matching lingerie set? Do it for you. Love and Swans “Midnight Muerte” bralette ($270) and high waist thong ($270) is inspired by the Aztec folk saint known for healing, protection and guiding souls to the afterlife, and comes complete with embroidery and beading.
Wuthering Height by Emily Bronte vintage collector’s classics, $40
Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights isn’t a romance novel. But if you are looking to get ahead of the upcoming Emerald Fennell film adaption starring sexy Aussies Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, you may as well get this stunning hardback vintage collector’s classic ($40). Sometimes there’s nothing more romantic than getting under the covers with a good book.
Looking for something luxurious
Whitehill duck glass wine decanter, $175
Luxury is in the details and this glass duck decanter from Whitehill ($175) is a quirky way to enjoy your favourite drink. With silver plating and a glass body which holds about a litre of liquid, pair this gift with a bottle of their favourite beverage.
Montblac medium notebook, meisterstück Romeo & Juliet, $205
The leather Montblanc medium notebook is crafted in Italy and made for dreamers and poets. The meisterstück Romeo & Juliet cover comes in two romantic shades and is filled with 96 lined and fast-drying pages. Truly the most elevated way to write your love letters.
Le Creuset cast iron heart-shaped casserole with heart knob, $530
It’s common to say a meal was made with love, and Le Creuset is taking that sentiment to a whole new level with its cast iron heart-shaped casserole (complete with heart knob). The sweetheart shape has the same function as the brand’s regular cast iron items. While it’s definitely an investment piece, it comes with a lifetime guarantee and will surely keep you in their good books.
Tissot ‘Classic Dream’ 40mm, $775
Isn’t it time that you really showed them how much you care? The Tissot classic dream 40mm ($775) watch boasts up to 80 hours of power reserve, a stainless-steel case, Swiss automatic movement and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.
For him
Maple Co. ‘Bandana’ ring, $265
Men’s jewellery can be a minefield of dog tags, feathers and knives. This “Bandana” ring is simple enough that it will please the masses, but the etched bandana pattern adds a touch of interest. The ring is handcrafted from sterling silver.
Kodak Ektar H35 half-frame film camera , $100
If he’s been wanting to get into film photography, the Kodak Ektar H35 half-frame film camera ($100) is a great beginner camera. It is a single-lens point-and-shoot that uses 35mm film. It’s smaller and lighter than usual models and the half-frame means you get twice as much use from a roll of film, making it less expensive. No doubt they’ll love it so much that you will have more than sweet memories of the special day.
If they worship at the altar of Anthony Bourdain, they’ll love an opportunity to add some spice to their culinary repertoire. Kanzuri ($16) is a fermented chilli that’s been made for centuries in Japan and is an ideal addition to soups, ramen or roast meats. Your love bug can add a spoonful to any dish that requires a little bit of heat, and it also works great as an alternative to wasabi.
The Victorinox classic SD ($58) is an iconic lifetime multi-tool that makes a thoughtful gift. Your loved one will never be without a handy device with the inclusion of a small blade, scissors, nail file, 2.5mm screwdriver, keyring, tweezers and toothpick.
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