Valentine's Day Gift Guide For Her
It’s everyone’s most uncomfortable holiday! Nothing makes you feel the throws of romance quite like shitty chocolate and paper hearts. Despite the inherent hatred that most people have towards Valentine's Day, there is still a part of us who want to make an effort to do something for our loved ones. If the thought of succumbing to making a Valentine's Day gesture nauseates you, I would reconsider your stance by the end of this post. I have compiled a list of non-romantic and unusual gifts that are more meaningful than those repulsive lingerie sets Victoria Secret inundates your email with. Not only that, but these are things that your lady would love to have and wouldn't buy herself. Some of these things are on the higher end spectrum, but I do that with full knowledge that I think you should invest in indulging your girl. We know that there is an unrealistic standard for men on Valentine's Day to make dramatic professions of love, and this list will do a lot of the heavy lifting out of finding the perfect gift. I have done weeks of research to bring you a wide selection for any woman you are buying for, and every item has corresponding links. I would love you to leave your suggestions in the comments of the things you want to give your ladies this year, and enjoy!
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Tom Ford Lip Color Matte: First Time or Night Porter ($54)
UNDERSTATED GIFT OF A LIFETIME: Luxury lipstick. If you have a woman in your life who appreciates beauty and excellence, blow her mind and buy her a designer lipstick. Not only is this an unexpected and uncommon gift to give, but the packaging alone is something she will enjoy pulling out of her bag everyday. The Tom Ford Lip Color Matte is a lipstick I have wanted for years, and would drop dead to receive. Yes, this lipstick is expensive. Yes, it is worth it if given to the right person. This is not the gift for the low maintenance girl who doesn't appreciate nice things. Most women won't spend $54 on a lipstick, so be the one to do it for her! She will find a million different areas that could use the money, so treat her in the way she usually wouldn't. My shade recommendations are First Time and Night Porter from Tom Ford's Lip Color Matte Collection, but pick a lipstick from a brand she admires. If you can't wrap your head (or wallet) around $54, I highly recommend the Bobbi Brown Luxe Lip Color ($37), the Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Lip Color ($37), or Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Luminous Modern-Matte Lipstick ($34). Click on either side of the images to flip through the lipsticks I have recommended.
Tom Ford: https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/tom-ford-lip-color-matte/3900236
Bobbi Brown Luxe Lip Color: https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/bobbi-brown-luxe-lip-color/4113267?offset=2&top=72&flexi=8000786_8000824
Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Lip Color: https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/yves-saint-laurent-rouge-pur-couture-lip-color/3130770
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Luminous Modern-Matte Lipstick: https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/charlotte-tilbury-matte-revolution-luminous-modern-matte-lipstick/4083222
Le Specs Air Heart 51mm Sunglasses ($69)
Receiving nice pair of sunglasses, also unexpected. Again, depending on your girl, she likely spends less money on something like sunglasses. I know more women who buy cheap sunglasses than those who buy nice ones. Their idea is, "I loose sunglasses all the time, so I just buy cheap pairs." However, if you make the investment in nicer ones for her, she is more likely to take better care of them and keep track of them because they are seen as a gift romantically associated to you. These Le Specs are a classic, Old Hollywood glamour cat-eye lens that is suitable on many face shapes. And truthfully, these are very reasonably priced for a nice pair of sunglasses. https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/le-specs-air-heart-51mm-sunglasses/4446390
Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Lite® Circle Cardigan ($116)
Shoot me dead now. Not only am I a cardigan enthusiast, but I demand comfort in all of my garments. When passing through a Nordstrom I came across the unreasonably dreamy Barefoot Dreams Cardigans. SHUT UP AND SIT DOWN because this is not your mama's sweater. Barefoot Dreams makes some of the most luxurious cozy things that are user and washing machine friendly. I would know that my guy wanted me to have the best if I received this cardigan for Valentine's Day. Because sweaters are a daily staple to many women, spoiling them with a nice one will be a gift they will continue to thank you for. From weekday to weekend, this will be her everyday hero, all thanks to you!
Precious Metal Plated 6ct Cubic Zirconia Earrings ($56)
It wouldn't be a Valentine's gift guide without a little glitz. While yes, this is an area you can spend quite a bit of cash, you don't have to. I have found some beautiful 6ct Cubic Zirconia studs for $56 from Nordstrom's house brand that are simply beautiful. And the gleaming reviews sell it. These pretty little things are rated 4.5 out of 5 stars, and that says a lot! If you want to go the more traditional route for Valentine's Day but don't want to take the financial plunge, these are an excellent selection. And as we all know, women love seeing a tiny little jewelry box ;) https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/nordstrom-precious-metal-plated-6ct-tw-cubic-zirconia-earrings/2989897?origin=coordinating-2989897-0-3-PDP_1-recbot-fbt_similar_items&recs_placement=PDP_1&recs_strategy=fbt_similar_items&recs_source=recbot&recs_page_type=product
Comfy Pajama Set
Yes, yes, a million times, YES! I write this blogpost in the same set of pajamas I have linked. I am a firm believer that both and women and men won't ask for pajamas, but will thank you forever for giving it to them! Don't torture your lady with the unrealistic gift of lingerie. If she is into it, go for it. But I guarantee you that she will appreciate something comfortable before something that makes her feel tied down like the Christmas roast. And let's face it, lingerie is a gift for the men, not the women....Jesus. My set is in the classic black, and look forward to crawling into them every night. If you are like me and like to have different comfy clothes from my pajamas, I will link the same style but in a nightshirt if you want something lighter to sleep in.
Moonlight' Nightshirt ($49): https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/nordstrom-lingerie-moonlight-nightshirt/3719418?contextualcategoryid=2375500&origin=keywordsearch&cm_mmc=Linkshare-_-partner-_-15-_-1&siteId=QFGLnEolOWg-j.U4zZlsOe2wuEJ6UkMvPA
Brook and York Isla Enamel Pendant ($66)
Now here is a sweet little something for those of you perhaps in a new relationship, maybe celebrating Valentine's Day for the first time. If typical glitzy jewelry or intimate wear seems too soon, you're welcome. If not for the romantic relationship in your life, this is a great gift for your daughter, sister, or gal pal. This is the gift for the old soul who can appreciate the vintage inspired design. I know in the past I have longed for simple understated jewelry like this that was modest yet beautiful. Brook and York have an abundance of customizable pieces designed around this style, and I will link another one of my other favorite pieces. Not only are these pieces not crossing any lines, but nothing makes your special someone feel just that than customized piece just for them.
Enamel Pendant: https://brookandyork.com/collections/pendants/products/isla-enamel-pendant?variant=41716926670
Thin Bar Ring ($58): https://brookandyork.com/products/thin-bar-ring
LUSH Bath Bomb ($6.95)
A nice bath bomb is one of the only things that will impress both a business woman and a teenager. Don't associate the cost with the value she will place on some god-damn peace and quiet taking that bath. Women live absolutely batshit crazy lives, just ask one! We are in high standard environments, surged with hormones, all while attempting to prove our intelligence and worth at every waking moment. Giving a bathbomb is the gift of a break, and more importantly, that she is deserving of a break. A bath bomb is a universal gift, and will be cherished by any woman in your life. Below I have selected a festive rose bath bomb from LUSH, which continues to be one of their best sellers.
https://www.lushusa.com/bath/bath-bombs/tisty-tosty/07908.html
Flowers
If you are on a budget, flowers are a sure fire way to make anyone feel special. Mom, sister, girlfriend, or grandma, you just can't go wrong with some nice stems. While you can find blooms at your local grocery store, take the extra measure to go to a florist this time. This is the time to show your person just how much they mean to you, and a beautiful bouquet wrapped in florist paper will be a detail she will recognize. And during this time of year, you know your local florist will have an impressive selection. If this is going to be your gift of choice, buy anything besides red roses. Flowers are what she is expecting, so surprises her. Try yellow roses, red tulips, or an assorted bouquet would be even better!
CHARBONNEL ET WALKER Chocolate Truffles ($39.99)
If you couldn't imagine giving a Valentine's gift without chocolate, just buy her nice chocolates for shit's sake. I brought my sweet Auntie D a Charbonnel et Walker Chocolate selection back from London, and I was so happy to find a source in the U.S. to buy more. The packaging alone exudes luxury, and what's inside is even more so. Pair this chocolate with a bottle of the nice wine she won't buy herself, and consider her heart yours!
Diptyque Rose Delight Candle ($68)
Candles, like bath bombs, are a gift that says, "Relax and enjoy yourself." As mindfulness has been catapulted to the forefront of popular culture, candles are one of the small rituals that can really help you unwind and be... well, happier! There are a variety of price points in the candle market, so I have linked my high-end selection, as well as more budget friendly options.
Diptyque Rose Delight: https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/diptyque-rose-delight-candle-limited-edition/4864929?origin=category-personalizedsort&fashioncolor=BLUSH%20LEATHER
Bath & Body Works White Gardenia: http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/p/white-gardenia-3-wick-candle-023752025.html#q=gardenia&lang=en_US&start=3
Bath & Body Works Fresh Cut Lilacs : http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/p/fresh-cut-lilacs-3-wick-candle-023660705.html?cgid=3-wick-candles#start=1
Bath & Body Works Rose Water & Ivy: http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/p/rose-water-andamp-ivy-3-wick-candle-023660724.html?cgid=3-wick-candles#start=31
Hey Pretty Lady Ceramic Mug ($16)
Looking for a simple little gift to pair with a bit of candy? Take a look at this cheeky little mug that will remind her of you at every sip. What's more, the fun slogan and color scheme will surely put a pep in her step! And because it's a mug, it gives you the opportunity to fill it up with some of her favorite little things. A sheet mask, nail polish, chocolates, a gift card. The possibilities are endless, and can all be budget friendly.
https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/slant-collections-hey-pretty-lady-ceramic-mug/4848594
Love Letters of Great Men Vol. 2 ($13.95)
Do you give many books for Valentine's Day? I bet you don't. If you have more of the understated and silently romantic lady, take a look at Love Letters of Great Men. This is not, I repeat, NOT the gift to give your girlfriend/wife. Write that love letter yourself. But this is certainly the gift I would consider giving my Art Historian twin sister. If you have a friend or sister who loves literature and is a silent romantic, consider picking up this lovely little read on Amazon. The depth of the male emotion is a true mystery, so for $13.95, how can you not order this just for yourself?!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1440495904/ref=cm_sw_r_pi_dp_x_9-vKybRBGWCNN?tag=bm01f-20
Soap Flower Bathing Petals ($20)
If you like the idea of a bath bomb but want to get something a bit nicer, how about some soap flower petals? For $20, the single act of sprinkling soap flower petals in a bath will excite her inner princess! This is a great all-rounder gift for any woman. Your boss, mom, neighbor, teacher, anyone will be dazzled by this concept. Spoil whomever she is with this beautiful box of blooms, and enjoy receiving all the credit for being "so creative" this year!
https://www.uncommongoods.com/product/soap-flower-bathing-petals
'Bliss' Plush Throw Blanket ($39.99)
Who doesn't cherish a good snuggle with their person? If a woman is the greatest nurturer, a buttery throw blanket has to be the second best! Upgrade your favorite cuddle-up corner with a wonderfully plush blanket available in a wide array of classic and fresh colors. My favorite is the very festive pink brick color.
More Wonderful Gift Ideas
If you still need more inspiration with a little less explanation, this is for you!
(Links do not appear in the order of the items, and not all linked items are shown above)
Sugar Lip Tinted Lip Treatment: https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/fresh-sugar-tinted-lip-treatment-spf-15/3470089?origin=category-personalizedsort&fashioncolor=COBALT
Scarlet Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle: https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/swell-scarlet-insulated-stainless-steel-water-bottle/4853924?origin=productBrandLink
GUCCI Bloom Eau de Parfum: https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/gucci-bloom-eau-de-parfum/4699204?origin=category-personalizedsort&fashioncolor=SEAL%20HEATHER%20GREY
Signe Lemons Phone Case: https://www.signecollection.com/shop/lemon
L'Occitane Shea Hand Cream Trio: https://usa.loccitane.com/shea-hand-cream-trio,82,1,29193,1196516.htm
L'Occitane Nourishing Shea Body Ritual: https://usa.loccitane.com/nourishing-shea-body-ritual,82,1,29193,1205222.htm#s=91574
Ugg Addison Bow Slipper: https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ugg-addison-bow-slipper-women/4770746?origin=keywordsearch&keyword=ugg+addison
Paris Trinket Dish: https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/city-trinket-dish?category=valentines-day-shop&color=040&quantity=1&size=One%20Size&type=REGULAR
Fortune Cookie Cosmetic Case in Red: https://www.markandgraham.com/products/monogrammed-fortune-cookie-cosmetic/?pkey=cpersonalized-valentines-gifts&isx=0.0.1608
Facial/Massage/ Manicure/Pedicure Gift Certificate: check your local spas and salons for rates
Real Simple Magazine Subscription: https://subscription.realsimple.com/storefront/subscribe-to-real-simple/site/sm-bundlenojet1117-tpl.html?utm_medium=paid&utm_source=google.com&utm_campaign=cmr-realsimple&link=1018273&fpa_oc=SM+SEM+Bundle+2018
Face Mask Subscription: https://www.facetory.com/pages/gift-subscription-plan
Body Scrub: https://www.ulta.com/moroccan-rose-shea-sugar-scrub?productId=xlsImpprod13841053