GIFT GUIDE

Valentine’s Day Gifts That Won’t Feel Tired After a Week

by Andrea Whittle, Maxine Wally and Tilden Bissell

Jan. 22, 2020

Of all the terrible, consumer-centric holidays on the calendar, Valentine’s Day is the undisputed champ for worst and most useless gifts. Teddy bears, a dozen red roses, balloons, and other last-minute purchases representing an antiquated view of what love should be aren’t cutting it anymore. Let’s give our loved ones—in whatever form they take—lavish items that won’t fade come February 15. Here, some of our favorites, including accessories and jewelry they can wear year-round, subscriptions to natural wine purveyors, and the age-old favorite, chocolate—a classic V-day gift still acceptable and welcomed by all who receive it.

For the girlfriend who lives by the “treat yoself” mantra.

Aesop hand and body care kit, $120, Aesop.com

For your bougie sister.

A day pass to a trendy new Brooklyn bathhouse, $50-80, Abathhouse.com

For your mom.

Thirst Merchants natural wine subscription, $98 per month, Thirstmerchants.com

For the girlfriend who gave you a really good Christmas present.

Gucci x Richard Ginori porcelain pot, $490, Matchesfashion.com

For the girlfriend who loves all things whimsical.

Tim Walker’s Wonderful Things, $45, Abramsbooks.com

For your friend who needs to take a chill pill.

Nature of Things hemp-infused floral bath, $150, Natureofthings.com

For your Gen-Z cousin who’s on Tik-Tok constantly.

Glossier lip gloss and highlighter duo, $32, Glossier.com

For the friend who hates Valentine’s Day.

Telfar logo stud earrings, $160, Telfar.com

For your other friend who needs to take a chill pill.

Bearaby woven weighted blanket, $259, Westelm.com

For the boyfriend whose liquor cabinet is always fully stocked.

Mau House bronze bottle opener, $50, Comingsoonnewyork.com

For the friend who isn’t into bouquets but loves flowers.

La Montaña Sacred Roses scented candle, $38, Mrporter.com

For the friend who did dry January and is *over it*.

Donkey and Goat 2018 Ramato Pinot Gris, $28, Donkeyandgoat.com

For the boyfriend who obsessively watched Greatest of All Time Jeopardy.

Piecework jigsaw puzzle, $36, Pieceworkpuzzles.com

For the matchmaker who channels cupid year-round.

Briker & Eliza necklace, $238, Modaoperandi.com

For the friend who has a Google alert set for “Gossip Girl reboot.”

Shrimps beaded headband, $235, Shrimps.com

For the recently heartbroken in need of relief.

Edie Parker Flower pipe, $125, Edieparkerflower.com

For the friend who’s cooler than you.

Sandy Liang earrings, $265, Sandyliang.com

For the friend who needs something to match the heart she wears on her sleeve.

Prada socks, $354, Matchesfashion.com

For the roommate who refuses to go outside when it’s below freezing.

Entireworld cotton French terry sweatshirt, $88, and sweatpants, $88, Nordstrom.com

For the boyfriend who could use an upgrade from the Uniqlo scarf he’s been wearing for years.

Gucci wool and cashmere scarf, $430, Mrporter.com

For the coworker whose desk drawer chocolate you’re always stealing.

Dada Daily chocolate bars, $12, Dadadaily.com

For the girlfriend who has everything.

Vladimir Kanevsky porcelain poppy sculpture, $3,200, Modaoperandi.com