Hi everyone! It seems like only weeks since I was last talking to you about Valentine's Day, a year has passed in a blink! I just love to immerse myself in any occasion where there is an opportunity to give whether it's birthday, Christmas, or Valentine's Day - I just get caught up in all the hype, I can't help myself and I'm making no apologies for being in love with the day we celebrate LOVE.
If you prefer of course you could make your own hamper with your loved ones' very favourite things! I found this really good wicker one Personalised Wicker Hamper. I would cram it with Matt's favourite bits and pieces and share them with him of course. Something I HAVE to put inside a hamper for Matt every year? Calvin Klein boxers, such a cliche but easy gift!
Gallinee Facial Cleanser and Vinegar
Finally, what about truly elevating your self-care routine with the Kora Rose Quartz Heart Facial Sculptor. This unique crystal-infused heart shaped tool is designed to promote relaxation and enhance your skincare routine and is crafted from high quality rose quartz. This beauty tool is a symbol of love and positive energy so treating yourself or your loved one on Valentines day is the perfect occasion. I think this goes even deeper than skincare and has such a lovely meaning behind it.
Whether it's a personalised keepsake, a culinary treat, a beautiful scent or a unique token of appreciation and whether you're celebrating a new love, a life long partnership or a simple friendship, my advice is to go for it! In my view there is nothing more important than LOVE and showing LOVE and the world needs more of it.
If you're reading this I assume you too are on the lookout for the perfect Valentines Day gift to celebrate the day of love and affection. So keep on reading if you are looking for some great 2024 Valentines gifts.
I have to say that I could go on and on in this post because there are so many amazing brands out there and this is only a small reflection of the brands I love. I hope this Valentines Day gift guide gives you ideas for Valentines gift ideas whether it's for a partner or your friend for Galentines! It's the month of love.
Don't miss:
Valentines Foodie Gifts
Matt knows the way to my heart is through sweet treats and I absolutely love artisanal style chocolates on Valentines Day. Whilst we are Dairy Milk fanatics, you can't go wrong with a bar - for something more premium, two of my absolute faves are Laderach and Hotel Chocolat for their delicious choices, quality of chocolate and beautiful packaging. I love anything you can buy on next day delivery too so of course Hotel Chocolat on Prime is always a winner. When it comes to Laderach, their seasonal range is always amazing. This year we are seeing the most beautiful heart shaped treats and even pink little chocolate bears because nothing says I love you more than the best swiss chocolate, wrapped up in heartform. I will also never be disappointed if I receive a bar of Tony's Chococolonely - the salted caramel one makes such a lovely gift. If you're looking for Swiss chocolate with lower sugar, I adore Rhythm108, their praline bars and cookies are delectable and a hamper of these makes the best gift.
Of course, not everyone is a chocolate lover and perhaps cookies are more your thing. If you are London based, I can highly recommend arranging delivery of a box of the most scrumptious Creme cookies that are gently heated in the middle and are filled with the most delicious gooey centres. I often send friends Creme cookies and they truly are the best, plus they travel well too. If it's a giant cookie you're wanting {wouldn't be the first time I've ordered a giant Valentines cookie!} then this Valentines cookie is one of the best you can get, they taste SO good. I have ordered many times.
Sweetness of course can come in the form of a gift hamper too. My Mum absolutely loves a Fortnum and Mason hamper - they're great because you can get sweet or savoury and she loves the beautiful wicker hamper every bit as much as the food inside. It means the recipient can keep the hamper forever too. the Of course a gift hamper is so nice for sharing too, you can cosy up with a picnic with said hamper. My favourite hampers are either Harvey Nichols - I spotted a great one this year for the man in your life, the aptly named Man's Best Friend Hamper which sounds divine or of course, Fortnam and Mason's The Love Struck Hamper.
Harvey Nichols Man's Best Friend Gift Box - perfect for the man in your life
While browsing Fortnum and Mason I also spotted they're doing a Fortnam and Mason Cheese and Wine Hamper. Matt and I love a cheese and wine night and I can't think of anything more romantic than having a home cooked meal followed by some cheese and wine while curling up in front of the TV together. Talking of wine: sometimes simplicity is best and you cannot beat a special bottle of red. If I'm looking to treat Matt I will buy him a Tuscan red wine, because Tuscany is one of our favourite places and a bottle from there means so much. I grab it from a local wine shop to support a local business. Talking of cheese and my love of supporting smaller businesses, I can highly recommend Berry and Brie who provide the most wonderful grazing boards both sweet and savoury and deliver these most beautiful boxes nationally. I have personally used Berry and Brie since their inception and just adore their grazing boxes and platters.
All this said, what about just keeping it simple and easy on the pocket by doing something homemade instead such as chocolate covered strawberries? It's so easy you really don't need to be a culinary genius to pull it off! You can wake your Valentine {or GALentine!} up with a plate and then a bottle of champagne also! My favourite champagne is Telmont Champagne. An impeccable, sustainable champagne brand. If you're looking for a sustainable gift but want to keep it alcoholic, Wild Idol is as close to champagne as you can get, without the alcohol and they're the most sustainable alcoholic champagne in the world! Their branding is utterly divine.
If a spirit is more the vibe, then how about the most aesthetic drink I have seen: Pomello. Born in Sweden, raised in LA. This pomello and elderflower aperitif will take you away to the ocean and is perfect for a date night making cocktails.
Or you could do a joint gift and pick up a waffle maker and you can both spend the morning making waffles! I LOVE anything fun like this, we love a bonding activity over Valentines! I also LOVE the idea of decorating biscuits, Biscuiteers do a really fun DIY biscuit set. Basically my dream date.
Or if you're spending the day at work and want to do something special in the evening, how about a Fondue Set. Here's a great John Lewis one I found. What an indulgent and fun evening that would be!
Valentines Jewellery
What can possibly say 'I love you' more than a beautiful piece of jewellery? For the ultimate romantic gift I think it just has to be a blue box from Tiffany. I love their knot ring if you're looking for a luxurious Valentines gift.
Monica Vinader {shop via my link and you get 25% Monica Vinader discount automatically applied at checkout when you quote EMVALENTINES25) is my all time favourite for jewellery. I absolutely love the Gold Heart stud earrings and the Gold Singular Necklace Heart. Their heart range is divine this year. They also do engraved bracelets, which are the perfect forever gift for him and her. Don't forget to use promo code Monica Vinader EMVALENTINES25 to get 25% off at Monica Vinader.
My lifelong favourite jewellery brand is Pandora. I've adored Pandora ever since they first opened their store in Leeds and I queued up with everyone else for one of their charm bracelets. If your partner already owns one of their charm bracelets, a great idea would be to get a charm for them. Pandora charms stand the test of time and mean so much. This Engravable Heart Charm is special and perfect for valentines day! I also love this Sparkling Infinity Necklace and Stud Earrings. My favourite Pandora piece for Valentines though? This incredible heart shaped diamond ring!
The beautiful Pandora Engravable Heart Charm
Beauty Valentines Gift Ideas
There's nothing better than a little bit of pampering and a great way to show your partner some love is to get them something so they can take time to relax. We all have busy days, we all need a moment to ourselves. Think candles, baths, radiant and healthy skincare and you will give the message that your loved one is important and deserves indulging.
I love Diptyque candles especially Baies is my all time favourite but for Valentines Day Roses may be a really romantic option.
For skin cleansing, Elemis Cleansing Balm will always be the standard I hold all facial cleansers to for its texture, ingredients and cleansing efficacy. It's absolutely amazing so why not stock someone up on that as a Valentines gift? I don't know anyone who doesn't love it. As an alternative, I have also been loving the Gallinee Cleansing Bar which is a lovely gentle non-oil stripping bar containing prebiotics and lactic acid. I also think a cleansing bar makes such a lovely gift for a wellness hamper too. My facial skin is super sensitive at this time of year and I find this gentle and soothing. I also love Erborian products and the Erborian Cleansing Balm is a top quality cleansing balm that just makes the day melt away and used alongside one of the beautiful Milk & Peel Mask would be the perfect start to a pamper evening for him or her. Gifting skincare is the ultimate treat because selfcare is always a winner. Plus hello, the branding is
Of course there is so much more to a facial pamper than cleansing and a full facial set would make an ideal gift for someone who wants to start taking care of their skin. This Gallinee 3-step Radiance Routine
is the perfect place to get started.
Another lovely idea is doing skincare together, if it's not one of the products above, how about Dr Jart Duo Face Mask set whilst watching a movie together? Nothing says I love you like matching face masks from an amazing Korean skincare brand.
Alternatively for a gift that keeps on giving, I always recommend a Beauty Pie membership - a membership with access to luxury beauty and wellbeing gifts all year round. My Beauty Pie promo code EMSENTME saves you money. It's just wonderful to get a gift, that keeps giving,
Now onto beauty gift sets, I adore the Temple Spa brand and I have seen that they have introduced a limited edition set called Spa Wherever You Are for £30. I really think this will make a beautiful gift for your loved one, it's luxe without breaking the bank and bursting with their wonderful products.
Another brand I have grown very fond of this year is Necessaire. My Mum and I are currently using their Necessaire Body Serum and the Necessaire Body Lotion both of which are perfect for this harsh weather. I love their simple packaging and fragrance free offering - perfect for sensitive skins. This would make a gorgeous pampering gift.
Of course, pampering is not just for her, there are many nights when both Matt and I wear face masks and we both love a good skin care routine and long baths. Elemis muscle soak is a wonderful product for de-stressing and relaxing the body and don't forget to use Elemis promo code EM25 for 25% discount on Elemis. The First Class Grooming Edit Gift Set is certainly something I would choose for Matt as it has everything he needs for his daily routine. Rituals have got the Rituals for Busy Men Gift Box which is a lovely little gift set and at £28.05, this Decleor Men's Skincare Collection would make a beautiful gift for him. Matt loves a Molton Brown Bath and Shower gel and the Dark Leather Bath and Shower Gel is one of his favourites. A lovely bath and shower gel or hand wash and hand cream set makes a perfect gift for anyone I always find.
Shop the Kora Rose Quartz Heart Facial Sculptor
If you've got a man in your life who is more obsessed with haircare than yourself (Matt, I'm looking at you here!) then I would recommend picking up the Fudge Matt Hed Gas hairspray. Matt swears by this product and it manages to keep his hair in place all day! It's his holy grail so definitely worth grabbing one for that haircare lover.
Sticking with the theme of hair, treating your loved one to a hair cut or blow dry or both is a great gift. You may find your local barber / hair salon will do gift vouchers which are really handy and a nice present to give. I would book Matt in to Aveda for a cut (while I was having a blow dry as they do my favourite blow drys). Alternatively booking someone in for their nails doing for GALentines for example is a lovely treat. My favourite spots in London are London Grace and Townhouse and the best salon in Leeds is called Sable Beauty, you could book someone a facial, a mani and pedi or for their brows doing. You could even go together for nails and sit at the same time, the ultimate Galentines treat.
Another great gift for him or her is a massage. I've used Urban Massage App many times for a massage and the therapist I chose was incredible. You get to choose from different therapists and different type of massages and you can see full reviews of the person you are choosing. If you do book through the app (and I really recommend you do!) make sure to use my referral remshel9v for discount. This is the perfect gift because it is longer lasting than something that will just be eaten. I think I will book Matt in for a lovely full body massage this year, you can even do couples massages too.
I did also recently discover Stretch Lab, for someone who maybe does a lot of exercise, a great idea is to book them in for a full body 1-2-1 assisted stretch. Giving someone the gift of wellness / selfcare, which is something they maybe wouldn't make time for or pay for themselves is why I love more 'active' gifts like a massage or a stretch or even a hair cut!
Treat him to the First Class Grooming Edit Gift Set from Elemis
Fragrance Gifts For Valentines Day
I think a fragrance is such a special and classic gift because it can evoke emotions, memories and create a sensory experience. Fragrance is such a personal and thoughtful gesture as it reflects consideration for your loved ones' personal preference. It's also not something people buy themselves.
Of course, fragrance is very personal to the individual, almost part of someone's identity which is what makes this gift so intimate. If you don't know which fragrance your loved one will like there are some very popular ones that seem to go down well with most people. Viktor and Rolf will always get a mention, specifically Flowerbomb and Spicebomb because these are both such classic scents liked by so many. If you want one that is unisex, why not try the Gucci Oud Intense for a passionate scent for the occasion.
Jo Malone is likely to delight anyone. They have such a range of fragrances it can be difficult to know which to go for so I stick to the classics if you're unsure - Lime Basil & Mandarin, Pomegranate Noir, English Pear and Freesia or for something different try the beautiful unisex Wood Sage and Sea Salt Cologne. This year the Rose Blush Cologne is such a quirky addition to their Red Roses range and I can't wait to try it (Matt take note!)
If you want to treat your loved one to something extra special then Chanel fragrances are such classics. I personally love Chanel Coco Mademoiselle - it's feminine and musky but in all the best ways. Bleu de Chanel is a great option for a more masculine scent and is one of the worlds best sellers, so you know it will go down a treat.
I also really love L'Occitane for mens fragrances. This is one of Matt's favourites. It's very woody and spicy. L'Occitane fragrances are incredibly underrated.
For him, I also love Tom Ford Oud, Wood and Spices another of Matt's favourites.
Shop the Tom Ford Oud Wood Eau de Parum
Shop Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb here
Tech Gift Ideas
If you're a practical rather than romantic purchaser then tech is a great one as there is always something that your loved one needs or wants to purchase but keeps putting off.
Air Pods Max are the ultimate tech gift and will delight anyone! I've been seeing these all over the place and have heard how amazing they are particularly as they can cancel out any outside noise without having to listen to music!
Another great techy gift for all those music lovers out there is a B&O Speaker. I linked these also in my Christmas Gift Guide for last year and I'm doing it again now. Honestly they're the best speakers so if partner loves music this is a wonderful choice for them.
I'm sure we've all seen the love for the Dyson Airwrap and having used mine for sometime now I wouldn't hesitate to buy one for someone - I don't know what I did before I got mine. I guarantee your other half will be over the moon! However if you are struggling to find the airwrap or would like a less expensive option then I've heard incredible things about the Shark Flexstyle Air Styler. Essentially the same thing, but a fraction of the price! Finally if your thoughts are in this space for gift giving another quite pricey but equally brilliant tool worth looking at is the ghd Duet Style 2 in 1 Hot Air Styler which both styles and dries at the same time (and can be used to style of dry hair too) thereby reducing the number of tools you need and saves time. Now this really would be a top gift for a very lucky person, you truly cannot beat ghd. If you are looking for a guy friendly ghd gift {who doesn't love their hairdryers} then Matt has used the ghd unplugged pretty much every day since it launched, a great mini straightener and amazing for trips away.
Lastly recently I received an Ooni pizza oven as a birthday present and it's actually brought us so much joy. We love pizza, but always found ourselves ordering takeaway pizzas. Now we have our oven it makes it so much easier for us to just cook at home! We also host lots now too. So if you partner is a pizza lover I couldn't think of anything better. If a full blown pizza oven is just a step too far, but you wanna make lovely home made pizzas for Valentines then an easier alternative is the Oonie Pizza Steel 13 as it can be used in your standard oven. I LOVE hosting a pizza making night and this is such a fun idea for a Valentines day or GALENTINES day activity!
Shop the Air Pod Max in silver {Matt, if you're reading: I'd like these please!}
Sometimes all someone needs is a little bit of luxury. I tend to always suggest the same items but I truly think you can't go wrong and these are forever pieces.
Firstly a luxury scarf is a great choice. We're still in the middle of winter, it makes sense to invest in a scarf that's going to last a lifetime! My personal favourite has always been a Burberry scarf. I've had mine for years and love it as much as I did when I first got it. You can get one here and here.
Speaking of scarves, another great unisex option is a Burberry scarf. I've had mine since I was 21, they really do last a lifetime. You can get them online here, here and here.
I've also just recently got a Gucci scarf and am loving it! Again, I think this is going to be such a classic in the future and one that someone would absolutely love. Grab one here and here.
A wallet is also another great gift for someone special - I bought Matt a Montblanc one for Valentines day years ago and it's still in brand new condition now.
If you're looking for a purse then I personally love the Saint Laurent ones, I think they're so classy and classic.
If you're wanting something different but equally something really lovely for your significant other to open on Valentines day then how about a Passport case? I really love this Aspinal one (and it's on sale!).
Shop the Gucci Scarf here
Shop the Saint Laurent Cassandra wallet here
Shop the Aspinal Passport cover (on sale!) here
Shop the Tiffany Diamond Necklace here
Shop the Pandora Princess Wishbone Ring here
Flowers
Is there anything better? I love receiving flowers, whether it's valentines day, a birthday or even just randomly. I know I find myself always wanting to send them and so I wanted to recommend who I think are the easiest companies to use for quick flower delivery.
For a choice of supermarket chain, I'm super impressed with Waitrose who do the most beautiful flowers (I shouldn't be surprised based on how good their food is!). Check their Valentines Day 100 Sweetheart Roses. If in doubt, I always say go to a supermarket - buy the flowers and wrap them in brown paper for a chic feel without the cost. Selfridges, too, have a wonderful selection of flowers on their website from a handful of florists throughout London.
My brother and I actually got my Mum a year long flower subscription for Christmas, it's a good gift idea as it's a gift that keeps giving. She has been so thrilled every month to receive this gift.
Lastly, always have a look with your local florist! They would be more than happy to create something bespoke for you if you wanted and it's always important to support your local businesses.
Experiences
Sometimes, it's really nice to get away for a bit during Valentines. Coming off the back of Christmas, where you have family with you at every turn and then heading straight into January and starting back at work, it's hard to find the time to spend with your partner.
Each year, Matt and I try and have a little stay overnight somewhere at this time for that reason. It gives us time to just be with each other and have an amazing staycation! We have built a tradition of staying in the Royal Lancaster Hotel and this has become really special to us. It truly is one of my favourite hotels in the world, with incredible views, elite service and the location is right by the park so it's perfect for gorgeous walks. We have a delicious meal, relax in the spa and take a walk around Notting Hill which is very close to the hotel. We both love it and look forward to it every year. If you'd prefer to get out of London, or not visit London then I highly recommend Chewton Glenn, such a beautiful spa to visit.
Having seen Frozen at the Theatre last year, one thing I will be making it my mission to do is to visit the Theatre more this year and theatre tickets are a great present at anytime of year. Theatre tickets for so many theatres up and down the country and can make a lovely treat for both you and your partner to enjoy together.
If you'd rather have more of an experience then I usually book for Matt and I to have afternoon at The Langham. But you could also book a trip to Paris or even an experience such as bungee jumping! There are endless options. I just think an experience is something you can remember forever.
To be honest, I would LOVE something like gym classes or personal training for a Valentines gift.If Matt bought me reformer pilates classes, this would be such a wonderful gift as I would use it so much. I also love Barrys Bootcamp and credits to classes would be the ultimate gift for someone who loves to work out. Matt and I go to David Lloyd together and adore it, I really think buying someone something useful like gym classes or a PT would be such a useful gift so if your partner is wanting to get into fitness, definitely consider this as a gift. You could even get a joint gym membership together for the year, if it's somewhere like David Lloyd it's so much more than just a gym, with tennis courts, work spaces, cafes and world class spas too.
Other Gift Ideas
The White Company and Anthropologie are always my go to when it comes to something a little bit quirky or different. Whether that's homeware or a coffee table book, both of them always have something that I know would just work perfectly.
Starting with Anthropologie, a shop I have a deep affinity with I hasten to add - I adore nearly everything they sell and always have. How cute is this Anthropologie Love Mug? Perfectly apt for Valentines day - I'd be more than happy for Matt and I to sip sumptuous hot choccies from these on Valentine's Day. They also have such a great selection of coffee table books, like this Vintage Fashion Book. Or perhaps the Elizabeth Scarlett Love Embroidered Make Up Bag.
Anthropologie also have the most gorgeous photo frames and what's better than getting a photo frame with a photo of the two of you inside? I personally love the Whitney Frame.
Another totally cute gift could be from one of my favourite all time soft toy makers Jelly Cat. The Jellyxat Heart cuddle cushion is a cute cuddle companion that will bring happiness to anyone on any occasion and is perfect for melting the hearts of your loved ones of all ages. I love Jellycat SO much and you can get something that's personal to whoever the recipient is, whether it's a croissant cuddly toy or even an avocado. Jellycats make me smile so much.
The White Company has such a huge range of gifts I'm sure anything you can pick out will be lovely. I personally think their candles are some of the best out there and I particularly love their Spa range.
Their Spa candle smells exactly like stepping into the most luxurious spa!
If your other half is a foodie and loves to cook up a feast, I love this 'Celebrate' plate. Especially with Easter coming up and all the hosting duties, this could be perfect.
I also really love The White Companies robes - so so soft and cosy. I love this one in Navy (good for us girls and our problem with makeup transferring!) and also this super snuggly one too.
I couldn't go without saying, what if your loved one is a furry friend rather than a human (if you love your dog as much as I love mine this won't sound weird at all!) I'm 100% getting these for Maple Doggie Heart Rope toy and dressing her up in these Heart Bandana because our furry friends should be included in Valentines Day too!
The Anthropologie Whitney Frame
Shop the White Company Spa candle here
Shop The White Company snuggly robe here
Amazon Doggie Heart Rope Toy
And with that my Valentines Gift Guide for 2024 is finished! I hope you manage to find it useful. I think it's an important time of the year - for all the commercialisation, we're celebrating LOVE and that's so important. It goes without saying that we love our partners all year round but if like me, you love any excuse to celebrate, whether you go big or small - homemade or fly to Paris, there are so many wonderful things you can do for Valentines or Galentines day.
If you're still struggling to find the perfect valentines gift please don't hesitate to get in contact with me over on my Instagram @emshelx. I'm more than happy to help you on your search!
Other than that, I'm wishing you all the most lovely Valentines. If you don't have a partner this then don't worry. Celebrate YOURSELF instead, love yourself first and foremost! We should all be doing a lot more of that. I hope this gives you LOTS of ideas for Valentines Day gifts.
Lots of love, Em x
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