Valentine’s Day is often thought to be a little bit like marmite – you either love it, or you hate it.
Mostly depending on whether you’re in love, or in hate with a certain someone. Or, if you’re feeling particularly controversial, you might write it off as yet another ploy from Hallmark to sell cheesy greeting cards.
The origins of Valentine’s Day are actually pretty unclear. No record of celebrating romance on February 14 exist prior to Chaucer’s ‘Parliament of Fowls,’ written in 1382, in which he links the tradition of courtly love with St. Valentine’s feast day – which had otherwise only been a simple celebration of one or two early Christian martyrs of the same name.
Referencing the now infamous February 14, Chaucer writes, “For this was on Saint Valentine’s day / When every fowl comes there his mate to take.” Written in honour of the engagement between King Richard II of England to Anne of Bohemia, we thus have what is believed to be the first association between celebrating love and the Saint Valentine.
Later on, in the fifteenth century, a ‘Charter of the Court of Love’ was issued – allegedly by Charles VI of France – which describes the sumptuous and joyous festivities which took place in the royal court on February 14. This included feasts, the singing of love songs, poetry competitions and dancing. Hallmark conspiracy theorists may now disband, thank you.
All in all, the celebration of love – in our humble opinion – is no bad thing. Why not demonstrate your adoration and shower your special someone with tokens of affection? What’s more, what happened to all that partying? Bring back feasting, dancing, and the singing of love songs alongside the more modern tradition of gift-giving.
We’ve compiled a run-down of the perfect gifts – food and drink included – to celebrate the woman in your life this Valentine’s Day. That includes celebrating you – self-love is in for 2023, in case you hadn’t heard.
Gilda & Pearl Mia Feather Trim Robe
We can’t think of anything more luxurious and romantic than a feathered silk robe. Make your loved one’s mornings and evenings that much more glamorous with this beautiful piece from London-based lingerie brand Gilda & Pearl, and add a handwritten note to your exclusively gift-wrapped piece – a courtesy on all orders over £150.
Buy now £590.00, Gilda & Pearl
Fortnum & Mason The For My Sweetheart Hamper
A gift-guide is simply never complete without a hamper from Fortnum & Mason. This wonderfully Valentine’s-themed miniature wicker basket hamper is sure to make your sweetheart feel like extra special come February 14. It’s filled to the brim with a selection of chocolates, sweet treats and a special Valentine’s tea to start your day of romance right.
Buy now £80.00, F&M
Tracklements Fresh Chilli Jam Heart-Shaped Jar
If we weren’t already obsessed with Tracklements’ Chilli Jam, we definitely are now. Available in an adorable heart-shaped jar, if – like us – your partner’s true love is a good cheese and charcuterie board, this couldn’t be a better Valentine’s gift. This multi-award winning jam is made from an addictive blend of fresh red chillies grown in the Vale of Evesham, onions, garlic, red peppers, sugar and lemon. Gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan, scoop up a jar to pair with your favourite cheeses this Valentine’s Day.
Buy now £6.50, Tracklements
Rouje The New Essentials
For the lovers of French girl-chic we present to you, The New Essentials collection by Parisian brand Rouje. It includes a face palette which boasts three natural-toned highlighters and three gorgeous cream blush options, as well as a buildable tinted lip balm. Store these essentials in the accompanying red pouch, pop it in your day-tote, and never go without your daily rouge again. Pun intended.
Buy now £89.00, Rouje
Rococo Parrot Tulip – Flowerbx
Red roses? On Valentine’s Day? Ground-breaking. Why not buck the trend with some uniquely beautiful and feathery Rococo Parrot Tulips from Flowerbx. Hand-wrapped in London with complimentary delivery, these lovely blooms will put a smile on anyone’s face at the end of that second week of February.
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Buy now £45.00, Flowerbx
Le Creuset Cast Iron Heart Casserole, Cerise
They say home is where the heart is, but we think it’s more specifically in the kitchen. Le Creuset appears to agree with our notion with this symbolically heart-shaped casserole dish, featured here in the brand’s iconic Cerise shade. Prepare the perfect at-home Valentine’s meal in this show-stopping kitchen accessory.
Buy now £199.00, John Lewis
Dora Larsen + Net Sustain Enid recycled lace and tulle underwired bra
Gifting lingerie isn’t naff, so long as the lingerie is as stunning as Dora Larsen’s. Made from recycled lace and translucent recycled tulle, this underwired bra and matching briefs are supportive, comfortable and – most importantly – confidence boosting.
Buy now £65.00, Net-a-Porter
Laduree Pink Intemporel assorted macarons box of 12 192g
When it comes to sweet treats, you can’t do much better than a luxury gift box filled to the brim with macarons from Laduree. Just writing about the light and airy almond meringues seems to fill the room with an imagined sweet scent of rose and raspberry.
Buy now £36.50, Selfridges
Headband Summer Berries
Headbands are all the rage at the moment, and with the resurgence of Nineties and Noughties fashion in no mood to slow down, they seem to be here to stay. This dainty and romantic summer berries-themed headband by Matilda Djerf’s brand, Djerf Avenue, is the perfect accompaniment to any morning routine or a sunny holiday destination. It’s extra wide and pretty form-fitting, so there’s no danger of it sliding off the back of your head like most drugstore headbands.
Buy now £39.00, Djerf Avenue
Lasagne Verdi Alla Bolognese And Dessert, Meal Kit
Recreate the delicious taste of Lina Stores in the comfort of your own home this Valentine’s Day with this Lasagne Verdi alla Bolognese meal kit. It includes enough ingredients for four people with plenty leftover, as well as two ready-made tiramisu to tuck into after. Now that’s a good value, romantic meal.
Buy now £30.00, Lina Stores
Jimmy Choo Bon Bon velvet top-handle bag
If your loved one prefers sweet treats in the form of luxury handbags, we’ve just the solution for you. The Bon Bon velvet bag by Jimmy Choo is an absolute dream. Shaped just like a perfectly wrapped sugary delight, yet somehow even sweeter, this velvet wonder will have you in your partner’s good books for life.
Buy now £950.00, Selfridges
Annie Haak My Guardian Angel Hoop Gold Earrings
Channel the aesthetic of Valentine’s cherubs with these delightful gold angel hoop earrings by Annie Haak. The guardian angel charm is detachable, giving you the option to wear them as a simple hoop for when your vibe is slightly less romantic. If you’d like to go all out, these versatile earrings also have matching necklace and bracelet designs.
Buy now £56.00, Annie Haak
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum, 70ml
This sophisticated, luxury perfume was initially dreamt up in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the French luxury manufacturer of fine crystal, Baccarat. Since then, it has become a favourite amongst perfume enthusiasts across the globe, and continues to sell in troves on the daily. We think this amber floral, jasmine, saffron and cedarwood scent would make a fantastic gift for your Valentine, not to mention the romantic gold and red casing.
Buy now £235.00, John Lewis
INUIKII Shearling slides
Make those winter WFH days extra-cosy with a pair of fuzzy shearling slides from INUKII. Boasting a lovely plush pale-pink shearling fabric all over, and some flat rubber soles with ridges for extra grip, these slippers are a serotonin-boosting investment in both style and comfort.
Buy now £115.00, MyTheresa
Smile Makers The Firefighter silicone vibrator
For when you’re not around, or perhaps for when you are, treat your partner to a new vibrator by the Smile Makers. It’s all in the name. The Firefighter has four different modes and two different pulsations, is fully waterproof and has a silent motor. Tick, tick and tick again.
Buy now £45.00, Selfridges
Cadbury I Love You Dairy Milk chocolate bar 110g
Fancy chocolate just doesn’t hit for a lot of people, and when Valentine’s Day rolls around you’ll catch them taking miniscule bites out of a bitter dusted truffle before binning it when their partner isn’t looking. If that sounds like your better half, make it simple and sweet this February 14 with a 110g milk chocolate bar from Cadburys, fittingly adorned with the words ‘I love you’ – now that’s adorable.
Buy now £5.00, Selfridges
Laurent Perrier Cuvé Rosé Brut Champagne 75cl
No romantic celebration is complete without a lovely jubbly bottle of bubbly – especially the pink kind. Laurent Perrier’s wonderfully fragrant and fresh Cuvé Rosé Brut Champagne will bring the taste of France to your table, and if anyone knows how to do romance...it’s the French.
Buy now £65.99, Selfridges
Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil (Engraved)
Not only is the Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil an absolute must-have, but it also makes for a thoughtful gift this Valentine’s Day thanks to the engravable casing. Adorn your partner’s new favourite gloss with your name, their name, or a simple and sweet message to make them smile – quite literally – with every use.
Buy now £40.00, Dior
Jellycat Blossom Heart Tulip Soft Bunny
For the Valentine’s traditionalists out there, you can’t go wrong with a cute stuffed animal – and this blossom heart tulip bunny from Jellycat certainly takes the cake in that department. No matter your age, we think you never really outgrow the cosy allure of teddies.
Buy now £18.00, Selfridges
Diptyque Roses Candle 600g
Blending a medley of different roses, Diptyque’s extra-large candle comes in a hand-crafted, blush pink porcelain container – making it an immediate homeware showstopper before the wick has even been lit. Recreate the smell of a rose garden no matter the season and pay homage to the symbol of romance with some roses that’ll last far longer than a bouquet.
Buy now £154.00, Space NK
