These Valentine’s Day gifts swap cliché for considerate

Spare us your comedy cards and twee teddy bears — Valentine’s Day is clichéd enough as it is. But, permitting you avoid the chocolate boxes and sidestep the red roses, you’ll find that February 14th actually has the capacity to be really quite pleasant. It’s a day where we prioritise kindness and affection, and the giving of gifts offers you the chance to show just how much you know and care for your significant other.

But that means putting a bit of thought in. A necklace here, or a lingerie set there may seem like a good gift at the time — but such presents are so overdone and unoriginal that they’ll probably do more harm to your relationship than good. Instead, to help you out this February, we’ve rounded up a collection of top-tier gifts that’ll ensure you steer clear of those clichés — at all and any costs. Take a look…

Not all that glitters is jewellery. While rings, earrings and necklaces have forced their shiny selves to the fore of the Valentine’s market, there are other shiny trinkets you could gift that are much more tasteful — and much less cliché. First up, from silverware designer Theo Fennell, comes this small bee brooch; crafted from 18ct white gold and dotted with diamonds.

Or, for something even more handy, why not invest in a luxury watch? There are few options finer than NOMOS Glashütte‘s ‘Metro Rose Gold 33’, with its minimalist silver-plated dial and unique rose gold crown with diamond knurling. Alternatively, if you’re determined to stick with jewellery, but want to think outside the ring box, we’d recommend a statement bracelet — such as this ‘Enchanted Lotus’ design from De Beers.

Not that boxes are bad. In fact, whack almost anything into a pretty enough presentation box and it’ll up those ‘thoughtful’ credentials considerably. Just don’t go for chocolates. The classic heart-shaped box of truffles is a praline-tinged platitude; so commonplace that it’s lost any sentimentality or romance. Instead, we’d recommend finding different foodstuffs to box up and gift her this Valentine’s.

Something like Nyetimber‘s 1086 Rosé Prestige Cuvee — a sparkling option, and one of many different pink sparkling wines you should consider popping open on February 14th. Or, for any girlfriends or wives who clutch to their morning mugs, how about this ‘Coffees of the World’ gift set from Whittard, complete with nine different types of globally-sourced beans? Alternatively, go for Gail’s Brownie Kit; a wholesome, wholehearted gift you can bake together. 

Another cliché gift; and perhaps one of the worst. Flowers, of course, are lovely when you present them in full bloom. But there’s something so heart-rending about a wilting bouquet that we’d recommend skipping your annual trip to the florist this year. (If you do decide that a posy is the way to go, at least be a little more imaginative that the standard dozen red roses…)

Instead, we’d opt for something equally pretty — but with a higher chance of making it to March. Look to Patch Plants, which has a range of options available to be delivered — we like this Peace Lily. Or to London Terrariums, whose idiosyncratic ‘The Boiling Flask’ option will perk up your better half’s home study. Of course, a bouquet won’t go amiss if it’s an additional gift; from Bloom & Wild, this ‘The Nina’ bouquet is the best bunch of the bunch.

Most restaurants, come Valentine’s Day, will be bursting with middling violinists and public proposals. And, while going for dinner can be a wonderful gastronomic gift, it pays to make sure you avoid these cliché-ridden joints. Instead, look for something superlative — an establishment that goes so big and so bold that you’d never usually eat there.

Someplace like Wagtail, sitting pretty on London’s King William St, and topped with a clutch of rooftop igloos hosted by Johnnie Walker Blue Label. Alternatively, Viajante87 is a new experiential cocktail bar in the heart of Notting Hill, where the decadent cocktails include the mezcal-drenched Tropical Tahona, the herbal Peachy Gonzales and the seriously spiced Pico de Gallo. Or, for any wine connoisseurs, Vinoteca has a 200+ strong wine list.

Of course, you could buck all of the clichéd Valentine’s Day gift-giving trends — and actually buy her something useful. From Mulberry, this iPhone 13 case is compact, lightly grained and bold enough to turn heads whenever she whips her phone out.

Similarly, a camera is a thoughtful gift. Giving her the opportunity to make memories with you, the Fujifilm ‘Instax Sq1’ is a pleasingly old-school bit of kit. Alternatively, to go with that Fortnum’s coffee box above, this Joy Resolve alarm clock will ensure you can bring her a cup of coffee every morning in bed — even if you’re not there.

Perhaps the only clichéd Valentine’s Day gift actually worth giving, nothing shows you know someone like picking out their signature scent. But, if you are going to plump for perfume this February 14th, ensure you go for the best. From Creed, this ‘Aventus For Her’ has aromas of pink pepper, rose and peach.

From Floris, ‘Cherry Blossom’ is a dainty, delicate scent perfect for spring. With zesty hints of citrus and a floral heart of peony, rose and osmathus, it’s hard to go wrong with a classic. Or why not pop into the Penhaligon’s boutique, where you’ll find the British brand’s uplifting ‘Luna’ fragrance, which shines with orange, jasmine, soft rose and fir balsam.

Want more Valentine’s Day ideas? Here are the 14 best rosé champagnes for February 14th…

Become a Gentleman’s Journal member. Find out more here.