The most romantic day of the year is almost upon us, but as well as the chocolates, flowers and wine, there are a few other luxury pieces on our wish list this year - and we think you'll like them too
Whether you're celebrating Valentine's Day, Galentine's Day or just chilling at home, there's seemingly no escape from the sappiest day of the year. As soon as the Lindt reindeers are off the supermarket shelves, the aisles are jampacked with heart-shaped boxes of chocolates and meal deals inviting you and your partner to dine in for two for less than £20. Our heart's desires are a little bit more luxe, though. From chic sex toys to must-have lingerie, here's what we're dreaming of (and maybe treating ourselves to) this Valentine's Day
Ophelia Froud, associate editor
Konjac Heart Sponge Pink Clay, £10
"One of these heart-shaped sponges hangs from my bathroom tap but it’s looking very tired after a few months of daily use so I’d love a new one. A great Valentine’s gift for a beauty lover, it’s infused with pink clay and gently exfoliates. The natural sponge gives a good deep cleanse and refines pores. It removes water-based make-up and can be used with or without cleanser. It’s 100% natural and colouring and additive-free. What’s not to love?"
Chantecaille Brilliant Gloss in Love, £29
"I’m a big fan of French brands like Chantecaille and By Terry. They nail lipsticks and lip glosses with their ‘oh so chic’ colour palettes. This ‘'Love' gloss will give you a candy-coated pout. It's specifically been formulated for a dazzling, long-lasting shine and the formula also includes a hint of green tea extract to protect your lips against harsh conditions. As winter slowly turns to spring it’s the perfect pop of brightness to freshen up your spring makeup wardrobe."
Flowerbx Extraordinary Rose Flower Gift Set, £185
"Valentine’s Day is like marmite- you either love it or hate it. I say go big, and how better to celebrate than with this gift set which includes a generous bunch of 30 fresh roses, two signature vases and some FLOWERBX floral scissors to trim the steams down daily? Flowerbx sources flowers direct from the sellers so they stay fresh for longer - just imagine arriving home to find these on your doorstep on Valentine’s Day."
The Vampire’s Wife American Chevron Dress, £1395
"A special Valentine’s Date night calls for an extra special dress and this one by The Vampire’s Wife ticks every style box. Founded by model and actress Suzie Cave, The Vampire’s Wife has risen to become a contemporary tastemaker creating luxury gothic chic dresses that can be spotted on A-listers on most red carpets. Inspired by the glamour of old Hollywood, this dress is printed in a Red Hortensia print that is exclusive to Liberty, with large bow details at the gathered sleeves. It’s top of my Valentine’s wish list."
Melanie Macleod, digital writer
Whispering Angel wine , £17.99
"For me, this is the ultimate special occasion wine; it doesn’t break the bank, but it feels fancier than your average £10 bottle and I’d never just drink it on a random Wednesday in front of the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. This is the wine I’d open on a Saturday night with friends over a nice dinner or with a lover in front of a roaring fire (ice on hand to keep it chilled). It’s not a bottle to wind down with at the end of a week, it’s a wine to luxuriate over and who knows what will happen at the end of the bottle."
Coco de Mer Rosa Playsuit, £95
"The older I get, the more tempted I am by luxe lingerie. Nowadays Victoria can keep her Secret - for me it’s all about Honey Birdette , Agent Provocateur and most recently Coco de Mer . In particular, this saucy burgundy playsuit. Anything with complicated straps and I’m sold. I also like that this is business in the front (if being wildly sexy is your business) and party in the back, with open briefs.”
Edge of Ember Rainbow Sapphire Huggie Earrings, £225
"My friends all clubbed together to buy an Edge of Ember necklace for my bday - what a shame I don’t have six boyfriends to team up and buy me these for Vday. They’d be such a classy addition to my small but perfectly formed earring collection, which so far only holds host to some pretty Astrid & Miyu huggies and a sparkling pair of Swarovski hoops ."
Womanizer Duo Clitoral Stimulator, £179
"Friends of mine have described this lavish sex toy as a game-changer, and I want in. The Womanizer is known to deliver breath-taking, earth-shattering, oral-esque stimulation to the clitoris, but this takes it one step further, with g-spot stimulation too. Add luxe burgundy and gold colouring and you’re onto a real winner. It’s expensive, but it’s sure to provide hours of entertainment, meaning I won’t need to be taken out for dinner so often - cost-effective, if you ask me. Also, it's available from Boots so even partners who are shy about stepping into "adult" shops can pick this up. "
Jemma Thompson, digital designer
Missoma Amazonite Gold Lena Charm Necklace, £110
"Having the name Jemma, I’ve adopted a passion for gem-stone accessories, cliché? Perhaps, but it’s slowly becoming ‘my thing’. However, it's not just people called Jemma who can embrace the trend - it's also the perfect touch for your SO; buy jewellery to match to their birthstone for extra points. Whenever my birthday or Christmas rolls around, I tend to ask for jewellery from Missoma and over the years I’ve accumulated a fair few pieces, the quality is still going strong and they will always have a firm place in my layering ensemble."
ghd Platinum+ Styler Deep Scarlet Set - Limited Edition, £199.00
"I saw a post on Instagram that said forget flowers get me GHDs for vday and it dawned on me, I am most definitely the kind of gal who would jump through dating hoops to get my hands on a pair of these. Yes, flowers are great, but a good looking barnet? That’s a lifetime’s worth of happy dates. Plus, I’m sure it would half the time for me to get ready, so a win for everyone, right?"
Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Flamingo Pink Instant Camera , £55.00
"I’d like to consider myself the sentimental type, who also relishes in material things… so I guess this is a meet in the middle situation. I’ve wanted one of these cameras for a while now, oddly there’s something special about taking photo in the moment, as opposed to taking 24 identical photos then deciding which filter looks best. I want to travel more in 2020 so this compact camera is the perfect little companion for capturing all the best bits of life."
Choc on Choc Perfect Match Chocolate Box, £18
"Nothing says Valentine's like a box of chocolates, but it’s time to level up from the classic box of Milk Tray with this unbelievably cute box filled with match shaped white Belgian chocolates that are perfect to share (I guess). If you want to spark a little more joy you can even personalise the box."
Victoria Woodhall, editorial director
Kusmi Rose Green Tea, £16
"I drink vats of flavoured green every day so a good quality one is a real treat. Kusmi have some of the best and most aromatic blends without being too ‘herbal’ and their citrussy Detox Tea (more robust than it sounds) is always my kids’ fallback if they can’t think of anything to buy me for my birthday - and I’m always over the moon. I am desperate to try this one with rose and what better time than Valentine's Day - ideally served up in a china teacup with a scone, jam and cream."
The Upside Yoga Bra, £59
"I feel most like me when I’m in my yoga kit. It’s practically all I wear at weekends - I teach a Saturday morning yoga class and my gear feels so comfy I don’t take it off. Some of it is getting a little ragged though and most of my sports bras are verging on the utilitarian. This one from Aussie activewear brand The Upside gives a feminine upgrade to my gear. The way to my heart is clearly through my bra!"
Eberjey Anouk Robe, £115
"I’m not a fluffy kind of person when it comes to dressing gowns. I love the feel of jersey - it packs down to nothing and always looks a bit more soignee than a waffle and more fitted than towelling. Eberjey makes the best jersey nightwear and while they are delicate and just the right side of pretty with fluted sleeves and lace trims, they are built to last. I have a few of their PJs (I love their shorts) and a robe would make my V-day."
Kalmar Love, I am Loved Body Lotion, £45
"This whipped body lotion has a light-as-air texture that I simply adore and is unlike anything I’ve experienced. I guarantee that if you buy this for someone they will love you back - it’s such a treat. The scent is soft and subtle and it’s hydrating without being greasy. A true sensory pleasure to use. Ingredients include the anatomical-sounding ‘velvet bean’ (whatever that is) rose stem cells and ruby gemstone extract. If that doesn’t say V-day I don’t know what does."
Hattie Sloggett, beauty and wellness awards manager
Tom Dixon Tool The Bookworm Quill Bookmark, £15
"My grandma once told me that whenever you find a white feather it has come from your guardian angel. I am now obsessed with feathers. I collect them in jars, I have lampshades, home decorations, prints but what I do not have is a bookmark. Since I have recently ditched my Kindle to go back to good old fashioned black and white print I am most definitely in need of one and a Tom Dixon GOLD one at that."
Huda Beauty Kayali Citrus, £84
"So the 14th is not just Valentine’s Day, it is also my birthday. So when it comes to gifts I expect some really good ones. High up on my list this year is Kayali’s Citrus fragrance. It is my favourite of all of Huda Beauty’s scents and I pretty much layer it with everything. There is nothing more confidence-building than smelling delicious."
Gucci Heart Ace Sneakers, £450
"Nothing beats a pair of white trainers, and as we are heading in to spring it's time to stock up again. Not to sound too demanding but I want these Gucci trainers more than anything. Not only are they super comfy and incredibly pleasing to the eye but they will also help me spread love to everyone, throughout the year just like a good Valentine’s Dat baby should. So really these bad boys are benefiting society not just me."
Stella McCartney Ruby Roar Lace Body, £130
"I have been obsessed with Stella McCartney lingerie for as long as I can remember, so it would not be a Valentine's gift list if I wasn’t to include it. This bodysuit is perfect as I can style it under dresses, jeans and of course, can wear it on its own when trying to be a bit saucy. I find her pieces so comfortable, and they are made so well that I have some sets that have lasted years. As it's my birthday (not sure if I mentioned that), I am disregarding the hallmark holiday altogether and focusing purely on me, and I’m not sure I can think of a better way to feel self-love than a little lacy number."
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