Shopping·10 min read

Send This to Your Partner so You’ll Get a Gift You Actually Want on Valentine’s Day

send this to your partner
Design: theSkimm | Image: Free People
January 29, 2024

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We believe that Valentine’s Day should be a low-stakes, no-pressure holiday. Don’t want to have sex? Great. (But if you do, bookmark this page.) Don’t want to go out on a fancy date? Fire up the popcorn machine. We’d like to extend the same grace to your partner. There’s no reason for them to agonize over what arbitrary object to buy for you to prove that they care. Just send them this list of things you’re guaranteed to love — and actually use — and everybody ends up happy. They'll get the hint.

Want more gift ideas? Check out more options here.

concrete catchall tray
MinimalLootDesign via Etsy

A modern catchall tray you’ll use daily…

With its chic concrete construction and “Japandi”-inspired design, this catchall tray looks a lot more expensive than it is. Place it on your bedside table to collect your jewelry at night, or on your entranceway table to keep keys, loose change, and other odds and ends in one, stylish place. People will be asking which boutique you got this from. ($45, MinimalLootDesign via Etsy)

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blue nile diamond stud earrings
Blue Nile

A pair of classic diamond studs...

We can't imagine anyone who wouldn't be thrilled to receive a pair of diamond studs. These Blue Nile studs are made with lab-grown diamonds in a classic 14-carat white gold setting. They're available in nine sizes, ranging from 0.25 carats to 3 carats, and the smallest size costs under $200. They'll add a subtle but brilliant sparkle to literally anything you wear, from an evening dress to workout clothes (why not?). Psst...Use code VDAY24 at checkout for up to 50% off your order through February 14. ($195+, Blue Nile)

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bond no. 9 new york forever
Bond No. 9

A limited-edition perfume inspired by New York City…

Step aside, Baccarat Rouge 540 — there’s a new status perfume in town. In honor of Bond No. 9’s 20th anniversary, the brand rolled out New York Forever, a limited-edition fragrance that evokes the city’s glamour and luxury with a bit of edge. With notes of patchouli, moss, cinnamon, and vanilla, this is a warm, spicy scent that works well for the winter months. It comes in a stunning golden bottle that’s like a piece of art sitting on your vanity. ($460+, Bond No. 9)

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koho chocolates
Koho

Artisanal chocolates made with Hawaiian ingredients…

A box of chocolates? On Valentine’s Day? Groundbreaking. Really, though, this box of chocolates is much more special than your usual last-minute grab at the drugstore. They’re made in Hawaii and showcase fresh ingredients sourced from the islands. This Explorer Blue box includes a combination of Lilikoʻi Caramel, Hawaiian Sea Salt Caramel, Macadamia Praline, and Kona Coffee Caramel truffles in an array of soft, oceanic colors that are almost too pretty to eat.  ($34, Koho)

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pavoi chunky hoop earrings
Amazon

A pair of chunky gold-plated earrings…

No one would guess they cost less than $15 on Amazon. One of our editors has these and swears by the quality — they have a nice weight to them, they’ve stayed shiny after lots of wear, and they don’t irritate her sensitive ears. She gets compliments on them all the time. It’s an easy one to add to your cart last minute, and you'll end up wearing them constantly. ($13.45, Amazon)

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skims soft lounge sleep set
Skims

A fresh set of luxury pajamas…

We’ll take every opportunity we can get to receive a pair of nicer-than-usual pajamas. We’re also obsessed with everything Skims makes. Ergo: This pair of classic Skims pajamas. They’re made with a soft, stretchy fabric with a subtle ribbed texture that one reviewer described as “luxurious, comfortable and light as air.” Between the quality and the frequency with which you’ll wear them, they’ll basically pay for themselves. You can tell your partner we said that. ($120, Skims)

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staud red kitten heel sandals with heart detail
Staud

Kitten-heel sandals to wear on date nights…

There’s nothing like being treated to a pair of hot shoes by the person you love. These strappy sandals from Staud come in a fiery red shade with a heart detail (we can’t resist a theme). The low kitten heel gives you just a hint of height, but you’ll still be able to walk confidently to your dinner date. Because there will be dinner dates with these shoes. ($395, Staud)

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compartes champagne truffles gift box
Compartés

A decadent take on champagne truffles…

And we’re back with yet another box of chocolates. They just can’t go wrong. This Yellow Palms Gift Box from Compartés (one of our favorite luxury chocolates brands) includes 20 dark chocolate truffles infused with Moet champagne for a truly decadent treat. Each chocolate is decorated in an Art Deco-inspired print to match the gold box. ($69.95, Compartés)

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noemie five diamond necklace
Noémie

A dainty five-diamond necklace…

We’re fans of Noémie’s custom jewelry design services, but we keep coming back to the brand’s ready-to-wear line for their investment-worthy gift options. This 18-karat necklace features five dainty diamonds that are evenly spaced along the neckline. You can pick from rose, yellow, or white gold, and it hits right at the collarbone, so you can easily layer it with some of your other favorites. Use code SKIMM15 at checkout to get 15% off your order. ($790, Noémie)

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soft services skin essentials set
Soft Services

Everything you need for baby-soft skin…

Let them give you the gift of an everything shower. This Skin Essentials Set from It-Girl body-care brand Soft Services includes two exfoliating bar soaps, a hydrating body wash (which also works great as a shaving cream), and your choice of body lotions: Speed Soak, a fast-absorbing gel cream; or Carea Cream, a deeply moisturizing choice for extra-dry skin. ($88, Soft Services)

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goldbelly cat cora heart-shaped rainbow cookies
Goldbelly

Heart-shaped rainbow cookies by a celebrity chef…

Straight from the Iron Chef herself. These cookies developed by Cat Cora are the classic rainbow cookie you know and love from Jewish or Italian delis, but a little more luxurious. We can’t resist the heart shapes and thick chocolate coating dotted with chocolate sprinkles. ($62.95, Goldbelly)

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free people lace camisole
Free People

A pretty lace cami…

Because a Valentine’s Day gift guide wouldn’t be complete without something lacy. This stretchy cami is lined in front but unlined in back for a peekaboo effect. A sweet rosette adorns the bust. We’d wear it with a soft cardigan, jeans, and heels for date night. Ask for this thong to go with it. ($48, Free People)

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etsy customizable hoodie
NunusStudio via Etsy

A customizable hoodie that celebrates your love…

Here’s one of the most stylish takes on couples’ clothes we’ve seen. Choose a date that’s special to you to be embroidered on the chest in Roman numerals, plus your initials and your choice of colors for the sweatshirt and the text. Don’t forget to add two to your cart — one for you, one for them. ($22+, NunusStudio via Etsy)

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expandable bamboo bathtub caddy
Amazon

An expandable tray to elevate your bath ritual…

This bath caddy is made of bamboo with a waterproof coating, and it’s adjustable to fit any-sized bath. It has a dedicated slot for your phone, iPad, and a wine glass, plus other wells to fit things like a candle, towel, or bath salts. The ends are equipped with non-slip rubber pads, so you won’t need to worry about your whole setup tumbling into the water just when you started to relax. ($28.04, Amazon)

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sur la table online cooking classes
Sur La Table

Online cooking classes from Sur La Table…

If you don’t have a Sur La Table location near you, or simply want to do a class from home, their online cooking classes are everything. Their instructors are kind and ultra-knowledgeable — and you’ll walk away with a delicious meal you made all on your own. Beforehand, you’ll get a prep packet that includes a shopping list and quick-start instructions. Classes take place on Zoom and last from 90 to 120 minutes. The best part? Classes start at $29 and the price is the same no matter how many people are in your kitchen. ($29+, Sur La Table)

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where should we begin esther perel card game
Uncommon Goods

A conversation-starting game that’ll build intimacy…

This card stack from world-renowned couples therapist Esther Perel comes with 250 prompt cards to inspire deeper conversations and enhance quality time. Plus, the packaging is so chic, you’ll want to keep it out on your coffee table. You never know when the mood will strike to have a heart-to-heart. Psst…you can also play this with your friends and family. Just leave the spicy cards out of it. ($40, Uncommon Goods)

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rifle paper co porcelain vase
Rifle Paper Co.

A beautiful vase that might outshine the flowers inside...

​​Rifle Paper Co. has cornered the market on upscale-yet-playful home goods. Check out the irresistible charm of their porcelain vases, decked out in flowers or bugs. Thanks to their metallic-rimmed tops, they don't even need flowers to steal the show. These vases are stars on their own, adding a touch of whimsy to any space. ($42, Rifle Paper Co.)

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