Celebrate love and show your Valentine how much you care by giving them something truly thoughtful. Our good gift picks run the gamut from naughty to nice to edible aphrodisiacs to luxurious statement jewelry.
Averti Blindfold
Recently launched, Averti is “a sensual clothing line that combines timeless elegance and comfort with a sense of playfulness in its designs.” The name means “to have you” in Italian and all the lingerie and loungewear is handmade in Venice, CA. This luxurious blindfold is from heavy 100% upcycled silk with vintage grosgrain ribbon ties. It can work both as naughty plaything or a sleep mask, depending on your (lady’s) mood.
$40, Averti
Affaire de Coeur bracelet by Coléoptère
Leaving something to the imagination is always sexy. This 18k gold hinged bangle has a set of diamonds hidden under the clasp — the ultimate statement of quiet luxury. Coléoptère celebrates our kind of woman — “informed, curious, complex, and creatively liberated — women whose very lives are une pièce de résistance. Modern, playful, and slightly subversive.” All pieces use fairmined and recycled precious metals and certified Canadian diamonds and are made by California-based master goldsmiths and stonesetters.
$29,500, Coléoptère
Maca Powder
Maca is a potent, ancient Peruvian superfood used by indigenous Andean societies as a source of nourishment and healing for thousands of years. It’s a great addition to shakes and homemade healthy desserts. It also happens to be quite the aphrodisiac — making it a sweet little gift for that health conscious love in your life. The great thing for procrastinators is that you can find it at most stores with some kind of health food section.
$15.99, Navitas Naturals
Valentines Chunky Love Set by Fine & Raw
While we’re on the topic of aphrodisiacs, chocolate is one that never fails. This gift box by Brooklyn-based chocolatier Fine & Raw includes three different bars — almond chunky, truffle chunky and cacao & coconut chunky — each with fewer than ten ingredients.
$24, Fine & Raw
Love Aromatherapy Soy Candle by Blissoma
Let this candle bring some magic back into the bedroom with a sensuous vanilla-floral blend that creates “candy-sweet euphoria.” Ylang Ylang, Balsam Peru, Cedarwood, Sweet Orange, and Grapefruit all combine for a lingering and mood-boosting indulgence. Ylang Ylang flowers are traditionally scattered on the beds of newlyweds to relax and inspire romance. Light it up and enjoy.
$14.99, Blissoma
Fairtrade Flowers
A pretty bouquet of red roses is probably the most common Valentines gift. And for good reason. Who doesn’t love receiving flowers? But, as with food and much else, there are good flowers and there are bad flowers. Fairtrade certified flowers are sustainable grown and pesticide-free (especially important if you like to stop and smell them). In an industry where women often face discrimination, Fair Trade farms encourage women workers to pursue leadership roles, and also receive paid maternity leave and a guarantee of their job upon their return. Use this list to find a fairtrade flower shop.
IRD Teddy Bear & Creativity Kit
Really, no adult needs a stuffed animal. Instead, spend that money on providing comfort for children in need. A $45 donation provides three children in conflict zones like Syria with their own teddy bears to hold tight, as well as a creative toy and coloring kit that will help them cope with the psychological distress of war and upheaval. The IRC also delivers clean water, medical care and education to uprooted families, but sometimes a child just needs a teddy bear.