Love it or hate it, that mid-February celebration invented by the Romans, known as “seynt Volantynys day” by Chaucer, and embraced by greeting card companies everywhere, is once again upon us. Read below for some suggestions of what to get that special someone this Valentine’s Day.
1. Breakfast in Bed
As the saying goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Breakfast in bed has been around ever since that first man unfurled a mammoth hide and some berries for his beloved, and your sweetheart is sure to appreciate such a romantic start to the day.
2. Weekend Getaway at Terranea Spa & Resort
A coastal getaway at the ultimate Southern California seaside resort, with cliffside pools, spa treatments, dolphins playing off the coast, and gourmet candle-lit dinners. If you’re looking for a romantic weekend away from LA, but within driving distance, Terranea has it all. And if you really love her, you’ll purchase an Oceanfront Casita or Ocean Golf Villa so you can return again, again and again.
3. Jonathan Adler – Heart Needlepoint Throw Pillow
This soft, designer throw pillow is the perfect item for brightening up a home. The hand-stitched heart makes it a pretty great Valentine’s Day gift, too.
If California romance just doesn’t cut it, and you have 30,000 Euros to spare, consider this package from Hotel George V in Paris. It comes with:
- One night accommodation in the Penthouse
- Round trip transfer in the Hotel’s Rolls Royce
- Wine Cellar apéritif for two
- In suite Michelin two star dinner for two
- In suite Champagne breakfast for two
Gray Malin is a Dallas native with an eye for fashion and design as well as his main pursuit, photography. His work has been exhibited at the Dallas Museum of Art and the David Streets Gallery right here in Beverly Hills, and he has a special selection on display for Valentine’s Day.
I found Gray Malin on Instagram and instantly fell in love with his work. His birds-eye photographs, whether of a beach in Miami or an ice flow in Antarctica, play with space and color in a way that I find absolutely mesmerizing. I’ve already bought “Miami Pink Umbrellas” as a Valentine’s Day gift.” — Carolina Llorca, Creative Director at The Agency
“I want/ To do with you what spring does with the cherry trees.” Neruda is the modern master of love poetry, and you can’t go wrong with a book of his verse. For the poetry novice, go with his early collection “20 Love Poems and a Song of Despair” (which he wrote when he was only 19!) For the poetry lover, however, opt for the more esoteric and no less powerful “The Captain’s Verses.” Trust us – he/she will be impressed.
Vita Fede describes their aesthetic as “Timeless luxury with a feminine modern twist,” and designer Cynthia Sakai’s collection of handcrafted jewelry and accessories – much of it inspired by art and architecture – makes for a classically romantic Valentine’s gift.
Talk about a manly gift for manly men. This all-natural shaving kit was created by a mechanic who needed some hardcore salves, scrubs and balms to get clean after the job. There’s something for cracked lips (and knuckles), sore feet and even buffing dry skin. It makes a great gift for your modern day Hemingway.
9. Monogrammed bathrobe – LL Bean
Send your sweetheart the gift of comfy relaxation with one of LL Bean’s classic monogrammed bathrobes. Wear it indoors, outdoors, wherever Valentine’s Day may take you – the only problem is that your love bird may never want to take this thing off.
10. “House of Cards” Viewing Kit
Okay, so this isn’t something you can buy; but you can make it easily enough. February 14 marks the Season 2 debut of House of Cards, in which ALL episodes are available to stream. Many couples will thus be snuggling up and binge-watching this awesome show for Valentine’s Day.
Here’s what you’ll need: a Netflix connection (Apple TV, Roku, Xbox). Bottle of champagne. Gourmet snacks. And, last but not least, this “I Heart Spacey” T-shirt.
Happy Valentine’s Day!