The Best Luxury Valentine’s Day Gifts for Her This Year

Valentine’s Day is drawing near, and you know what that means, dear reader. Valentine’s Day Gift time for your girlfriend, wife, crush object, mom, BFF, etc. Looking for the perfect romantic gift for her? We’ve rounded up lots of ideas to help you win the day with something she’ll love that’s just a little bit unexpected. No cliches this Valentine’s Day! Here are our top picks for the best luxury Valentine’s Day gifts for her this year.

what’s the perfect romantic gift for her?

The first principle of gift-giving for Valentine’s Day – or for any other day, really – is this: it’s not about you, its about the gift recipient. On Valentine’s Day in particular, when the recipient may be a female romantic partner, that means trying hard to avoid the “bad boyfriend” trifecta of last-minute supermarket flowers, drugstore chocolates and a quick trip to Victoria’s Secret. For the same amount of money and time, you can do SO. MUCH. BETTER.

It’s also important that your “gift” should not be something that you should really already be doing anyway. Like, washing the dishes on Valentine’s Day totally does not count as a gift, if you ask us.

Of course, your Valentine might be totally fine with all of the above. But are you really, really sure about that?

In a 2016 survey of 13,000 women in the UK, 27 percent said that they’d like a holiday away as their Valentine’s Day present. That was the top request, followed by a new car – only 3% wanted lingerie.

So in the spirit of giving the people what they want, we’ve rounded up a number of gift ideas that we feel pretty sure the woman in your life would love. 

The classic romantic gift for her is, of course, a fresh floral bouquet. You could send something lovely from one of the world’s best luxury florists. Or you could choose one of the items from our gift list for those who love flowers and gardens.

If you decide to go in a different direction, though, read on. Since the empirical data indicates that lingerie is nowhere near the top of many wish lists for this holiday, we’re giving you a bunch of non-lingerie options.

As for the car? Well, that’s your call.

the best luxury valentine’s day gifts for her this year

1. Fragrance

Here are some lush, sexy and romantic fragrances that would be perfect Valentine’s Day gifts. True romantics will love Chopard’s Rose de Caroline ($555).  Or House of Sillage’s gorgeous limited edition Cherry Garden fragrance ($1,210). Or Guerlain’s lush Le Bouquet de la Maree ($1,000). Personally, we love Slow Dance from Byredo ($265).

For sassier types, we suggest By Kilian’s Good Girl Gone Bad ($295). Or Miss Dior ($100). It would be hard to resist a gift of Initio Parfums Prives Absolute Aphrodisiaque ($305). Or Ex Nihilo’s Sweet Morphine ($325).

Optimists will love Joy by Dior ($100). And for independent spirits, Gucci’s Alchemist’s Garden collection ($330) has seven singular scents, each designed to be layered with the line’s floral waters and perfumed oils to create an individual fragrance statement.

2. Scented Candles

Diptyque has introduced a new scented candle for Valentine’s Day 2020, Paris en Fleur ($74). The Eau Capitale Paris En Fleurs Collection is the result of a collaboration with artist Pierre Marie. A celebration of Paris, the fragrance is meant to evoke a trellis on which  foliage and fragrant roses intertwine.

Everyone we know loves peonies, so this new scented candle from Jo Malone London in Peony and Blush Suede ($210) seems like a sure thing. The romance of La Montana’s First Light candle ($38) is that the fragrance is inspired by that special moment when dawn is just starting to break. Give it to that special person you’ve been up all night talking to.

For something more overtly seductive, Fornasetti’s Bacio scented candle ($195) will definitely get your point across. As will Boyfriend Smell ($75) from the Happy by Alexandra Mysoor collection of candle fragrances inspired by scents that evoke happy memories.

Adventurers might find that the scent of Big Sur After Rain from D. S. & Durga ($65) reminds them of a beloved trip to the sea. It’s inspired by the smell of “rain water in eucalyptus groves off Highway 1.” Lumira’s Persian Rose candle ($69) is meant to evoke the mystery of Arabian Nights.

And party people will love the Pop collection of scented candles from Jonathan Adler – take your pick from Vodka ($42) or Champagne ($42), depending on your recipient’s favorite libation.

3. A Handbag

The new spring-summer 2020 handbags are feminine, flirty and fun – any one of them would be a perfect Valentine’s Day gift. If you’re planning way ahead, you can order her a customized designer handbag from Gucci or Louis Vuitton.

If you want to play it truly safe, we’ll go on record stating that almost no one would be disappointed by a chic pink or red bag as a gift for this holiday (or any other one, for that matter). Here are several new designer handbags from the spring-summer 2020 collections. There’s one out there to suit every taste.

Updated in a bold fuchsia colorway, the Le Petit Baci tote from Jacquemus ($549) promises all kinds of fun. The BOYY Buckle Travel leather clutch ($475) is a perfect companion at home and away.

The beloved lady in your life will adore this refined powder-pink Valentino Garavani VSLING leather shoulder bag ($2,875). Then again, she might prefer this pale-pink Astraea Mini tote from Cult Gaia ($288). The Golden Goose Star shoulder bag ($530) goes vibrant pink for Spring-Summer 2020. So does Paco Rabanne with the Hawaii 69 mini ($650). 

It wouldn’t be a Valentine’s Day gift list without red, and the handbag category is the perfect place for a pop of it. A.P.C.’s cult favorite Demi-Lune shoulder bag in red leather ($455) is really striking. So is this trapezoidal Sombrero leather tote from Jil Sander ($1,490). And we love the cool-girl bohemian vibe of this See by Chloe Joan mini cross-body bag ($295) in faded red leather and suede.

4. A Scarf

When it comes to the gift of a scarf, you only need to know a few words: silk, satin, fur, and cashmere. Any one of these is highly likely to be well-received (faux fur could be a much better option than real, but that’s your call.)

For silk, the whimsical Hermes Three Graces scarf ($415) sports three serene pink giraffes socializing among the treetops. Gucci’s Spring Bouquet silk scarf  ($445) is exactly as lovely as it sounds.

Valentino’s seasonless red and burgundy V-logo silk-twill scarf ($525) and Loro Piana’s red and pink printed silk scarf ($175) would add a smart touch to a polished work outfit. Scandi style lovers will love Acne Studios’ cotton-blend Vinny scarf ($410) for weekdays. It even has a hidden message – the address of the brand’s head office in Stockholm is jacquard-woven into the scarf.

Confident types will love playing around with all the possibilities created by this satin Issey Miyake Pleats Please neon-pink extra-long Madame scarf ($272), made in Japan. Heading for the beach? Matta’s Dupatta Ombré cotton-silk tasseled shawl ($210) can multi-task as a sarong. Or as an evening wrap when you head out to dinner.

Wrapping up in Loewe’s silk and cashmere-blend scarf ($295) or Isabel Marant’s brilliant red Zephyr cashmere scarf ($555) or Allude’s tie-dye cashmere scarf in red, black and white ($645) would all be gorgeous ways to survive winter’s final weeks. 

Finally, among the faux fur options we love is Sies Marjan’s Jordi shrug in bright fuschia ($695).

5. A trip away together

As we mentioned previously, the gift of a romantic trip away together is almost certain to be a hit. We’ve shared our top 10 best places for a Valentine’s Day trip. You could also consider any of the destinations that we suggested as perfect places to propose as equally good for a romantic holiday.

Once you’ve booked your trip, here are some items that you can give her on the big day in anticipation of your great escape.

Extreme Cashmere’s No. 131 neck pillow ($150) is sure to allow for sweet dreams while you’re in transit. Help fight jet lag with a gift of This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray ($23).  Aerin’s Enzo leather travel domino set ($424) or the brand’s travel playing cards set ($367). A passport holder that’s easy to keep track of is key to a successful journey, and this cheeky Off-White one ($270) should do the trick. 

Anya Hindmarch’s red Lotions & Potions wash bag ($295) pairs perfectly with Kilometre Paris’s eye mask embroidered with red map coordinates ($60), which has a great retro vibe. For glowing skin while on the road, we love this Departures Essentials travel kit from African Botanics ($225).

Marc Jacobs’ black nylon backpack is lightweight and roomy ($203). The Away Carry-On ($225) is the “it” bag, and we love it in Brick. If your Valentine has a good sense of humor, we also love this jaunty red Crash Baggage carry-on bag ($360). The deliberately dented ribbed outer shell means that she can handle it without care.

6. Whimsical accessories

Keep the mood playful and spirited by giving her an accessory that’s fun and optimistic. You could splurge on this Emilio Pucci Vivara cotton-terry beach towel ($635)

Dior’s rose-colored DiorStellaire square sunglasses ($332) make a strong style statement. Loewe’s bunny shearling coin purse ($550) is an adorable clip-on for her backpack or handbag. 

Many women are not going to want dress shoes as a gift. As much as we love stilettos and boots, we prefer to choose them ourselves, thank you very much. But fun and happy sneakers, slip-on loafers, slides, and cozy slippers? Those are all perfect gifts – just be sure you get the right size.

Christian Louboutin’s white 123 Run trainers ($995) are a modern, relaxed way to flash the brand’s signature red sole. You cannot go wrong with Balenciaga’s latest Triple S trainers ($995), set on a translucent pink bubble. And these Fabrizio Viti beige Berkley slides with a daisy appliqué ($530) would be perfect with her favorite white dress.

Statement hair adornments are a big theme in the spring-summer designer collections – this Simone Rocha faux pearl floral hair slide ($115) is totally on-trend. Your “Ganni Girl” will love this floral beaded headband ($190) from her favorite brand. Or go over-the-top with a gift like this Spring Bouquet headband ($1,855) from London-based florist Philippa Craddock, featuring lifelike faux poppies, hydrangeas, magnolias and lilies.

And of course, you can always give a sleek pair of the new Apple AirPods Pro ($249). And a Saint Laurent leather earphones case ($250) to be sure they never get lost.

7. A watch or jewelry

The world is full of gorgeous bijoux and fine jewelry and watches, so have fun choosing something she’ll love. Like maybe these Isabel Marant pink earrings ($470) from the Resort 2020 collection. Ingy Stockholm’s seriously cool mismatched red painted earrings ($725) are crafted from the bark of fallen trees.

Louis Vuitton’s glamorous Tambour World Tour watch or this chic Hermes Cape Cod ($3,725) are perfect for the woman on the go. We also love the sparkle of this Roger Dubuis Excalibur Shooting Star flying tourbillon skeleton watch.

Blancpain’s limited-edition Valentine’s Day 2020 watch is a rectangular gem-set Ladybird watch that was inspired by a watch once owned by Marilyn Monroe. For sheer fun, it’s hard to beat the Marshmallow watch from the Richard Mille Bonbon Collection of luxury timepieces.

When it comes to rings, perhaps as a promise of more diamonds to come, how about Fernando Jorge’s Orbit cocktail ring ($5,080)?

Prada’s wool brooch with two entwined hearts ($400) is awfully sweet, and would look fantastic on a grey lapel or sweater. For date night, this Irene Neuwirth necklace with a faceted pink heart made of marbled pavé-set opal ($4,857) is perfect.

8. A special sweet

You can always find a red heart-shaped box of chocolates. How about something a little different (and more fun) this year?

For example, a box of Maggie Louise Milk Chocolate lipsticks ($20)? Or this collection of chocolates shaped like handbags and heels from the Queen’s chocolatier, Charbonnel Et Walker ($15)? Or a big pink box shaped like a pair of lips filled with Fauchon chocolates ($45)?

Ruby chocolate is a Thing now, and we love the look of these Ruby Raspberry Vanilla Truffles from Vosges Haut Chocolate ($38 for a tray of 16). We also love Charbonnel & Walker Pink Marc de Champagne Truffles ($58). Another personal favorite? L.A. Burdick’s chocolate mice ($54 for a box of 16).

For cake, it would be hard to go wrong with a heart-shaped rum cake ($65). Or this red velvet rose cake ($60), in lieu of, or in addition to, an actual bouquet.

If your beloved is expecting chocolate, the Ladybird Bakery Brooklyn Blackout cake features chocolate cake, chocolate fudge, and chocolate pudding. Did we mention that it has chocolate in it? 

And for pure joy, a simple gift of a truly enormous red heart-shaped lollipop ($10) might be the sweetest gesture of all.

the best romantic luxury valentine’s day gifts for her this year

That’s it – our thoughts on the perfect romantic Valentine’s Day gift for her, whether the “her” in question is a girlfriend, wife, best friend, or your Mom. If you put real time and effort into it, and it comes from the heart, we’re sure that whatever you bestow will be the best luxury Valentine’s Day gift that she’s ever received.

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