No matter their relationship statuses, almost everyone I know thinks Valentine’s Day is kind of a drag when they’re being honest. If you’re single, it’s like the whole world is rubbing your nose in it. If you’re coupled, expectations run high and you’re saddled with not only conjuring the perfect romantic gesture for your partner, but hoping that your partner puts some thought into yours. The correct remedy to all of this, of course, is to buy your own gift, or perhaps send this list to your significant other if he’s the last-minute type. And really, aren’t they all?
Ok, ladies, I know that the Kenneth Jay Lane Swarovski Cocktail Ring was perhaps not the ring you were hoping (or your mother was hoping) that you’d get this year, amirite? But still, big sparkly ring! And big sparkly ring is always a net gain. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $190.
Small leather goods always make good gifts, and the Mulberry Postman’s Lock Wallet is a little bit of Valentine’s Day cheer that you can carry with you every day. Don’t have any V-Day cheer, you say? Buy yourself this wallet, I bet you’ll feel it. Or you might not, but at least you’ll have a nice new wallet. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $350.
The Botkier Charlotte Satchel in red is an on-trend ladylike handbag that you can use no matter the season or holiday. A bag like this is the gift that keeps on giving, no matter whether it’s from your man or yourself. Buy through Botkier for $575.
Who needs a dozen regular roses when you can have the Valentino Nappa Rose Tote? Flowers wilt and die, but the dozens of blooms on the front of this Valentino bag will stay fresh forever. Buy through Nordstrom for $3995.
Nothing says “confident and sexy” like a pair of red heels, and the Yves Saint Laurent Palais Pumps say it without being impossible to wear. If you expect a man to successfully acquire a pair of shoes on your behalf, though, you’re going to have to send him some detailed instructions. Luckily, that’s basically what this post is. We’ll wait while you email. Buy through Matches for $800.
Brightly colored watches are all the rage these days, kids. Kill two birds with one stone with the bright red Michael Kors Oversized Watch – both a Valentine’s-appropriate gift and a fun, casual fashion piece. Buy through ShopBop for $195.
Whether you’re trying to impress your current man or attract a new one (or maybe both, no judgment here), a sexy-but-classy red cocktail dress like the Alexander McQueen Kaftan Crepe Dress is a surefire way to turn more than a few heads in exactly the right way. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $1120.
