Ah, Valentine’s Day: The most divisive holiday of them all. Beyond the whole, “It was made up by Hallmark” debate, there’s the matter of actually securing a Valentine. If you’ve got one, it’s all hearts, kisses and love (swoon), and if you don’t, it’s more akin to Ramen, FOMO and cheap rosé. (Or at least it was for me when I was a single gal in my early 20’s!) Attached or single, you can (and should) still shop this Valentine’s Day gift guide for yourself, however. After all, if Miley can buy herself flowers, you can most certainly spring for a new hair dryer ($130) or a delicious new signature fragrance ($99) before the night is through.
Below, 21 things that have me head over heels this Valentine’s Day to shower yourself in love with.
Valentine’s Day Gift Guide
1. Violette_Fr Bisou Balm
Ever hear the French saying “bouche mordue?” It translates to “just bitten lips,” and that’s the exact effect French brand Violette_FR was going for with its trending Bisou Balm. Not quite a lipstick and not quite a balm, its romantic formula makes your lips look perfectly flushed and perma-filtered, since it blurs out all the cracks and lines in your pout. Shades sell out often (my favorite, Rose Latte, is currently OOS — I’d go for Bêtise next), and you’ll have to reapply often to maintain the color, but it’s quickly becoming a go-to in my makeup bag for everyday wear.
2. Maeve Heart Heel Mules
Lisette Pedreias put me onto these little beauties, and while we both found them to run a size too small (order one up from your normal—trust me!), we also both found them absolutely adorable. Now $100 off in your cart, they’re made from a luxe dyed leather, and the little kitten heel is incredibly *in* right now. They take a little practice to walk in, but I wholeheartedly believe they’re worth it.
3. Bala x Pucci Bala Bangles
Workout bangles, but make them designer. Bala Bangles and Pucci teamed up to do the impossible, which is to make a workout accessory I’m (gasp!) actually motivated to use. True to the fashion house, the aesthetic is bold (it doesn’t get much louder than hot pink with lime neon green Velcro) and giving major ‘80s vibes (always a yes), but the functionality is all Bala. I was nervous they wouldn’t fit my baby bird wrists, but after trying a pair from the company, I can attest that the Velcro gets as tight or as loose as I need. You’ll want to wear them over leggings lest you wind up with some stigmata-like sores on your ankles, but the 1-pound pair really did enhance my hot girl walk—I could feel my muscles working in my inner thigh and tush that I’m normally completely unaware of. They’ve also got a 3-pound pair if you’re more hardcore.
4. Bandolier Lily Expanded Set
When it comes to bags, I tend to hover around the 70% fashion, 30% function mark. (See: My post on novelty bags.) But this Bandolier Lily set appeases both. The pink croc leather had me dreaming about it for weeks before I was gifted one, and once it arrived, it became a must on my walks through the ‘hood. I string my phone over my wrist with the shorter strap and use the crossbody strap for the expander pouch, which carries my keys, earbuds, sunscreen, sunglasses and lip gloss. (It’s quite roomy, if I do say so myself!) I’ve also found myself reaching for it for runs to the grocery store, Starbucks, Petco, you name it—the attached wallet has all but made my purse collection obsolete. No wonder Martha Stewart is obsessed!
5. Meideya Triple Sparkle Link Ring
I know nothing about this brand, but I can tell you that this is what I’ll actually be buying myself for Valentine’s Day. I’ve been drooling over Madison Messer’s Spinelli Kilcollin rings for some time now, and while I can’t afford the diamond-studded style I really want (it’s only $4,900, after all), I can afford this little dupe. Fingers crossed it holds up better than the last one I tried from a different, unnamed brand, which left me with a bunch of holes in the ring where the faux diamond chips should be.
6. Bad Betty Greeting Co.
Never have I felt such a kinship with a company as I do with Bad Betty Greeting Co: There’s a card with an angry badger that says “I’m a delight,” for f*ck’s sake. Basically, these are the exact cards I wish I could find in the grocery store aisle, since they’re the only ones that express what I’m feeling at any given moment. (What? I AM a delight!) But that’s not all! This small business also has plenty of affordable little pick-me-ups you need in your life, like, say, a cat notebook in which you can jot down all your best-laid evil plans ($17) or an engraved necklace that reminds you to be kind … of a bitch. ($18). And frankly, who couldn’t use a sticky pad to remind you about sh*t you might forget ($5)?
7. Temp-Tations Carved Willow Mug
Treating yourself doesn’t have to mean emptying your bank account. (Though you *are* worth it, in my humble opinion.) This darling heart-shaped mug is on sale for less than $15, and you can use it any time of the year you damn well please. It’s much larger than expected (see: the photo at the top of the post for scale), making it suitable to use as a bowl should you so choose, and if you’re luckier than I was, you’ll get a little serving plate and spoon to boot. (Mine broke during shipment—wah!)
8. Nordstrom Open Edit Cozy Rib Lounge Set
It’s rare that I find something I love enough to buy in multiple colors, and yet, I bought this three-piece cozy rib set from Open Edit in not one, not two, but three different shades—it’s *that* good. Not only are the bralette and shorts extremely flattering, they make for some of the most comfortable loungewear I own. The little cardi is also just the right bit of oversized to shrug into when the Florida AC gets to be too much. While the short set is largely sold out, the full-length version is still available in a purple magenta that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day—and on sale.
9. Lola Blankets Desert Dune Blanket
Remember how everyone was obsessed with the Barefoot Dreams blanket a few years back? (Literally, everyone, from Chrissy Teigen to Khloé Kardashian.) Yeah, well, I have it, and after trying the Lola, it was quickly relegated to the back of my closet. (Sorry, Barefoot.) Barefoot is soft and squishy, but the Lola is about as close as you can get to snuggling under a thick, cushy coat of fur (which is probably also why my senior cat prefers it to any other blanket in our house). As someone who hates heavy blankets, I also very much appreciate that it’s oversized without weighing me down at night. If I could afford it, I’d buy one for every room of my house.
10. Vachon Coffee Dust
If a caramel macchiato is your jam at Starbucks, you can (probably) scroll right on by this one—a sugar rush, this is not. But if you, like me, appreciate a minimalist cup of joe with a splash of cream and a hint of flavor, this little gift set of “coffee dust”—a.k.a. six sugar-free spice blends made to flavor your java—will quickly become a new obsession. The company sent me some to try, and it’s like topping off your Americano with a flourish of cinnamon and nutmeg, only better. Cocoa Calm, which infuses lavender and sea salt, is a unique treat, while Hot Mama (cocoa, cayenne, cinnamon and sea salt), is a totally unexpected, but exciting a.m. addition.
11. Lulu Guinness Small Lips Clutch
Bestill my novelty bag loving heart! This hardshell clutch doesn’t hold a whole lot—it opens up at the top with just enough room for your cards, lipstick and keys (sorry, iPhone)—but it’s not really the kind of purse you’re grabbing for storage. This is a statement piece, see, and a grade A stunner at that!
12. Laifen SE Hair Dryer
The first time I turned on this blow dryer, I thought, ‘Wow. I’ve been living in the hair dark ages.” Everything about this sleek little machine, from the ultra-light weight to the high-powered wind speed, is impressive. That’s particularly true when you consider that it’s just over $100 compared to the Dyson at $430. It definitely takes some getting used to: The air isn’t nearly as hot as you may be used to feeling from other dryers. But that’s also by design—less heat, less damage. I quickly realized that despite the foreign feeling of the more tepid temp, it wasn’t impacting my dry time in the slightest. It won’t dry you hair in less than five minutes, as the company claims, but at about seven to eight minutes for a full dry, it’s not bad at all.
13. Marrow Fine Everyday Teardrop Pearl Bracelet
I never really fancied myself a pearl fan, but after being sent this bracelet by the brand, I find myself reaching for it more and more. It actually looks really nice with gold or silver and makes for a sweet little stack addition that I’ve been really digging lately. It also comes at a decent price point considering it’s made with natural freshwater teardrop pearls. In fact, it’s one of the most affordable pieces the brand, which is worn by celebs like Megan Fox and influencer Sammi Jefcoate (muses, both!), makes.
14. It’s All Magic by Aliza Kelly
I was introduced to Aliza Kelly after interviewing her for a PEOPLE article, but any horoscope girlies like myself that aren’t already following her on social should do so immediately. In addition to being absolutely hilarious, she has a way of breaking down astrology, a practice very much rooted in mathematical calculations, in layman’s terms, and regardless of your beliefs on the topic, it’s always a fun listen. Her latest book, It’s All Magic, is much the same: Full of short little horoscope-like musings and reflections, you could flip through it from start to finish, like a normal person, but it’s far more fun to open it to a random page on any given day and see if it resonates.
15. Wayf Alaba Bow Dress
Not only is this sweet little frock more than half off right now (get it while you can!), it’s a dead-ringer for a (far!) pricier Reformation design that’s going for $248. The material has a silky satin feel, but still offers structure, it doesn’t wrinkle or show panty lines and it’s also machine washable. Win, win, win!
16. Albisa Candles
Since the age of 18, when I had a brief stint as a Bath & Body sales woman (I see you, Orland Square Mall), I’ve been clinging to the brand’s candles. And not because I’m particularly obsessed with them, but because, well, I’ve yet to find anything better. I’ve tried the more grown-up brands, but between their terrible throw and gag-worthy scents (why do they all smell like the world’s strongest soap?), they’ve done little but give my boyfriend an instant headache and me instant disappointment. Nest left me less than enthused. Diptyque flat out disgusted me. (I said what I said.) But Albisa? Albisa is the answer to all my candle prayers. After being sent both the brand’s signature Flan and Cultura y Tradiciones scents (both $32), I’ve officially found my new brand. The throw is strong enough to fill up a room, but not so strong you choke on the scent (which, by the way, is good enough to eat). BBW? We’re breaking up, hun.
17. The Million Roses
The Million Roses sent me these beauties in October 2023, and they’re still sitting on my desk, where, if they live up to their claims to last three years, they’ll remain until October 2026 (at which point I will immediately replace them). Yes, they’re expensive, but you know what’s also expensive? Regular roses. A bouquet, particularly one of this size, will easily go for $100+ and die in a week, whereas these rehydrated Ecuadorian roses will cost you $130 per year without shedding a single petal for the next 365+ days.
18. Donpapa Slippers
I’m going to say something controversial here: I’d buy these Donpapa slippers over UGGs any day of the week. Yes, they’re made of faux fur and faux suede instead of real Australian shearling. But honestly? They’re 20 times more comfortable, too. The main difference is in the sole. The ultra-thick rubbery bottoms of the UGGs make them too stiff to really be cozy. How do I know? Cause these Don Papas (which, by the by, I stole directly from Stylin by Aylin, a longtime Instagram crush), completely bend with your foot and feel like walking on a cloud. They’re still strong enough for a mailbox run, and they’re super soft inside, they’re just more pliable, and consequently, more cozy.
19. Phlur Vanilla Skin Eau de Parfum
I don’t often recommend perfume, as it’s such an objective buy, but this gorgeous scent seems to be universally beloved by all, including me. It’s got a warm, nostalgic scent that will take you back to your middle school days (shoutout to my Warm Vanilla Sugar people) but it stops short of being nauseatingly sweet. The brand sent me several scents to try, and the first night I wore this one, I went to bed sniffing my shirt and trying to figure out which one I had sprayed because it smelled positively divine. It’s the only one of my perfumes my boyfriend doesn’t complain about, it lasts all day and it doesn’t smell cheap. As such, it’s become my new daily scent.
20. In Good Taste
In full disclosure, I have not been able to try this Valentine’s Day set, since the brand has decided that my lowly blog is beneath it (*insert eye roll here*), so I can’t give it my full stamp of approval. But considering that it’s pretty hard to mess up rosé (you get 12 mini bottles, Advent style) and the price point for the product isn’t bad, it might be worth a shot. Moving right along …
21. Our Place Party Coupes
As you age, there are a few things that begin to spark interest that you never in your wildest dreams thought would. Birds, for instance. (IKYK.) Watches, another. Tableware and drinkware, a third. In this last department, I’ve been really living it up with these Our Place party coupes. Since I don’t cook, the Always Pan doesn’t really do it for me, but translucent blue wine glasses? Oh yes, friends. Oh, yes. I’ve had them for quite some time now courtesy of Our Place and they’re still all intact, (Read: They’re *quite* sturdy.) They wash up just fine in the dishwasher and if you’ve got tall cupboards, they also happen to stack.
What are you gifting youself for Valentine’s Day? Let me know in the comments below!
Xo, Nicole
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