Valentine’s Day is the day we celebrate the concept of love and affection and honour our partner – or should you prefer, a friend, pet or even yourself! – be it with a material gift, or in other ways.
If you do decide to give a token of your feelings, what to gift can be the source of much apprehension. Gifting is hard at the best of times. Lest we forget we’ve just gotten over the Christmas period! Add in the complication of a romantic relationship and things can really get tricky.
We’re undecided on which is harder, buying for a relatively new partner where their interests and tastes are yet to fully be uncovered, or a decades-long relationship, where you have numerous Valentine’s Days already behind you.
The key is to consider what will make your partner feel appreciated right now. Whether that’s by offering a thoughtfully-written note, procuring an item or undertaking a task that makes their life a little easier or more enjoyable, or just a touch of luxury they may not ever lavish on themselves.
What’s worth considering, should you do go down the route of a tangible gift, is the question: ‘Will they ever use this?’ If the answer is no, it’s perfectly reasonable to default to the classics – a beautiful meal out, a bottle of bubbles or spirits, a card or an impressive bouquet.
For a few other ideas? Try something from this selection:
Meadowlark Heart Jewel Signature Hoops and Camille ring
Using hearts in jewellery may certainly be trending right now, but the symbolism remains in favour year-in year-out for obvious reasons. It means picking something from Meadowlark’s collection, like these gemstone earrings or smooth sculptural heart ring will remain a wearable reminder of your devotion long beyond 2022.
A luxury hotel stay or meal at Park Hyatt
How about a mini getaway to Auckland’s sleek and modern new Park Hyatt hotel to lounge in robes, enjoy the harbour views and some indulgence from the mini-bar or room-service perhaps? If you’re not in the market to stay, dining offerings include a five-course Valentine’s dinner at Onemata restaurant, a tapas-style lunch or dinner at The Living Room, bespoke Valentine’s cocktails at the hotel’s Captain’s Bar, and a selection of sweet treats available to order from The Pantry.
Louis Vuitton Spell On You Fragrance
Louis Vuitton’s latest addition to its fine fragrance collection conjures the alchemy of attraction. Sophisticated and light but with sensual twist, Spell On You has a fresh green introduction before developing into its heart of rose, iris and sambac jasmine.
Skincare is self care! Boost their beloved beauty routine with the famous and desirable Double Serum that works hard on all the challenges skin deals with day to day, using 21 plant extracts to ensure skin functions at its optimal health. It’s an all-rounder go-to skincare icon that can easily be gifted to anyone of any skin type and they will reap the glow-boosting benefits.
If you don’t have a pet or any offspring, how about a plant to share care of? A stylish indoor plant anchored in one of these elevated Hourglass pots is a great gift for anyone with a green thumb but limited space for a larger garden.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches
What better way to mark a momentous occasion – and the day of celebrating love – than a gift that will last a lifetime. A Rolex makes an iconic gift, revered for exacting technology and yes, serious status. Given their desirable, luxury reputation, some models may have a wait period but Partridge Jewellers have access to a wide range of options and can help you select a gift that will never be forgotten.
Burberry Small Leather Olympia Bag
Gift the new it bag that everyone wants to get their hands on and gain some serious brownie points with your fashion-obsessed significant other! Burberry’s Olympia bag is a new arrival on the luxury accessories scene. Its sleek design, easily tucked onto your shoulder and available in a variety of playful colours has made it much sought-after worldwide. Available from Burberry’s new Auckland boutique in Westfield Newmarket.
Flower subscription from The Flower Project
They say the downfall of flowers as a gift is that they can only be enjoyed for a few days. Solve that problem by gifting a flower subscription that sees a beautiful bunch of seasonal blooms delivered to your recipient’s door once a fortnight or once a month.
In love with a homebody? Let them embrace their downtime in comfort and a little bit of luxury with a set of silk pyjamas. The good news is, they’re low admin, machine-washable 100% silk.
If you’ve got a sense of humour and something to say, expert cookie makers Moustache have got your back. Their delicious giant red velvet cookies can be personalised with your own message and couriered nationwide whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s or have a pal that’s distinctly not into the day this year and needs some love. Who can say no to red velvet, dark chocolate chips and a cream cheese white chocolate centre?!
Gucci is not a brand that shies away from a capsule range to mark an occasion and this year Valentine’s Day is no different. There’s a colourful collection of accessories in the house’s distinctive GG canvas, emblazoned with the word LOVE to make really obvious your intentions.
Have a partner that likes useful gifts? These over the shoulder bags from Melbourne’s Belroy make it super simple to go hands-free, carrying all your essentials whether you’re wandering the city or getting active in the great outdoors.
Nothing says being spoilt like a hand-delivered bottle of bubbles and a bouquet. Moët & Chandon’s ‘With Love’ service will deliver a personalised bottle of Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial with its ‘Glamour’ package that includes a custom note in a keepsake giftbox adorned with florals, or the ‘Grandeur’ Package that features an extra big, limited Moët Rosé Magnum. The Moët & Chandon With Love gifts will be hand-delivered by a white-gloved concierge on Valentine’s Day and are available in Auckland, Sydney and Melbourne.
Love a foodie who loves to cook? Le Creuset cookware is likely high on their wish-list. Tick off that list with something from the French brand famed for its cast iron pans, in particular, something from its limited edition 2022 Valentine’s Heart Collection.
Auckland dining spots
