These Thoughtful Valentine’s Day Gifts Go Way Beyond Flowers

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On a day filled with sugary sweets, roses and abundant shades of red, it's impossible to imagine a holiday so ensconced in romance to have actually been rooted in drama. While there are contradicting stories on the beginnings of the day we have come to know as Valentine’s Day, two legends have prevailed.

One theory involves a few Roman martyrs named Valentine murdered by Emperor Claudius II in the 3rd century. Emperor Claudius reckoned that young men without families made for better soldiers and thus outlawed marriage. A priest named Valentine disagreed and continued to covertly marry couples until he was discovered and sentenced to death. Another man named Valentine fell in love with (most likely) the jailer’s daughter while imprisoned and wrote what is credited as the first “Valentine,” ending his letters in the still used expression, “from your Valentine.”

While some claim Valentine’s Day is meant to commemorate the anniversary of these martyrs, others believe that the church was attempting to “Christianize” a pagan celebration of Lupercalia, a fertility festival in honor of Roman gods. By the Middle Ages, Valentine's valor for love caught on. On this special day dedicated to showering loved ones, beautiful flower arrangements and luxurious chocolates are always welcome Valentine's Day gifts. But if you want to up your V-Day game in a big way, look to this fabulous curation of unique jewels, gourmet food gifts and pampering presents that are decidedly more outside of the (chocolate) box. Here, our favorite Valentine's Day gift ideas for everyone on your list. We won't tell if you pick out something for yourself.

Gallery Frames

We love the idea of adding a sentimental photo from a first date, special trip, or wedding in a beautiful frame this Valentine's Day. Choose from a variety of photo sizes, matting options, and frame colors with their handy online tool that makes the entire process feel bespoke.

WONDER BLADING Lip Stain Masque

Valentine's Day is synonymous with smooching, so make sure yours doesn't wear off with this non-drying, long-lasting lip stain that goes on metallic purple but swipes off to reveal a beautiful hue of your choosing. Whether you opt for neutral pink or bold red, your pout will stay pigmented all evening, no matter your plans.

Pajama Pant Set in Pink Lemonade

Celebrating a low-key Valentine's Day at home, or having a sleepover with your favorite galentines? Treat yourself to a pair of luxe pajamas for the occasion, like this set made from 100% cotton in India.

Pair of Twisted Tapered LED Candles - Rioja

Candles make everything look more romantic, except when they're dripping wax all over your antique dinner table. These realistic LED pillar candles will offer a bit of fun this Valentine's Day with their bold red color and twisted shape.

Valentine's Day 24 Karat Gold Moet Champagne Chocolates Box

It's time to upgrade your Valentine from the drugstore chocolate to this luxe, limited-edition box from Compartes. Hand-brushed 24K dark chocolate infused with Moët Champagne is packaged in a chic green croc-print gift box for the ultimate V-Day gift.

Magnetic Solo Semi Earrings

Go beyond traditional heart jewelry for a gift she'll surely love this Valentine's Day, like these stunning earrings made from malachite, diamond, and 18K yellow gold. They are bold enough to make a statement for date night and cocktail parties, but dainty enough for her to wear every day.

Candle, Matches, Journal, & Earl Grey Crème Retail Tin Gift Box Set

If your Valentine adores nothing more than curling up with a hot cup of tea and a journal, then look no further than this chic set from the masters at Art of Tea. Featuring the brand's best-selling loose leaf Earl Grey tea, a complementary candle, and an elegant journal from Appointed, it encapsulates a cozy night in one delightful box.

AERIN Cream Faux-Shagreen Heart Picture Frame

This sweet little heart frame is petite in size (about 6 inches), but big on style. Handmade with faux shagreen and brass hardware, it'll add a little character to their desk or bedside table. Add a photo of you and your Valentine (or their favorite four-legged friend) for a thoughtful touch.

Eden Lacquer Jewelry Box

Treat your special someone to a jewelry box that's (almost) as pretty as the treasures inside. This high-gloss lacquered orange jewelry box features a duo of slithering gold serpents, brass detailing, and a navy velvet-lined interior for a major dose of glam. Bonus points if you put a sparkly souvenir inside.

Crafthouse by Fortessa Cocktail Smoking Cloche

If your Valentine is a cocktail lover or foodie, they need this chic smoking cloche to infuse their favorite drinks, cheeses, nuts, dips and appetizers with smoky flavor.

Whitefriars Mid-Century Red Knobbly Art Glass Vase

If you insist on buying your Valentine flowers this year, add a fun vintage vase to go along with them for some added character. This hand-blown knobbly art glass vase from the 1960s can be used long after the roses inside have wilted.

Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame

If there's a day to splurge on a great bottle of Champagne, it's Valentine's Day. La Grande Dame's silky-smooth mouthfeel, crisp bubbles, and almond, citrus and floral notes make it a celebration-worthy bottle.

Stovetop Sweetheart Waffle Iron

Up your homemade breakfast in bed game this Valentine's Day with some cheeky heart-shaped waffles (because nothing says 'I love you' more than that). This stovetop waffle maker features deep nooks and crannies and can make up to five waffles at once.

Stars Heart Plate

Your Valentine's Day dinner just got way more romantic, thanks to these hand-painted porcelain plates that come in various colors and charming motifs.

Roberto Coin 18k 7-Station Diamond Dangle Necklace

Made from 18-karat gold and seven round pave diamond dangles, this elegant necklace will be an instant classic she'll reach for every day.

Bone-in Cowboy Ribeye and Shrimp Cocktail Dinner for 2

This Valentine's Day, make a gourmet dinner for two at home with this surf and turf meal from Goldbelly. Each kit ships directly to your door and comes with two, 18-ounce cowboy ribeye steaks, 16 black tiger shrimp, St. Elmo's famous cocktail sauce, steak sauce, creamy horseradish, and steak seasoning.

Bamboo Duvet Cover

Give your Valentine the gift of luxe bedding they may not splurge on for themselves (we promise, they'll thank you for a great night's sleep!). This cooling bamboo duvet cover is ultra silky, making it perfect for hot sleepers and the warmer months ahead.

Iconica Bold Earrings

These slim, diamond-studded hoop earrings embody the sleek sophistication that is Milan's calling card and are a chic way to show affection.

Thebes Glass Candlestick

Just right for the consummate hostess, these glass candelabras will add a shapely silhouette to any table setting.

Match Pewter Straight Pitcher

A timeless pitcher like this pewter one from Match will always be appreciated, especially filled with fresh flowers on Valentine's Day.

Colored Wine Glasses

Hand-blown wineglasses that are crafted in Poland and come in a dizzying array of colors are a cheerful way to up your table's ante.

Stung Awake

Beautiful and functional, this all natural lip and cheek stain will create the perfect pouty lip for your valentine. Plus it will look pretty perched on her vanity.

Pompeii Amphora Vase - Raspberry

Flowers may not last forever, but give her a vase she'll love until the end of eternity.

Borsa di Vino

Perfect for a date in the great outdoors, this wine carrier is hand-woven by artisans in Colombia using the native fique plant, and will instantly elevate your evening picnic.

Weezie Long Lightweight Robe

This French terry cloth robe is perfect for gifting on Valentine’s Day (especially the pink and red combo!), but it’s so chic that your giftee can wear it all year long. The delicate scallops are a fun detail, and you can add their name or monogram for an extra special touch.

Diamante Ruby Bottle

She deserves her own place at the bar, so fill this gorgeous hand-cut glass decanter with her favorite whiskey or wine for a romantic night in.

Queen of Hearts

Playful yet well crafted, these embroidered cocktail napkins are perfect for your queen of hearts!

Bernard, Antheia Parfüm Öl Bijou

This enchanting floral perfume, with notes of magnolia, jasmine, tuberose, ylang ylang and pink peppercorn, is the ultimate gift for the fragrance lover in your life. Named after the Greek goddess of gardens, floral wreaths and true love, Antheia perfume oil certainly lives up to its romantic moniker.

XOXO Watercolor Valentine's Day Greeting Card

This watercolor “xoxo” card is a super sweet surprise to mail to a friend or long-distance valentine. We love that the thick, textured paper and blush envelope make it feel elevated. Plus, the inside of the card is blank, so you can be as friendly or flirty as you want.

Kress Mini Top Handle Bag

This scarlet handbag is the perfect surprise for the style maven in your life. It's made of luxe full grain leather and has a beautiful structured silhouette, making it an instant classic. We love that it can also be customized with your valentine's monogram.

No. 12 Cast Iron Skillet

If your valentine loves to cook (or their love language is food), may we suggest gifting an heirloom-worthy piece of cookware? A cast-iron skillet is a kitchen workhorse, and can handle anything from ribeye steaks to roasted vegetables to cornbread. For a thoughtful touch, you can even engrave your valentine’s name on the bottom of the pan.

Blush Rose Signature Candle

Nothing sets the scene for romance quite like the glow of candlelight. This one is perfect for gifting on Valentine’s Day; it comes in a pink-trimmed, hand-blown glass vessel and has notes of delicate roses, bergamot and pink peppercorn.

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