Gifts for Them: A V-Day Gift Guide
Ok, I’ll be honest, I don’t really like Valentine’s Day. From the boxes of gamble chocolates, to the alienation of the entire single population and forced uptick in mass consumerism (yes, ironic considering the content of this post) I’m just not into it. While I’m aware that that’s Not a groundbreaking attitude to have toward what seems to be as widely disliked holiday as NYE, I figured I’d still acknowledge it. Gift giving is also one of my love languages so, *insert shrug emoji here*. Whatever camp you find yourself in, either pro- or anti-Valentine, there are so many intangible things (the vaccine, the ability to see and touch our loved ones, regular baseline depression versus a nihilistic one, etc.) we would probably prefer to a candle or (definitely to) antacid-like heart candy, but unfortunately those remain out of our hands for the time being. What I’d also like to acknowledge is given the hellish (almost) year we’ve had, and it’s fair share of garbage moments, sometimes it’s nice to have something to look forward to, or celebrate even if it’s as trivial as a calendar holiday — or am I just losing it? Well, can’t lose what you never had. Suffice it to say, there’s nothing wrong with showing a little extra love especially right now and, especially if you’re a last minute gift-getter like me.
In an effort to do so, I thought I’d put together a themed gift guide featuring some of my favorite creators and brands I believe in. Everything you’ll find on this guide is sustainably made by either by (predominantly female) BIPOC creators and/or small business. The beauty and wellness products are all certified clean, and all products are responsibly made and consciously sourced. Also, I earn commission and you get a discount if you shop with me at Public Goods, Sweet Reason and Ana Luisa. So, rest assured that whether you’re shopping for you, or for someone you love (or maybe just like like a lot and are waiting to see where things go) you’re getting the best for them.
p.s. Apologies in advance, for all of the less than subtle innuendos in the copy —I’ve been binge watching of “Bonding” on Netflix and binge listening almost exclusively to “My Dad Wrote a Porno” on Spotify. I recommend each of those as highly as these gifts below, enjoy at your own pleasure. See, it’s already starting, don’t say you weren’t warned.
Donation to The Loveland Foundation
I promise we’ll get the the tangible items in a moment, but I just wanted to acknowledge that if you’re here to shop, you could also consider allocating some of that money to a charitable organization if you’re not already doing so. Donating either on behalf of someone you love or as yourself is, in my opinion the best way to spread some love.
The Loveland Foundation is an organization established by Rachel Cargle in 2018 that focuses on providing resources, particularly in the arena of mental health, to communities of color with a concentrated focus on Black women and girls. To learn more and donate, visit their website.
Mondo Mondo Super Lover Earrings
Name a more glamorous way to say ‘I love you’ whether to yourself or the one you love, Oof — add these to the list of “Things I’d Buy If I Weren’t In Student Debt.” $395
Piecework Puzzles 'Tickled Pink'
For those of you that want to take things slow. $26
Tsubota Pearl Rose Gold Sigaretta Stick Lighter at LCD Studio
If you love me, you’ll buy me functional decor that is also portable. $30
19-69 Female Christ Bougie Parfume Candle
Forget the vagina candle… or at least, add this one to your collection. $70
J.Hannah Mini Polish Set
They say it’s the little things. In this case, I’d have to agree. $45
Lesse Regeneration Mist
1. A tree is planted for every bottle sold. 2. Nothing says ‘I love you’ like, let’s plant some trees and keep that face looking dewey. Need I say more? $48
GILBERT BFF Ear Threaders
We love a modern twist on the classic BFF necklace. $50
Andrej Urem 'Rose' Candle
Nothing screams ‘our love will burn eternal’ like a candle thats too beautiful to burn. $53
F. Miller Skincare Body Oil
What even is lotion when you have body oil at your disposal?! Do you self a favor and get some. and then some. $64
Loops Beauty Lip Mask
Fair warning, all that plays in my head when I apply these masks is ‘Kiss Kiss,’ by T-Pain. aaaaand it’s official that these are now part of my hype ritual for when I’m getting ready to stay at home. $20
The Little Beast Co. Pink Elephant Onesie
For the love of clothed animals — who maybe don’t want to be clothed for very long, if at all. Who cares! Do you see that thing?! Dog and cat friendly, we love the inclusivity, $45
Bailey Hikawa 'Geta in Rose' iPhone Case
If you have to kiss them thru the phone, do it in style. $98
Maison Balzac Glass Oil Burner
Drip, drip, drop… some of your favorite oils in here and light that candle. While you’re at it baby, lock the door and turn them lights down low. $45
The Smile Makers 'The Romantic'
…play that music soft and slow. Kidding! Or not…that’s actually great advice for getting it on, be it solo or a duet. $90
(also, it wasn’t intentional in my initial image selection but, it does look a bit like a microphone that way it's being handled, and now I want it even more, no?)
Cold Picnic Tonal Boob Knit Blanket
Titties!!!!!! Sorry, was that too much? Titties. $210
Luiny Heart Drop Earring
Dainty and dangly. Pearly to boot. We love it, and you too. $42.50 (single), $85 (pair)
ARO Heart Chain
Did not realize that what I’d been missing in my jewelry repetoire was an interlocking heart chain… until now. You too? Sweet. $90
Sandy Liang Cookie Ring
Would 10/10 feel comfortable leaving this ring on while I made some heart-shaped sugar cookies. $145
Éliou Vittoria Leash
A little love poem for you:
Since we know that masks are here to stay
and sunglasses never went away
buy a leash for you or bae.
K, you know what to do. $210
Sabre Stainless Steel Flatware from Coming Soon NY
More than one type of forking. $12
Our Place Always Pan in Heat
…and you’re going to need something to cook with. Bring the Heat, and don’t forget to kiss the chef! $145
The Great Eros Canova Hi-Waist Bikini in Scarlet
For you or for them or for both. Whatever your reason, indulge in something that feels as good as it looks. $50
RMS Beauty Eye Tint in Utopia
Even though we might not be going anywhere, that doesn’t mean we aren’t wearing it. $28
Recommended listening: Lykke Li’s song ‘Utopia’ while you’re (going) at it.
Bodha Smokeless Incense in Ground
Set the mood and your intentions with notes of Hinoki, Cedarwood & Frankincense. $32
Labucq Kitty Loafer in Cognac
Maybe not the buqs you wanted but definitely the (La)bucqs you need.
The Book Club Fifty Fails a Day Blue Light Glasses
A different kind of protection, that still says, “eye love you.” $15
Gil Rodriguez El Tigre Bodysuit in Tomate
Filed under: for when they ask you what you’re wearing and it’s something tight. $78
Breda Studio Esther Watch
Our love is timeless. But, just in case. $145
Nécessaire Sex Gel
If the previous innuendos were actually overt, then I’d say this was to be expected. Oh, and did I mention that there’s Hyaluronic Acid in this? Yes.
Get some, and then get some. $20
Lex Pott Twist Candle in Pink
Just what your candlelit dinner was missing. $40
Machete Midi Heirloom Claw in Bright Pink
Baby, if you must clip, clip it good. $35
Moon Juice Magnesi-om
Putting the ‘chiil’ back into your Netflix plans. $42
Arq High-Rise Undies
I’m of the mindset that the cozier option is always the sexiest, right? Absolutely right. $28
Ana Luisa Uma Bracelet
If overtly heart-shaped jewelry isn’t you and/or your lover’s thing, maybe try something a little more understated but still says '“together forever”.
But if heart-shaped jewelry is your thing, they have that too — and everything’s on sale. $50
Edie Parker Stone Cold Heart Pipe in Rust Red
Like a heart made of glass but infinitely better. $125
Crown Affair Comb No. 001
Whether it’s treating yourself to a scalp massage or living out a Victorian novel fantasy, this comb will make you a convert. $38
Public Goods Pink Himalayan Salt
If you’re salty about Valentine’s Day, I get it. Here’s something for that, too. $6
…and if you’re not, here’s a little something to spice things up. $11
…and if you’re really trying to commit, go for the membership and save 15% on your first order with code ‘elnoicPGA’. $59
3rd Ritual Earth
So, I lied. Body oil certainly does not make lotion obsolete. Especially not one that is as therapeutic as this, in years such as these. $32
p.s. no one is trying to hold a dry hand, even if it is from excessive sanitizing.
Rose Los Angeles x Gossamer CBD Rosin Delights
A much mellower take on roses, you’re welcome. $40
p.s. Hemp blends available for those of you ~lovers~ in CA, xoxo.
Comme Si Agnelli Sock in Chili
Gives ‘sock it to me’ a whole new meaning, really. $28
HAY Design Colour Crate in Soft Pink
If you love me, let me organize. $6
Heretic Parfum Dirty Rose
Perfume that smells like roses, it’s two classics in one for the price of two classics. $60
Golde Skin Hydration Ade
Listen to “Watermelon Sugar” on repeat and drink up. $15
p.s. she’s vegan! and sugar free!
Milky Tanjun Pipe by Laundry Day Co.
“Alexa, play ‘High’ by James Blunt.” $52
jk, we don’t do Amazon here.
Sweet Reason CBD-Infused Sparkling Water in Grapefruit
Whether you’re celebrating or not, there’s no sweeter reason to pop some of this bubbly. $35
Thousand Fell Lace Up
Love the planet as much as you love your special someone (and yourself)! $120
INKA Food Containers Set of 6 in Coral
Say it with me: if you love me, let me organize and this includes meal prep. $55