20 Gifts to Wow on Valentine's Day
Right when we need a little brightness to shine on our interminable winter existence, February 14 comes along, a day that reminds us to celebrate the ones we love: our friends, partners, and, of course, ourselves. Whether you call it Valentine's Day, Galentine's Day, Palentine's Day ... or nothing at all ... we have some ideas to help you show your nearest and dearest just how much they mean to you. ❤️
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1. Have any Francophiles on your list? These gorgeous Lola James Harper candles were originally designed for the famous concept store, Colette, which set trends from its boutique in Paris for 20 years. Each of these delicious scents are made in France and evoke memories of the founder's love of music, film and travel. Sure, they are a little pricier than many candles, but we all know quality cannot be compromised.
2. Vancouver-based brand Blume makes organic, plant-based, superfood lattes that give you tasty warm bevvies while kicking caffeine and artificial sweeteners to the curb. Create the perfect gift combo with one of their colourful Cloud Mugs, a rechargeable frother, and a favourite drink blend. Your friends and partners will love you a latte for it! (p.s. If you are looking for a little natural sweetener to top it off, try East Van Bees honey.)
3. Recently seen on the ears of Katy Perry, these stunning rice pearl bow earrings from Kara Yoo are right on trend. Special jewellery for all your special people.
4. Female-founded Maude makes beautifully designed sexual wellness products that look as good as they feel. This Drop vibrator had 3 speeds, is made of soft latex-free silicone, and comes in a canvas travel pouch so you always have it handy.
5. This Vitruvi diffuser is rechargeable and cordless, meaning you can take it to any room in your house. A few drops of pure essential oils mixed with water in this matte metal diffuser and the mood is dialled.
6. Everyone needs a classic coat in their closet that they will love and wear for years to come. This wool camel coat from Paris-based brand Grace & Mila is finished by hand, drapes beautifully, and is guaranteed to become a favourite. Bonus: this coat is currently on sale for 30% off!
7. Victoria's favourite Aussie-style café, Bear & Joey, makes the most delicious body scrubs from leftover coffee grounds, coconut oils and essential oils. A great way to get smooth, soft skin that begs to be touched.
8. A limited-edition art print on archival paper from French-Portuguese artist Alexandra de Assunçao is a lovely way to brighten up someone's day. Bonus: these prints are currently on sale for 50% off!
9. Canadian and female-founded, Jems is a sex-positive brand that makes 100% natural latex condoms and silicone lube. Nothing says I love you like keeping it safe.
10. Created by a local Victoria artist, this Wheel of the Year Perpetual Calendar shows the pagan seasons with whimsical illustrations and an extra touch of hand-applied gold ink.
11. This combo will please anyone in your life. Skin will drink up Noto Botanics' Deep Serum while the Bian Stone Tool helps it absorb with a relaxing facial massage. Glowing fresh skin is the perfect gift.
12. Hailing from LA, Luv AJ is a trendy jewellery brand that makes easy-to-wear pieces that look gorgeous. These pavé gold-plated huggie hoops bring an air of understated glamour to everyday looks, so you'll always feel dressed up — even when you aren't.
13. Nothing makes a person feel more polished than, well, a fresh polish! Check out the gorgeous colours from Seas by Merewif, a female-founded small business in the USA, and revel in the fact that they are vegan and 10-Free. Extra brownie points: the colours glide on extra smoothly and last a really long time — winners in our books!
14. When your person is so lovely that you want to give them something to match, these oh-so-soft kid mohair sweaters from Copenhagen-based American Dreams are the perfect fit.
15. Strengthen your bond by asking really good questions ... and then be a really good listener. Used with intention, these Connect Cards by The School of Life London will help you fall even more madly in love with each other.
16. Start the night off right with Province Apothecary's Lover's Massage Oil and (hopefully) move right along to the Sex Oil. This dynamic duo is pre-packaged as a set, making it easy to both give and receive.
17. Cute and cozy, these indoor/outdoor slippers from Freedom Moses are like little hugs for your feet.
18. Edmonton-based Libertine Fragrance is an independent perfume house creating luscious all-gender scents by hand. Sex & Jasmine is their top-seller, and with its sensual cocktail of jasmine, vanilla and sandalwood, it's not hard to smell why.
19. Canadian designer Lisbeth Jewellery makes very pretty things that would top anyone's wish list. This 14k gold-filled Botero ring with a sparkly cubic zirconia will make your partner's hand sparkle with joy.
20. It's pink, it's fizzy, it smells heavenly, and it's only $12 ... exactly the sort of gift that you can give to everyone on your Gal / Pal / Valentine's Day list. Throwing Onsen Saru's Hot Spring Bath Fizz into a warm tub at the end of a busy day is the very best way to melt into all the love. ❤️
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