Chocolates and flowers are traditional Valentine’s Day gifts, but flowers quickly fade while candy stays on the thighs forever. This collection of practical, thoughtful gifts can be used all year long, and will generate smiles every time they are used, making them a great way to say “I love you.”
For Him
Checkmate!
Bey-Berk Carbon Fiber Chess Set$290.81, NeimanMarcus.com
Fans of the strategy game of chess will be reminded of your love every time they use this unique set. Crafted of high-tech carbon fiber, it’s a nice accent even when not in use, and features two integrated drawers to store the wooden playing pieces between games.
Brad’s Secret
Le Domaine Skincare Cream$236, Le-Domaine.com
To make sure your guy ages gracefully, give him the anti-aging cream Brad Pitt uses. The Perrin family, best known for their organic wines, blended this cream from grape seeds, botanicals, and other healthy ingredients to preserve and protect the skin. To add a unique touch, the bottles and caps are made from recycled glass and wine barrels.
Put It in Writing
Cross Bailey Ballpoint Pen$42, PenBoutique.com
He will think lovingly of you whenever he uses this classic, elegant Cross pen. Crafted of brass with a red lacquer overlay that means it won’t be easily misplaced, the chrome accents give it a look that makes it the perfect choice for the boardroom or his journal.
Wind It Up
Orbita Watch Winder$695, TimeScapeUSA.com
The best way to keep his beloved automatic-movement watches in optimum working condition is to keep them properly wound. The unique design utilizes a round cylinder to securely hold the timepiece while it’s rotated, housed under a clear acrylic dust cover. Battery power allows it to be placed in a safe or on a shelf without the need for an unsightly power cord.
A Tie for Lovebirds
Ferragamo Heart Print Tie$210, Ferragamo.com
While many holiday ties are rarely worn other than one day each year, this is a tie he’ll enjoy wearing all year long. Made in Italy of 100 percent silk, the discreet yet intricate design (look closely to see the lovebirds in the heart) makes it appropriate for office or evening affairs.
Say ‘No’ to Wrinkles
Leatherology Tie Case$145, Leatherology.com
There’s not much worse for him than arriving for an out-of-town business meeting and discovering his ties are crumpled and wrinkled. This handcrafted case keeps ties organized while traveling, to ensure they arrive in perfect condition. These cases are made of full-grain leather and have a pocket for tie clasps and collar stays.
For Her
Save Special Moments
Polaroid Hi-Print Starter Set$129.99, Polaroid.com
Give her the gift of instant photos from her phone. Compatible with most cellular phones, this allows her to memorialize special moments. As a plus, the backing can be peeled off to apply the photos to any hard surface, such as a refrigerator or laptop case.
Wrap It Up
Mark & Graham Leather Charger Roll Up$49, MarkAndGraham.com
Help keep her organized by giving her a clever, simple, and practical way to keep chargers and cords tucked away until needed. Crafted of soft, supple, full-grain leather in eight colors, each is unique and a very stylish way to ensure her phone or laptop never goes dark.
Versatile Elegance
Zoe Large Jewelry Box$649, NeimanMarcus.com
Her jewelry deserves a case as glamorous as the precious items stored within. This embroidered box has an impressive 20 compartments for individual pieces, plus 18 ring rolls, 12 necklaces areas, five bracelet compartments, six compartments for small items, and a removable case to hold items when she travels.
Everlasting Love
Sofia Zakia Celestial Rose Necklace$625, SofiaZakia.com
Why give a bouquet of roses that will wither in a few days when she can have this 14-karat gold, diamond-accented rose pendant that will retain its beauty forever? Handcrafted, each delicate rose is suspended from either a 16-inch or 20-inch solid gold chain.
Love Is a Puzzle
1,000 Piece Collage Photo Puzzle$69.99, MakeYourPuzzles.com
She will fall in love with you all over again as she assembles this 1,000-piece puzzle made from her favorite photos of the two of you, or the entire family. Choose from a wide variety of templates, and then select up to 64 photos, along with text, to make it extra special.
Burning Love
Veranda Tabletop Portable Fireplace$169.99, RegalFlame.com
A romantic evening beside a mesmerizing fire has never been easier to arrange. Forget lugging logs—this uses clean-burning ethanol to eliminate soot, and can be used outdoors or, with proper ventilation, indoors, too. Arched safety glass provides flame protection and a clear view from any angle.
