Thoughtful and non-cheesy gifts to give on Valentine's Day

We are dairy free around here in every way.

When I was in high school, I had a teacher say something in passing that I’ve never forgotten: always tell the people you love that you love them. It’s such a simple principle, yet can be complicated to express. And sometimes people need an excuse (like a holiday), or a reminder, to do so.

While I do believe the purest forms of love are expressed in gestures however small, there is also an art to gift giving (whether to a loved one, or to oneself).

Below are some little (and not so little) things to give (or, hehe, receive) on Valentine’s Day. Not listed but worth mentioning: flowers from Hozier, a Concorde revival, a year-long stay at the Ritz Paris, a love spell (try Etsy), and perhaps a back massage via steam roller.

Vintage Elsa Perretti Perfume Bottle Pendant: I have a deep devotion to fragrance and feel my best when I smell good, and love a functional necklace. So it only makes sense that I am obsessed with wearing a bottle of perfume around my neck, as though it’s a bottle of poison, for reapplication.

Vibi Venezia Velvet Slippers: There are few things chicer than a velvet smoking slipper, and I love this red pair by Vibi Venezia.

Trudon Hand Candle: One of my first jobs in New York was as a sales assistant on the fine jewelry floor at Bergdorf Goodman. Somehow, I acquired a mannequin hand, and my friends and I named her June. June lived with me for several years, and it became a weird tradition for me to bring her out to the bar and tap random men on the back with her. And I swear to you, I’ve never had a more fruitful dating life than I did when June was in the picture. The men loved June! All that said, this candle reminds me of her, and it might be worth a try bringing it out on the town sometime.

L’Occitane Hand Balm: My dad taught me the importance of a firm handshake from a young age, and I shake a lot of hands in my line of work. As a result, I’m very conscious of having soft hands, and while it’s not the sexiest product, it is one of the most effective hand creams I’ve ever tried.

Quill Pen: Tell me you love me with a feather quill pen or it didn’t happen!!!

Personalized Stationery: To write said love letters on.

Lover’s Eye Plate: A lover's eye is a small, painted portrait of a loved one's eye, usually set in jewelry. They were popular in 18th-century Britain and were often given as gifts to express devotion (to somebody or, perhaps, yourself). One of my favorite artists, Susannah Carson, paints the most beautiful lover’s eyes on ceramic plates to be hung on the wall (or not).

Lover’s Eye Tassel Brooch: Also by Susannah Carson is this fabulous tassel brooch. And as Oscar de la Renta once taught me: brooches always go on the left!

Madewell x Leset Pointelle Set: One of my favorite cozy sets of all time in a festive red.

Eye Pendant: While not a lover’s eye per se, I love this kind of creepy eyeball pendant. It comes in various colors, and I love the idea of gifting your eye color to someone else, or a loved one’s eye color to yourself. Maybe that’s weird, but I’m into it.

La Bonne Brosse Hair Brush: My favorite hair brush in the world in a delectable Gucci Ancora red.

Hermès Matte Lipstick in Rouge Casaque: As a self-proclaimed red lip aficionado, I can assure you I’ve tried the vast majority of vibrant red lipsticks on the market. This one is in my top 3 favorites, and the packaging could simply not be chicer.

Gohar Lace Bottle Apron: This is one of my favorite (and an easy) gift to give with a great bottle of wine. (And I can’t deny how much I love looking at my wine bottles all gussied up on the shelf.)

Seletti Heart Vase: Perfect for the cardiologist in your life–or someone who simply has a heart of gold.

Completedworks Coupes: I love fun glassware, and find the wonkiness of this pair undeniably charming.

Juju Vera Shell Lighter Case: Something to set the mood or burn old love letters with. A multitasker, yes!!!

Cave Things x Bella Freud Jumper: “This morning is amazing and so are you” sounds like a lovely morning affirmation–and it simply doesn’t get better than a Nick Cave x Bella Freud crossover.

Chanel Nail Color: To be honest, I love a red nail year round, and this is one of my favorites.

Cartier Baignoire Watch: For everyday wear, I love my Tank Française, but for more special occasions, I’d love a gold Baignoire. Inspired by the oval shape of VIP seats in opera houses, this watch carries an unmatched, timeless elegance.

Antique Sacred Heart: You can take the girl out of Catholic school, but you can’t take Catholic school out of the girl (I’m the girl). I’ve always had a fondness for a flaming heart (or milagro heart in Mexican folk art) in jewelry, art, and design.

Larroude x Altuzarra Pumps: I have and love these pumps, and while they’re not the most comfortable heel I own, any shoe that can double as self defense makes me feel powerful.

Cave Things Angel Charm: A protective talisman for your bag, or keys, or neckline.

White + Warren Cashmere Socks: No cold feet!!!

Hermès Clochette Necklace: For the frazzled person in your life who is always losing their keys. (I’m said frazzled person, and this beautiful leather object has come to my rescue more times than I’d like to admit.)

Byredo Burning Rose Candle: I actually do not like the vast majority of rose-scented fragrance things–but this one throws the most intoxicating scent.

Aurate Tennis Bracelet: I received this as a gift for Christmas from the brand, and I can’t tell you how much joy it brings me to have a little extra sparkle on my wrist. I wear it almost every day.

Prada Silk Pumps: This is one of the most beautiful shoes I’ve seen in a long time. The shape, the sheen!

Victoria Beckham Suite 302 Fragrance: This is one of my favorite and most-complimented fragrances, and is also truly unisex. It smells as though you lit a bunch of palo santo (and a cigarette, but that part is optional) while in the most luxurious bathtub scattered with rose petals (kind of cheesy but let’s just go with it). It reminds me of Paris, which is where I started wearing it, and is one of the sexiest, most romantic scents.

Dore Facial Ice Roller: This is my new favorite thing, especially in the morning. It’s utterly refreshing, and makes me feel, put simply, divine.

Wardrobe.NYC Lace Bodysuit: I have this bodysuit along with the matching tights, and wearing it brings out my alter ego. It’s like a sexy, spidery catsuit, and looks great with an oversized, structured blazer.

Aperçu x Christina Leontine Sunglasses: Shameless plug, but hey, they’re great glasses and a great color.

Tekla Mohair Blanket: Tekla makes my favorite blankets, and while I don’t own much red in my wardrobe or home, this red mohair is so fun.

Vintage Hermès Kelly: Consider this your excuse to treat yourself to a pre-loved Kelly in a delicious vampire’s blood color. Just do it.