Amid a new National Retail Federation report that consumers plan to increase 2023 Valentine’s Day spending to nearly $26 Billion, up from $23.9 billion in 2022 and one of the highest spending years on record. So one might wonder or even question what the top “sweetheart swag” will be this year. While there are numerous tried and true holiday gift ideas for our loved ones, many of these perennial favorites now offer an innovative twist that levels up your gift-giving game. Many people also prefer to buck convention, using this holiday to express love and affection with unexpected gifts that can ease and enhance the recipient’s life. Here is a range of marvelous Valentine’s Day gift ideas for those who fall in either camp.
Rose Box NYC’s Long Lasting Real Roses
Who doesn’t love flowers … especially ones that last all year? Rose Box NYC specializes in creating long-lasting arrangements with its specially preserved roses. While there is a wide away of options to choose from, the Bell Premium Half Ball option is a luxurious and unique alternative to the standard bouquet. This arrangement beautifully encases 55 extra-large and preserved roses in a modern and sleek vase adorned with elegant gold detailing. Rose Box NYC even perfumes each arrangement with the brand’s signature light and sweet floral scent, which is made of natural oils and fragrances — although it may be opted out of during the order process.
Rose Box NYC’s roses come from Ecuador, where they are carefully preserved using the company’s proprietary process to stay fresh for a full year without any maintenance. There, they are harvested when the roses are at their best, preserved, colored (or sprayed in metallics), and then transported to New York City to be assembled into the arrangement of your dreams. Available to ship anywhere in the U.S., and internationally, in a range of shapes, colors, and sizes, Rose Box NYC was founded on the precedence of love and passion for fresh-cut roses and what they symbolize. Now, the New York City-based flower atelier is helping to make these flowers part of peoples’ home design, a fashion statement and encouragement of positive energy flow wherever they are present.
Perrier-Jouët’s Belle Epoque Rosé 2013 Limited Edition Gift Box
In celebration of the 120th anniversary of Perrier-Jouët’s Belle Epoque Rosé, the Austrian design duo mischer’traxler partnered with the champagne house to create a limited-edition gift box for its 2013 Belle Epoque Rosé to toast the symbolic milestone. Wine lovers can expect the rosé’s pale pink and copper bubbly sheen when poured into their glasses, as well as the pronounced notes of rose, peony, wild strawberries, raspberry, and pink grapefruit.But it’s mischer’traxler’s transformation of master art maker Emile Gallé’s 1902 Japanese anemone engraving that is the real draw of this special edition bottle.
The design studio crafted its own unique vision of the classic brand emblem, entitled the Anemone of Biodiversity, which features 70 species from the vineyards of the Champagne wine region mixed and mingled in a vibrant, multi-layered representation of their interdependencies. The collaborative design illustrates the role all species—including mankind—play in the biological balance of the ecosystem to which they belong. And it is this magnificent and complex whole that Maison Perrier-Jouët is actively working to preserve, both in its vineyards and beyond. Since its formation in 1811, founders Pierre-Nicolas Perrier and Rose-Adélaïde Jouët’s shared passion for art, nature, and champagne have been passed down through generations—believing creative freedom and unconventional observation of nature is intrinsic to the history of champagne. These values shape Maison Perrier-Jouët to this day.
PEJU Winery Gift Set
A classic duo done the PEJU Winery way is its Cabernet and Chocolates gift set, which makes for a distinctly memorable—and delectable—treat. The Cabernet and Chocolates set features its 91-point Cabernet Sauvignon that offers drinkers a blend of wild blackberry, dark chocolate and candied orange rind notes and a silky finish. Paired with PEJU Cabernet truffles crafted by local chocolatier, Anette’s Artisan Truffles, this decadent combination is elevated and neatly packaged in a handsome PEJU Winery gift box.
But, for those who prefer to let the vino speak for itself, the award-winning winery’s 2019 Fifty/Fifty is a highly acclaimed vintage worthy to gift on its own. It features aromas of black fruit, baking spice and cedar notes. Decadent boysenberry preserve flavors flow across the palate enhanced by white pepper and toffee caramel on the finish. This PEJU fan-favorite is a blend of 50 percent Merlot and 50 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, with the Merlot helping to soften the tannins of the Cabernet Sauvignon and lends a plush texture to this age-worthy wine. This year marks 40 years in the heart of Napa Valley for the family-owned winery, which is dedicated to making classic wines that reflect the unique character and quality of its six estate vineyards.
Bracelet Bundle from Moonglow Jewelry
For a style statement that is both bold and sophisticated, check out Moonglow Jewelry’s Titan and Onyx Energy Bracelet Bundle. It’s the ultimate combo for anyone who is ready to take on the world. The company connects people to their most significant memories, events and moments by depicting an image of the moon phase of an important date on the jewelry, itself. Moonglow Jewelry’s Titan and Onyx Energy Bracelet Bundle is a handsome statement set. It features matte black material that complements nearly any look and can be worn daily, or when you’re really dressing to impress.
Perfect for him or her, the onyx beads pair nicely with the matte black of the Titan Bracelet—helping the piece’s chosen moon phase charm shine even brighter. Select a date with significant meaning, such as an anniversary, wedding, birth or memorial date or any meaningful moment, and take it wherever you go with this meaningful accessory. The company’s online calculator quickly helps you find the moon phase for the date desired, including a brief snippet of its unique qualities. Since its start, Moonglow Jewelry has grown from trade shows to a full online operation that ships to more than 100 countries, helping illuminate thousands of memories all over the world. In a rush? With express shipping, your custom-made moment will arrive to you within three days.
Spiritual Jewelry by Katia Designs for Your Valentine
Give the gift of style and empowerment with Katia Designs’ handcrafted jewelry. The South Florida-based company designs spiritual jewelry meant to empower the wearer and speak to their heart. The brand’s “I Am Pretty F***ing Awesome | Eye | Original Necklace,” for example, boldly promotes self-worth in a striking fashion, which also features black and silver beads with tiger’s eye, onyx, moonstone and a bronze or silver-finished pendant.
Created by owner Catherine “Katia” Rudnick and her team, each piece of jewelry features an inspiring message, as well as other earth-centric components such as gemstones, crystals and more. But the journey to the brand’s formation was not a traditional one. Not much of a jewelry wearer herself, Katia was surprised when a medallion bracelet worn by a fellow yogi caught her eye. It was more than just the design of the bracelet that inspired her; it was the desire to recreate the same feeling for others. That same day, Katia drove to a local art school and signed up for a metal clay class and it was in this very studio that she eventually crafted the first prototypes of her medallions. Today, Katia Designs’ necklaces are a U.S.-certified, patented invention that allow customers to customize their look and wear the pieces in different ways.
Susan’s Own Full Spectrum CBD Bath Bombs
Draw a bath and slip into rejuvenating relaxation with Susan’s Own CBD’s Full Spectrum CBD Bath Bombs. These beautifully scented bombs will dissolve stresses and strains of the day with 100 milligrams of fast-absorbing, full-spectrum CBD. They boast lush, floral scents to create a wonderful aromatherapy experience and are flecked with biodegradable glitter and real rose and lavender flakes. Choose lavender for a soothing and calming experience or rose for an uplifting, energizing bath.
The Colorado-based lifestyle company strives to deliver healthy, natural treatment alternatives that provide relief, relaxation, focus and wellness without the potential negative side effects of modern pharmaceuticals. Not sure if CBD is for you? According to Susan’s Own CBD, the daily use of the hemp plant byproduct is shown to provide wellness improvements in many areas, including physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual aspects of life. The brand’s full-spectrum products are the least processed and filtered CBD options in Susan’s Own CBD’s inventory, which include the fullest possible profile of the hemp plant’s natural terpenes, flavonoids and cannabinoids. But, for those concerned about the presence of THC, full-spectrum hemp CBD contains no more than 0.3 percent, which reportedly isn’t enough to cause any psychoactive effects.
Sharper Image’s SpaStudio Towel Warmer
Take the chill out of winter mornings and nights with Sharper Image’s SpaStudio Towel Warmer. This nifty electronic device provides users with the luxury of a warm towel, and spa-fresh feel, after every bath or shower—all in the comfort of one’s home. The warmer’s freestanding design provides a convenient, user-friendly experience that only requires the push of a button to generate the perfect level of heat in just 20 minutes.
Light and compact, the plug-and-heat device also successfully warms bath sheets, blankets, socks, robes and other clothing items, while also accommodating up to three towels, two bath sheets and one robe in a single use. Watch the gadget’s light change colors to indicate the current temperature, and feel safe with its automatic shutoff function that auto-powers down after 45 minutes. To truly create a relaxing environment in your space, the SpaStudio Towel Warmer can also notably emit your favorite essential oil from its built-in diffuser to create a soothing aroma while your home essentials get nice and toasty. Part of the SharperImage.com Spa collection, this is part of their product line encouraging customers to say goodbye to stress with innovative ways to relax, refresh and rejuvenate the body and mind.
Loungewear from Hello Mello
What better way to show your sweetheart your love and warmth than by gifting them buttery soft loungewear from Hello Mello? Making life comfier since 2018, the company has continued its mission to create trendy, comfy lounge pants that are fun to wear and easy to pack. The well-loved collection has become so much more than just lounge pants—expanding to now include pants, shorts, joggers, cardis, sweaters, hoodies, tees, robes and more. Their signature soft blends and lightweight knits are so versatile, you can wear them everywhere, from bed to the casual chic office.
All of its signature pieces come in trending prints, colors and graphics that are not only super cozy, but provide a flattering fit with the right amount of stretch. Similar to what wearing a cloud would feel like, indulge in ultimate comfort with Hello Mello’s ultra-soft CuddleBlend collection, or relax in style wearing its cute Best Day Ever sets. Plus, all Hello Mello apparel comes inside a matching drawstring pouch that makes packing for travel, the gym or the workplace super compact. You can also repurpose the complementary pouch to transport sunglasses, jewelry, headphones, makeup or other small essentials. Just add a bow and it is gift ready!
The Melbourne Sport Bag from Doubletake
For racquet sport-lovers who love to enjoy fun in the outdoors, there’s no need to decide between a tennis backpack or a tote. The Melbourne Sport Bag by Doubletake has got you covered for both. Featuring functionality that only players could optimize, this perfectly balanced bag boasts a modern, clean aesthetic in its design and plenty of space for gear. In 2016—after three years of cutting and taping together prototypes of the ideal racquet bag—Doubletake co-founders created their dream product with pockets in all the right places.The mid-size tennis and pickleball bag is available in numerous colors and converts from a tote to a backpack in a breeze.
If you carry an average amount of gear, it can easily stash two ball cans, two racquets and the rest of your equipment in style. It includes a plush, easy-to-reach phone pocket; protective, fuzzy sunglasses pocket; and a stink-proof wet-dry compartment. Plus, the Melbourne zips open in large capacity so you can see down to the bottom—helping avoid the common “big black hole” issue. It’s also made from fade-free, lightweight materials and features a no-tip design. The Melbourne measures 14.5-inches wide, 7.25-inches deep, 15-inches tall and has a 20-liter capacity. For those concerned about keeping their bag clean while out on the court, Doubletake put its bag to the test by marking it with a Sharpie and pouring wine on its exterior. The result? Stains came out by using simple kitchen cleaners.
Travel Pack by NOMATIC
Functionality meets sleekness with NOMATIC’s Travel Pack backpack. Rife with features, its TSA-ready flaps help alleviate juggling bins at security, while secret pockets hide valuables. A patent-pending strap system enables a quick transition from backpack to briefcase in seconds, this innovative pack includes all the elements you could want in one carry on bag without sacrificing its overall look and versatility. The slim, durable and water-resistant backpack was designed to accommodate short trips—expanding from 20 to 30 liters capacity when you need to pack more for that longer weekend getaway.
Other highlights of the bag include a full-perimeter zipper, magnetic water bottle pockets, laptop sleeve and other tech organization, sunglasses case, retractable key leash and RFID-safe storage. Overall, it’ll upgrade your travel or excursion experience, making getting from point A to point B that much easier. Whether you want to keep it simple with the item’s minimalist design or customize it to your style, NOMATIC’s Travel Pack gives you or your loved ones confidence for life on the move. The company is committed to helping its customers elevate moments, and NOMATIC’s Travel Pack takes this mission to the next level with the multipurpose bag’s adaptability and design.
Mitchell Acoustics’ uStream Go True Wireless Stereo Bluetooth Speakers
Speaking of getting out and about, Mitchell Acoustics recently introduced its uStream Go True Wireless Stereo Bluetooth Speakers as a portable, rechargeable music system that allows audiophiles to play their favorite tunes anywhere they go. Featuring two aluminum alloy, hand-sized speakers, these identical amplifiers connect with one another to deploy the latest in True Wireless Bluetooth technology.
Simply charge the device using USB-C power on each speaker and within a few seconds they will pair—ready for any Bluetooth playback source to be connected. The uStream Go True Wireless Bluetooth Speakers also feature Mitchell Acoustics’ proprietary speaker driver with metal alloy diaphragm and bass-reflex sub. Plus, the all-metal cabinet construction makes for a solid, luxurious feel that enhances the bass response. For users on-the-go, the compact device’s built-in, lithium-ion battery allows 30-plus hours of continuous play wherever and whenever you want to enjoy great stereo sound with ease. The best part? There’s no annoying wires, cables or cords and no added equipment like subwoofers needed for this simple set-up speaker, which packs a powerful sound. It comes finished in gun-metal grey for a chic, sleek look suited for any décor.
Creative Pebble Pro Portable Speakers
Another great sound system to elevate your Valentine’s work or gaming setup with the Creative Pebble Pro—the latest audio addition to the Pebble digital entertainment product family. Now with customizable RGB lighting, this high-quality, 2.0 speaker system lets you pick from a selection of three lighting effects via a simple plug-and-play setup. On the audio front, it’s a step up from all of its predecessors.
With an overhaul in driver design and an upgrade from analog to a pair of integrated digital input amps, you can expect rich and powerful audio right at your desktop. The device’s minimalist and compact design fits perfectly in any setting, no matter the aesthetic. Plus, the speakers’ spherical shape and 45-degree elevated angle drives direct audio straight to your ears for an immersive listening experience. It can also fire acoustics up to 10 watts RMS or peak power of up 20 watts when connected to a USB. The Creative Pebble Pro’s Clear Dialog and BassFlex technologies ensure easily comprehensible spoken dialogs for movie buffs to enjoy, even while the impactful bass performance pumps away with heightened immersion. Whether it’s to play music out loud or to privately join a call, the speakers offer both wired and wireless connectivity through Bluetooth 5.3, as well as microphone and headset ports.
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By Merilee Kern, MBA
