On Valentine's Day, say "I love you" with the perfect
gift—something that shows you've put some thought into
how much she means to you, instead of that last-minute
heart-shaped box of chocolates from the corner store.
We consulted a group of retail experts and dozens of
women for their dream V-day gifts. From coast to coast,
the unanimous choice of women everywhere is some
serious couple time. Our group also suggests putting a
romantic spin on some old favorites:
Romantic retreat—"The ideal present would be to get
away for the weekend," says Stacey Hanson, 26, who
does staffing for high-tech companies. "Something
adventurous, yet romantic," says Cara Broglia, 26, a
public relations manager. Try a three-day jaunt courtesy
of Carnival Cruise Lines. At about $400 per person, you
can take off to the Bahamas from Miami, or Baja Mexico
from Los Angeles, and make a long Valentine’s
weekend of it. Or book a relaxing weekend for two at a
cozy bed & breakfast nearby.
Show tickets—"I want to feel like a princess for a
night," says Lisa Ballesteros, 27, a research associate.
"It's the one day of the year when he can take the
initiative to plan something in advance, where all I have
to do is show up." Score big with hard to get tickets to a
concert or theater event. Or get decked out for a night
on the town, starting with the symphony or opera.
Candlelight dinner—The perfect gift includes an
intimate dinner for two, says Marlo Morales, an office
manager. Create a romantic mood for your
home-cooked meal with Coach’s Signature candles on
red leather coasters. Set the table with red and white
heart-patterned table linens and heart-shaped plates
and bowls from Williams-Sonoma. Already made
reservations? Serve her breakfast in bed with
heart-shaped muffin pans or a Villaware heart-shaped
wafflemaker, also from Williams-Sonoma.
Jewelry—Few things are more meaningful than
precious gems. A gold necklace or bracelet does the
trick too. Julia Kleyner, manager of publicity for Tiffany &
Co., suggests a simple gold heart-shaped locket, gold
and diamond “Heart” pendant or gold "Love Knot"
earrings. If you truly want to leave her speechless, place
a Tiffany & Co. bracelet made of 125 perfectly matched
pink sapphires and 125 round diamonds set in 18K gold
and platinum on her pillow Valentine’s Day morning for a
mere $93,000.
Lingerie—"Valentine’s Day is an excuse to give
something in hot pink or red—something she’d never
buy for herself because it may be too expensive, too
luxurious or in a color she wouldn’t normally wear," says
Marnie McLaughlin, public relations manager for
Victoria’s Secret. "Or try a less provocative item in a
more sensuous, pampering fabric like silk or satin," says
McLaughlin. Whatever you choose, "Go for luxury." Lacy
new “Desire” lingerie in burgundy, red or pink or red silk
plisse pajamas from Victoria’s Secret were practically
invented for the occasion.
Sensual bath stuff—Give her something to make her
feel like she's just stepped out of a spa, says Lisa Rossi,
public relations manager for Macy's West. Surround her
tub with Sensual Bathlights by Perfumes Isabell and
moisturize her face with $1000 a jar Crème de la Mer,
both from Neiman Marcus. Put together a bath basket
with an aromatherapy kit and throw in a spa gift
certificate.
Fragrance—A new scent is always a sure bet, says
Rossi, who suggests Estee Lauder's solid perfume
collection. If you really want to get her something
unique, buy her Lalique’s newest fragrance, Le Baiser,
meaning "the kiss." Each $800 crystal flacon depicts two
lovers before a kiss and is adorned with an 18K gold
trellis of thorns. Available at Neiman Marcus.
Frames—Crate and Barrel spokesperson Bette Kahn
says picture frames are the way to get the ball rolling
this Valentine's Day. Put memorable photos in a J.
Strongwater double heart or jeweled frame from Neiman
Marcus.
Crystal—Crystal is a surprisingly popular item for
Valentine's Day, says Alexandra Elliot, director of media
relations for Neiman Marcus. The trick is making it
romantic: fill a Salviati red heart vase ($250) with a
dozen long-stemmed red roses, gift a Steuben Heart
Forever Yours paperweight ($480) so she’ll be
reminded of you while she’s working, or toast your
relationship with champagne in crystal flutes.
—Julie Chai
