If you’re thoughts are turning to shopping as Valentine’s Day looms large, you’re certainly not alone. According to the National Retail Federation, spending on this amorous occasion last year was purported to hit a staggering $20.7 billion—an increase of 6 percent over the prior year’s $19.6 billion and dually breaking the previous record of $19.7 billion set in 2016. With this kind of historical high spending, throngs of consumers are indubitably itching for new ideas sure to impress their sweeties. With that in mind, here are a few gift ideas that, while some are on the “non-traditional” front, will undoubtedly delight your loved ones.
1849 Wine Company (www.1849Wine.com)
Wine is a quintessential staple on Valentine’s Day and here’s a great option to stock the wine cellar with: 1849 Wine. This design-minded brand draws inspiration from the 21st Century contemporary art movement. 1849 Wine’s vibrant labels designed by the artist SABER capture your attention away from the endless sea of white, off-white, eggshell and otherwise underwhelming labels that plague contemporary store shelves. The company prides itself on creating California wines of the highest quality and expression. Every handcrafted bottle of 1849 Wine not only reflects the company’s artistic spirit, but also their dedication for the finely-tuned art of wine making. Like an artist’s fascinating power to disrupt norms, transcend taboos and change perspective, this company’s overarching goal is to achieve all three with every bottle of 1849 Wine. The company’s award-winning varietals include Iris—a Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir and my personal favorite (crisp and bright on the nose with a velvety smooth finish and slight oak overtone) as well as Au Jus—a Monterey Chardonnay, Triumph—a Sonoma County red blend, Anonymous—a Napa Valley red blend and Declaration—a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Photo Credit: https://www.1849wine.com/
Carolina Herrera ‘Good Girl’ Valentine’s Day Set (www.Sephora.com)
What girl doesn’t love spritzing themselves with a fine scent—especially on date night? This gift idea is a decidedly lovely way to realize the sweet smell of success(ful gifting) this Valentine’s Day. Spread the love with Venezuelan fashion designer Carolina Herrera’s “Good Girl” fragrance gift set crafted around the eloquent pair of Jasmine and Tonka. This set includes Good Girl Eau de Parfum, a sensual, evocative fragrance born of the beautiful contradictions and the ever-present duality of modern women and modern life. The sweet, alluring qualities of jasmine give Good Girl its brightness and femininity. The darker side of this scent is created with richly fragrant cocoa and intoxicating Tonka. Almond and coffee bring the scent its immediate vibrancy. Tuberose, extracted in a new way that creates a rich delicacy, is the fragrance’s wild card, bringing fluidity and femininity. This 2-piece set also includes Good Girl Eau de Parfum Légère, inaugurating a new phase in perfumery and the House of Herrera with the creation of an Oriental floral constructed around the DNA of Good Girl. This scent is built around the eloquent pair of jasmine, the emblem of Carolina Herrera, and Tonka, an intoxicating and surprising note. Included in the set is one ounce of each fragrance.
Isabelle Grace Jewelry (www.IsabelleGraceJewelry.com)
For jewelry from the heart, definitely consider the many options available from Isabelle Grace Jewelry, a company that makes modern jewelry that tells stories about life, love and family—pieces that celebrate birth, anniversaries, weddings, struggles and loss. Designs can be customized with names, initials, dates and special messages to celebrate the special moments in life and keeping those you love most close to your heart. Oriented around the beauty of the handmade process, the company’s personalized jewelry is handcrafted one piece at a time, made with care and attention by artisans who love what they do. There are so many items in Isabelle Grace Jewelry’s various collections I truly adore, but I do have a few top-line favorites. This includes the “Little ID Bar Necklace,” which is a minimalist lover’s dream. Dainty and stylish, it’s great for wearing alone or layered with other pieces as this customizable bar necklace looks lovely worn long or short. A gorgeous long drawn cable chain adds to the modern charm of this simple necklace. Hand stamped, it is available in sterling silver or 14 karat gold fill. This piece can also be personalized with 12 characters, including several design options such as a heart, star, anchor, dot and compass star.
Photo Credit: https://www.isabellegracejewelry.com/#
Onyx Nail Design (www.OnyxNailDesign.com)
Next is an easy and super chic way for gals to look fabulous this holiday and beyond, or a great gift certificate idea if you want to consider proffering it to another as a present. It’s Onyx Nail Design’s Luxury Reusable Press-On Nails. This is a company that offers a fine collection of unique, high-quality luxurious press on nails that, unlike most press-on and glue-on can be reused over and over again. And, good thing, since these allow users to change their nails as often as their outfit! The company’s nails are made from the highest professional quality products available, eliminating concerns about discoloration or any other side effects that tend to come along with cheap and low-quality alternatives. Onyx Nail Design’s Luxury Reusable Press-On Nails are perfect for any special occasion, event, photoshoot party and certainly a Valentine’s Day soiree. They can simply be removed after use without any damage to customer’s own natural nails. Choose from nine different shapes and hundreds of designs—from the basics to some unbelievable works of art—to personalize the look specifically for whoever they’re for. It’s an easy way to add a fun accessory to any outfit
Emeril Lagasse Pressure AirFryer (www.EmerilPressureAirFryer.com)
You don’t always have to go out to celebrate Valentine’s Day festivities, or maybe you’re attending—or hosting—a “Galentine’s Day” celebration with a potluck spread. Either way, an easy and tasty meal is the perfect way to spend time with your significant other or dear friends and family—and even better if that delicious meal is healthy to boot! So here’s a gift idea not to be overlooked, and one that can greatly simplify the in-home cooking experience year-round. It’s the Emeril Lagasse Pressure AirFryer. This stainless-steel system is supercharged, replacing up to 12 different appliances. It features no less than 44 preset cooking functions including sous vide, bake, canner, grill, sauté, roast and more—all in a healthier environment than traditional deep fryers or oil-based preparations. The device itself boasts a state-of-the-art dual lid design, including a pressure-cooking lid and an air frying lid to allow for the easiest experience available. The lid also creates a hyper-pressurized environment infusing liquid and moisture into the food to squeeze out every bit of flavor. It even features a Turbo Fan, creating a whirlwind of superheated air, heating and crisping all sides of the food—top, bottom and sides—just the way many prefer. The entire system includes an Airflow Rack, Inner Pot and Mesh Crisping Basket, along with an official recipe booklet from Chef Emeril. So avoid the constrained “Prix Fix” dinner out on the Valentine’s Day holiday, and otherwise enjoy perfectly prepped, healthy home cooked meals made extraordinarily easy.
Photo Credit: https://emerilpressureairfryer.com/
Author: Merilee Kern
Merilee Kern, MBA is an internationally-regarded brand analyst, strategist and futurist who reports on noteworthy industry change makers, movers, shakers and innovators across all categories, both B2C and B2B. This includes field experts and thought leaders, brands, products, services, destinations and events. Merilee is Founder, Executive Editor and Producer of “The Luxe List” as well as Host of the nationally-syndicated “Savvy Living” TV show. As a prolific consumer and business trends, lifestyle and leisure industry voice of authority and tastemaker, she keeps her finger on the pulse of the marketplace in search of new and innovative must-haves and exemplary experiences at all price points, from the affordable to the extreme. Her work reaches multi-millions worldwide via broadcast TV (her own shows and copious others on which she appears) as well as a myriad of print and online publications. Connect with her at www.TheLuxeList.com and www.SavvyLiving.tv / Instagram www.Instagram.com/LuxeListReports / Twitter www.Twitter.com/LuxeListReports / Facebook www.Facebook.com/LuxeListReports / LinkedIN www.LinkedIn.com/in/MerileeKern.
