Here’s a fact about our modern existence: Too many occasions seem to require gifts. I don’t know about you and your loved ones, but my husband’s birthday was in November, December was Christmas, now it’s almost Valentine’s Day Gifts, and before you know it, our anniversary will strike again. And that’s to say nothing of all the gifts for everyone else having birthdays and virtual baby showers and getting married. I like to think of myself as a generous person, but at some point, it’s just too much.
But one good thing about Valentine’s Gifts is that, compared to other gift-giving occasions, it’s pretty low stakes. For birthdays and the winter holidays, there’s a lot of pressure to get the people you love something thoughtful that they will cherish for years, especially now, since it’s difficult to celebrate in person. But February 14 is just another day. And, your partner is probably still basking in the glow of the thoughtful, unique gift you gave them in December — which is why Gifts on Valentine’s Day is a good excuse to get them a gift that you want.
For example, last year, I got my husband a nice bath mat for Valentine’s Day Gifts. Prior to that, we had a hideous grey nubbly one that was meant to be temporary but somehow remained in our bathroom for three years. So this tasteful Looped Bath Rug from Parachute was a big improvement.
I’m of the belief that often the best gift is a nicer version of an ordinary thing — a luxurious upgrade someone would be unlikely to purchase for themselves, but will thoroughly enjoy owning. For example, my sister recently gave me a bottle of Aesop soap. I would never have bought a $40 bottle of hand soap for myself, but now, whenever I wash my hands, I inhale the scent of mandarin rind and rosemary leaf and feel very decadent and appreciative.
Similarly, I would have a hard time splurging on a $60 bath mat for myself. But if I’m buying it as a gift for someone else? Suddenly, it seems much more reasonable.
Getting your partner a present that is also a gift for yourself is probably most natural if you live together, but even if you don’t, there are plenty of things that you could share. Here are seven things that I want for Valentine’s Gifts. Who knows, they could also be things that you want — in which case, I bet they’d make great Valentine’s Day gifts.
Since we replaced our bath mat, I couldn’t help but notice that our shower curtain could also use an upgrade.
Maybe you already have one of these, but I don’t, and I want one.
If we ever have people over again, I would like to have serving utensils besides rubber tongs. These olive-wood salad servers are very beautiful.
Admittedly, I already own some linen napkins, but they are always wrinkly. Maybe these ones would be better! I’d like them in terra-cotta.
Since I now spend a good part of every day on the sofa, I could really use one of these handy end tables for my snacks and beverages.
My face has been so dry lately that I almost bought this moisturizer on the spot, until I realized it was $94. But it would be a very generous gift — and you could definitely share it.
$94 AT NORDSTROM
source - https://www.thecut.com/article/gifts-for-you-and-your-partner-this-valentines-day.html
