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February 4, 2013

The Sharp, Sexy Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

By the Cut

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Photo: Stuart Tyson

Like many “holidays” that sound more fun than they often are, (Halloween, New Year’s Eve), Valentine’s Day can be an annoying collision of expectations and realities. It can also be a good excuse to give and receive something sexy from someone you like/love/want to sleep with. To battle some of the angst that comes with choosing the right gift, we’ve gathered twenty beautiful, naughty, indulgent things you will want no matter what your romantic status happens to be: studded Valentino gloves, artisanal honey, an uninhibited boudoir “bible,” and the five perfect shades of Chanel pink lipstick, just for starters. Whether you want to be loved or spoiled, send the gallery to your paramours to help them avoid the default of useless bouquets, waxy chocolates, or lingerie you don’t really want to wear more than once, anyway. Click ahead, and while you’re at it, grab something for yourself, too.

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1 / 20 Photos
Menacing, Ladylike Bangles Stack a few in mixed golds, or wear just one to sharpen up any outfit. Photo: Stuart Tyson
The Vibrator As Objet D'Art Combining discretion and design in one tiny, powerful package. Photo: Stuart Tyson
Evil Gloves Peeking out from under a winter coat, these pyramid-studded leather ones will signal you mean serious fashion business. Photo: Stuar... Evil Gloves Peeking out from under a winter coat, these pyramid-studded leather ones will signal you mean serious fashion business. Photo: Stuart Tyson
A High-Shine Bag Like a giant gem that hangs off your body. Photo: Stuart Tyson
Fancy At-Home Cocktails A dash of Chambord turns a glass of vintage Dom into a sparkling, raspberry love potion. Photo: Stuart Tyson
A Forever-Scarf Chances are you will love this Hermès–Comme des Garçons collaboration longer than the person who gives it to you. P... A Forever-Scarf Chances are you will love this Hermès–Comme des Garçons collaboration longer than the person who gives it to you. Photo: Stuart Tyson
A Bouquet of Lipsticks A softer, flattering alternative to the classic red. One makes a great gift, five are even better for a great year. Photo... A Bouquet of Lipsticks A softer, flattering alternative to the classic red. One makes a great gift, five are even better for a great year. Photo: Stuart Tyson
A Tickler That Won't Make You Snicker This fluffy ball on the end of a beribboned stick manages to walk the line between silly and seductive. Ph... A Tickler That Won't Make You Snicker This fluffy ball on the end of a beribboned stick manages to walk the line between silly and seductive. Photo: Stuart Tyson
No-Spill Perfume Diptyque's purse-perfect solid snaps closed with a satifying click like a fragrant castinet. Warm a drop between your fingers an... No-Spill Perfume Diptyque's purse-perfect solid snaps closed with a satifying click like a fragrant castinet. Warm a drop between your fingers and rub wherever. Photo: Stuart Tyson
The Art Alternative If home is where the heart is, adorn your walls with this affordable print of exploding, kaleidoscopic crystals. Photo: Stua... The Art Alternative If home is where the heart is, adorn your walls with this affordable print of exploding, kaleidoscopic crystals. Photo: Stuart Tyson
Diamonds on the Tips of Your Fingers Real black-diamond dust makes the varnish in this faceted bottle especially sparkly. Photo: Stuart Tyson
A Heady Scent The flacon is all old-fashioned charm; the amber and rose top notes, totally modern. Photo: Stuart Tyson
Naughty Reading An illustrated guide to ritual self-pleasure, spanking, and Boy Scout–level knotting techniques that might make you blush, but wi... Naughty Reading An illustrated guide to ritual self-pleasure, spanking, and Boy Scout–level knotting techniques that might make you blush, but will definitely keep you entertained. Also fun: It's printed in purple ink. Photo: Stuart Tyson
Cheap Thrills A long, willowy, white feather hardly costs anything but will certainly help you hit the jackpot. Tie them with red ribbon and give... Cheap Thrills A long, willowy, white feather hardly costs anything but will certainly help you hit the jackpot. Tie them with red ribbon and give them out freely. Photo: Stuart Tyson
A Plush Bedcover Silky, grey faux-fur feels extragood against bare skin. Photo: Stuart Tyson
The Crystal Crop If you're gonna do this, do it right. Photo: Stuart Tyson
Honey. Obviously. Acacia honey comes from Northern Italy. The light color and distinctive, flowery flavor will sweeten up any evening. Photo: St... Honey. Obviously. Acacia honey comes from Northern Italy. The light color and distinctive, flowery flavor will sweeten up any evening. Photo: Stuart Tyson
A Refined Jewelry Tray Before you slip into bed, drop all your rings, earrings, and other delicate items (see slide No. 2) onto this golden feath... A Refined Jewelry Tray Before you slip into bed, drop all your rings, earrings, and other delicate items (see slide No. 2) onto this golden feather dish. Photo: Stuart Tyson
A Tiny Decorative Pillow Using a small "boudoir"-size sham adds just enough glam to the average bed, and the liquidy silk of these pill... A Tiny Decorative Pillow Using a small "boudoir"-size sham adds just enough glam to the average bed, and the liquidy silk of these pillowcases comes in every color you would ever want. Photo: Stuart Tyson
Sleek Headphones A Spotify playlist of love songs seems far less cheesy on feminine, rose-gold headphones. Photo: Stuart Tyson
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Tags:

  • dom perignon
  • valentino
  • comme des garcons
  • diptyque
  • lelo alia intimate massager
  • chanel rouge coco lipstick
  • kumi kookoon
  • marni
  • gift guide
  • goods
  • white ostrich feather
  • agent provocateur
  • valentine's day
  • slideshow
  • kiki de montparnasse
  • vita fede
  • proenza schouler
  • meet your needs
  • caron
  • chambord liqueur
  • the boudoir bible
  • azature black diamond nail polish
  • savannah bee company
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