valentine's day

For Valentine’s Day, Get Your Partner a Gift You Want

Photo-Illustration: by The Cut; Photos: Getty Images, Retailer

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, 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 Day 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 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. 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 Day. Who knows, they could also be things that you want — in which case, I bet they’d make great Valentine’s Day gifts.

Nice Shower Curtain

Since we replaced our bath mat, I couldn’t help but notice that our shower curtain could also use an upgrade.

Knife Block

Maybe you already have one of these, but I don’t, and I want one.

Fancy Serving Utensils

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.

Linen Napkins

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.

Personal Table

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.

Fancy Moisturizer

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.

Fancy Shampoo

I would also like to try this fancy moisturizing shampoo. Maybe you and/or the person you love would, too.

Fancy Throw

Brighten up the space you both share with a colorful throw that doubles as artwork.

Pretty Glassware

Pretty and convenient, this amber colored carafe will save you both a few trips to the kitchen for water.

Nice Sheets

You share a bed, you should also share a nice sheet set. Parachute’s lightweight 100 percent Egyptian cotton sheets are lightweight, durable and get crisper with each wash.

This article was originally published February 1, 2021. If you buy something through our links, New York may earn an affiliate commission. 

For Valentine’s Day, Get Your Partner a Gift You Want