GM EVERYONE!!! ❤️ This newsletter is made specifically for all of the REAL lovers and yearners out there in the streets. With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, I thought it would be apropos to dedicate a whole letter to gift ideas, activities, and other accouterments for this special day of love.
Whether you’re in a relationship, sleeping with someone, or celebrating with friends, I’ve got you covered with the most romantic gestures that will make you unforgettable—
Gifts for Women
Fellas, let’s hope your Super Bowl parlay hits this weekend so you can afford to do something nice for your girl.
Flowers
You have to get your girl flowers or you can safely bet she’ll soon be taken by another NYC fella who spends just a bit more time at Equinox than you and whose parents have a house in the Hamptons. Even if you’re just sleeping together and not in a relationship, flowers are a nice touch no one will be mad at. Here are two different options.
Nomon Flowers is a great pick for beautiful, dried arrangements. Founded in 2021 by a Chicago-based couple, Nomon handcrafts their arrangements with blooms from the Netherlands. The best part? They literally last for months.
Cult Gaia creates really stunning, hand painted arrangements meant to last up to 2 weeks. The monochromatic theme makes these really pop in a space.
Scents
I am hearing great things about Vanilla Sex by Tom Ford. Apparently its warm and spicy, with notes of amber.
Every time I go to Diptyque (too often) my go-to salesperson puts 50 sample scents in my bag. I smelled this one last week and thought it was pretty good.
More Ideas
Speaking of Diptyque, can you really go wrong with a classic combo set of Baies and Roses in a fitting Valentine’s day box?
If you’re half decent at writing, consider getting her a trio of Cartier notebooks and write a little love note on the first page. These have a fun design and are perfect if your girl writes a lot of notes or likes to journal.
Panacotta from Misi Pasta is a perfect, delectable dessert to finish off date night. I had this a few months back and loved it. You can pick up early and keep it in the fridge for when you hopefully go home together.
Gifts for Men
Ladies, men really require the bare minimum for them to swoon to their friends about you. Take a cue from these suggestions and he’ll be primed to take you on a trip or get you that Love bracelet you’ve been asking for—
Matching Tekla Robes could be a good gift for lazing around post-shower. A robe is a nice luxury many guys don’t have.
Is your man into getting faded? Head to Gotham and get him some Rose edibles to enhance the True Detective S4 and chill experience.
Aesop Marakesh Intense is a great scent for men. I’ve been wearing this nonstop and am getting a lot of compliments.
Guys love a great sweatshirt, and this Our Legacy one is literally called the Perfect Sweatshirt. You’ll be stealing this one in no time.
The Soft Services buffing bar is an incredible exfoliant for your bf if he has rough skin.
A classic, crispy Ralph Lauren Oxford shirt is a great gift that can be easily elevated with custom embroidery. Get his initials on the chest.
Activities
Going out for a Valentine’s dinner can be a bit much and if you haven’t booked a reservation anywhere already you’re pretty much f*cked. Also most restaurants are doing a pre-fixe which can be hit or miss. Here are some better options—
Cook at home and drink wine with your Valentine. I think cooking steaks is sexy, and you can pick up some of the finest Japanese Wagyu right off Bowery at Japanese Premium Beef. While you’re in the area, be sure to pick up some wine at Wine Therapy, one of the best near Soho. Get something expensive and show off your sommelier level taste.
Another great option is a spa day, whether or on Valentine’s Day or at least a reservation. I’ve heard great things about Shibui Spa in Greenwich Hotel.
Have a Great Valentine’s Day
Okay that is my list. If you don’t have a Valentine, maybe use the day to lock in and make yourself more appealing for next year, whether that be in the looksmaxxing in the gym, making money, or in therapy figuring out what is wrong with you.
Stay tuned for tomorrow’s newsletter where I’ll be breaking down the fashion week parties you should know about.
About the Writer
Jake Bell is a content marketing and creative strategist based in NYC. He specializes in content creation, branding, art direction, creative strategy, and making things cool.
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