Valentine’s Day has become big business, and is certainly a holiday that retailers love. In fact, last year it was reported that retail spending for this holiday would reach a record $18.9 billion. While on Valentine’s Day it’s fun to shower your special someone with gifts that showcase the extent of your adoration, there are plenty of great gift ideas that won’t break the bank in the process. Consider this affordable assortment of classic and creative items that’ll duly convey your devotion.
Vermont Nut-Free Chocolates (www.VermontNutFree.com) – $2.50 – $40.25
What’s Valentine’s Day without the customary box of chocolates, but this tasty gift tradition can prove problematic for those with peanut allergies. But no more, as buying delicious and decadent chocolates for that special someone with peanut allergies has never been easier thanks to Vermont Nut-free Chocolates—a business founded by the mother of a little boy with a peanut allergy. The company assures their entire selection is completely safe for those with any tree nut or peanut allergy. But allergies aside, this chocolate is outstanding and can certainly be enjoyed by anyone who loves fine confections. Clearly committed to quality, Vermont Nut-free makes all of its products in small batches from the finest nut-free ingredients. They have a variety of Valentine’s Day products available, including a Heart Box of Chocolates, Peppermint Crunch Bark, a Romance Pretzel Gift Box and Caramel Rose Hearts.
Martin Ray Winery 2015 Rosé of Pinot Noir (www.MartinRayWinery.com) – $20
Nothing says romance like a lovely bottle of rosé, and Martin Ray Winery’s 2015 Rosé wine makes a stunning pink-hued gift or dreamy dinner presentation for the holiday. This complex and fruity vintage out of Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley only tastes expensive. At $20 per bottle, it’s an affordable vintage evoking the blushing promise of a romantic Valentine’s Day. The grapes are picked at their ideal ripeness to maximize the flavors. Indeed, Martin Ray Winery’s 2015 Rosé blossoms with a complex and fruit-driven bouquet featuring high tone tropical and citrus notes such as blood orange, kiwi, passion fruit and coconut, coupled with more delicate aromas of watermelon and orange crème.
Diamond Candles (www.DiamondCandles.com) – $24.95 – $27.95
Not only can you crate the perfect romantic atmosphere with Diamond Candles, but there’s a baroque bonus to boot! This on a mission to make home fragrance fun by combining the scents of premium natural soy candles with an exciting Ring Reveal experience. Within each Diamond Candle, customers will find a $10 ring along with a “Ring Reveal” code for a chance to discover a second ring worth up to $5,000. If you are a lucky winner, choose your new ring’s style and size from Diamond Candle’s exclusive ring boutique. So, even after the candle burns out the ring inside, and the other you may possibly win, will make this a memorable gift that will last. The anticipation as the candle burns down also makes every Diamond Candle fun as you eagerly wait to find out what ring you will receive within the product. The company offers a number of romantic scents to help set the mood this Valentine’s Day, including Evening Romance, Cupid’s Cupcake, Lavender Lace, Bubble Bath, Love Crush, Be Mine and Sweety Pea. You’ll also love these candles are made from high-quality, earth friendly materials.
Soothe Massage on Demand (www.Soothe.com) – Starting at $99
Massages often top wish lists on Valentine’s Day, so here’s one of my favorite services that’s perfect as a gift or for a couple’s experience: Soothe Massage on Demand. This APP-driven service will deliver a licensed, certified, vetted massage therapist to any home, office hotel room, with as little as 60 minutes advance notice. Use it to book a relaxing and invigorating couples massage in the privacy of your own chosen location, or pre-pay a massage as a gift for another to book at their discretion. Services include Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports and Pre-Natal massage for individuals or couples that are available in treatment lengths of 60-90-120 minutes—each for a fixed fee that includes gratuity and taxes ($99-$139-$169). Soothe has a world-class concierge team available from 8 am-midnight to answer customer questions, concerns, help with booking appointments and other logistics. Customers can book 24-7 via the iOS or Android APP, online at soothe.com, or via the toll-free number 800-960-7668 during business hours. Soothe also offers chair massage services for special events. DEAL ALERT: Receive $30 off a first time massage with Soothe using the code LUXELIST30.
PowerPulse Massage (www.Waterpik.com) – Range from $19.99 to $44.99
Speaking of convenient massages that don’t require a trip to the spa, here’s a way to give them a massage that can be enjoyed every day, all year through! There’s no need to drive to the spa for some R&R thanks to the the Waterpik PowerPulse Massage shower head. Just jump in the shower instead! With 2x the massage force compared to Delta and Moen models, this unique device creates maximum pulsating force for a noticeable difference and a superior shower. Drawing on their extensive experience in oral care and water flossing, Waterpik adapted their pulsating spray technology to create a more invigorating shower. By reinventing the way the water pulses in the massage spray setting, PowerPulse delivers double the massage force making every shower a luxurious spa-like experience at home, all year round. With easy five-minute installation there’s no need to hire a plumber to replace the existing shower head, so the benefits can be enjoyed quickly and relatively easily. Gotta love instant gratification.
Caviar Lip Cream (www.Skinn.com) – $22
Soft luscious lips are always in style, but even more so on Valentine’s Day! Whether for yourself or as a gift for another, give those lips some love of their own with the Caviar Lip Cream from Skinn Cosmetics. Formulated with actual caviar extract, use this product to make lips appear firmer, smoother and younger—and with a high level of hydration. Simply saturate lips with this ultra-luxe, long-wear gloss that’s available in six savory shades of Peony, Cactus Flower, Tangerine, Ruby, Cerise and Scarlett. Prepare for a plush pucker that’s the envy of all. Just in time to wow that special someone this February 14.
Near Dusk Jennifer Aniston (www.Kohls.com) – $39.00 – $55.00
Jennifer Aniston’s Near Dusk perfume, inspired by the beach at sunset, captures that perfect moment between day and evening as time slows, moods shift and sensual new possibilities are revealed. As the third scent in this award-winning actress’ beach and sun-kissed inspired fragrance collection, Jennifer worked closely with renowned IFF perfumer Jean-Marc Chaillan to create a refreshingly energetic scent that captures the essence of a serene beachside sunset. This sultry fragrance combines notes of sea spray accord, queen of the night peony and amber to evoke memories of romantic nights on the beach. Its elegant bottle shape, reimagining the signature, organic bottle shape found in Jennifer’s earlier scents, also adds an element of sophistication, while the ombré wine hue makes it perfect for Valentine’s Day.
CustomInk Swole-Mates Hoodies (www.CustomInk.com) – Appx. $35.40
Wine, chocolates, massage…after all of that indulging, it’s time to hit the gym! Show that special someone you’re partners in all things, including getting fit, by personalizing couples gym gear. Perfect for the twosome who works out together, the “Swole-Mates” design can be printed on a number of different products including t-shirts, tank tops, long-sleeve hoodies and gym towels. So go ahead, show the world and your partner that you’re not just soulmates, you’re swole-mates, too! All orders are one of a kind and CustomInk.com’s Design Lab is a fun, easy and powerful tool. No special expertise is required to personalize your gear. Of course, pricing depends on product choice, personalization and quantity. Designs can be customized with the couple’s names, anniversary date, etc. Product and ink colors can also be changed. At CustomInk.com, there is an entire team of expert artists available for free to assist if needed. Service reps are also available 7 days a week via phone, email or online chat. Their artists review every design for sizing, contrast, layering issues and such to ensure each is perfect for printing.
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“The Luxe List” Executive Editor Merilee Kern scours the luxury marketplace for exemplary travel experiences, extraordinary events, and notable products and services. Submissions are accepted at www.TheLuxeList.com . Follow her on Twitter here: www.Twitter.com/LuxeListEditor and Facebook here: www.Facebook.com/TheLuxeList .
***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above were provided and/or sponsored to accommodate this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.***
*source: http://www.usnews.com/news/blogs/data-mine/2015/02/11/valentines-day-spending-to-approach-19-billion