NYLON’s Valentine’s Day Guide — Gifts According To How You Feel About The Occasion

Valentine’s Day has got to be the most divisive occasion ever. Go ahead, we dare you to bring it up in civil discussion — you’ll find a starry-eyed romantic who loves how it honours love, the cynic who abhors it so much they have to tell you why right now, or those who love to hate on it yet still succumb to the red roses and heart-shaped indulgences anyway. Love to hate, or hate to love, no matter your mood, we’ve got the gift you’ll want to get.

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1. “All you need is love.”

We all know a hopeless romantic, and hey, that could be you. No judgment here — let your inner Romeo / Juliet shine with these Hallmark-level gifts that say “I love you” and “I’m thinking about you” in the most extra ways possible. These are still classy af though, so your lovelorn gaze definitely won’t be met with a sad cringe.

LONGCHAMP LE PLIAGE CUIR SAINT-VALENTIN XS TOP HANDLE BAG, $700 | With a whole lot of love and hearts on Longchamp's most iconic bag style, you can now wear your heart across your shoulder too. Metis leather combines the qualities of lambskin and goatskin for an elegant style that will last through whatever you put it through.

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN BEAUTY VELVET MATTE LIP COLOUR ROUGE LOUBOUTIN, $142, available at TANGS | Flaunt red with this Louboutin lippie, where you'll find a special heart-shaped love note embellished on their signature red lacquered boxes, just for Valentine's Day.

NIKE AIR MAX 90 "VALENTINE'S DAY" SNEAKERS - PINK, $219, available at doverstreetmarket.com | All you need is love — and this highly-anticipated drop of the retro Air Max 90s silhouette, adorned in pink, red, and smooth white leather. It's all in the details too, with candy heart eyelet holes, mismatched insoles, and love note tongue tags which open up to reveal declarations of love.

LOVE STORIES LUNA LACE-TRIMMED LEOPARD PRINT CREPE MIDI DRESS, $142, available at NET-A-PORTER | Sexy yet classy, this Love Stories dress with a lace-trimmed neckline drapes casually over your curves, with adjustable slim ties at the back. Pair with a leather jacket for the date, sure, but you know what to do when things get a little more serious.

LE LION DE CHANEL EDP, $328 | Anyone knows a proud Leo? For the person who's passionate about everything, know that they share the same astrological sign as Gabrielle Chanel, who'd like the daring, warm notes of this majestic scent. Ambery and leather notes of labdanum and patchouli are softened by vanilla, bergamot and lemon, for a fragrance to roar about.

TIFFANY T:T1 NARROW DIAMOND HINGED BANGLE, $9,500 | Our cultural obsession with Tiffany & Co. somehow didn't end once the famous Holly Golightly scene faded in front of our eyes. Every girl, in her deepest of hearts, yearns for something Tiffany, which is why we had to include this 18k gold icon, studded with round brilliant diamonds.

VALENTINO GARAVANI 03 ROSE EDITION ATELIER ROUND CROSSBODY BAG, USD2,780 | Shaped like a blooming rose, with leather petals arranged in amazing 3D detail, this round crossbody bag is a stunner. One to collect if you're a super romantic.

FLOWERBYKENZO POPPY BOUQUET EDP FLORALE IN COUTURE LIMITED EDITION, $134, available at Sephora | So you've got that stunning 99-rose bouquet. What else? This. The Couture Limited Edition fragrance blends fruity Nashi Pear with lush notes of Bulgarian Rose, Jasmine, and Gardenia for a pleasant, full-bodied scent. It also comes with a couture-inspired KENZO ribbon, extra chic if you ask us.

2. “Ugh, gross.”

When “thanks I hate it” and a major eye roll can’t quite cut it, maybe these will do. Why bother with a gift, you say? How else are you going to tell the world that you both hate (but secretly love) the world’s most annoying, commercialised holiday?

SWATCH HATE 2 LOVE WATCH, $119 | You hate it, but damn it, you love 'love' too don't you? For the angsty romantic, Swatch's latest timepiece is a perfect ode to your bipolar take on the world's most complex emotion. The black silicone watch channels “I HATE TO LOVE YOU” energy in the day, though at night, the words “I LOVE YOU” glow in the dark. How did they know?!

TOM FORD PRIVATE BLEND ROSE PRICK EDP (50ml), $478 | Roses, but make it spicy. Tom Ford encapsulates love, complications and all, in this intoxicating blend of rosy florals that's now paired with notes of Sichuan Pepper and Turmeric for a spicy kick. To those who've been pricked by the ugly side of romance, this scent sees right through you.

ENCHEVARIA CLASSIC SUCCULENT BOUQUET - LARGE, $100, available at echevaria.co | If flowers are too cliché, spring for this instead — a succulent bouquet of various breeds that are thoughtfully arranged just like any outstanding floral arrangement. Even better? The bouquet can be left as it is for 1 to 2 weeks before being repotted, which means this one won't wither and die!

KENZO 'BE MY VALENTINE' SWEATSHIRT | Part of the brand's capsule collection, KENZO does a graffiti-like take on the standard sweet Valentine's Day messages, this time casually scrawled on sweatshirts, hoodies, and tees. The black versions makes for the perfect gift for any lover who's in severe denial.

CLASH DE CARTIER RING - ROSE GOLD, $3,050 | When you feel like your S/O deserves a splurge, but want to desperately avoid glittery, shiny, and showy jewellery, we can always count on Clash de Cartier. The edgy jewellery line is full of spunk, studs, and clous carrés across the various geometric designs, which come nicely understated too.

JO MALONE LONDON TOWNHOUSE COLLECTION CANDLE - LILAC LAVENDER & LOVAGE, $198 | A gift for yourself, for when you feel like cosying up by the bed with a good book and nobody else — totally fine by us.

3. Galentine’s Day > Valentine’s Day

Enough with the extolling of couples and star-crossed lovers already! If there’s anything we learnt from our years of existence and heartbreak, it’s that partners may come and go, but friends are for life. It’s time to let our real cherished loved ones know how important they are.

PANDORA VALENTINE'S DAY 2021 CHARMS, FROM $59 | While most people associate Pandora charms with actual declarations of love, prom-posals and all, we think they make just-as-appropriate gifts for your friends too — you can even go matchy-matchy! A Metallic Red Heart Charm shows off the depth of your friendship; a mixtape might represent a nostalgic memory of school days past; while the infinity symbol puts the 'Forever' in BFF.

ETUDE x HERSHEY'S KISSES LIMITED EDITION COLLECTION, from $17.90 | Unabashedly sweet and cute all at once, this chocolate-inspired makeup collection takes after the familiar teardrop shape of Hershey’s bite-sized chocolates, now reinterpreted into delightful eyeshadow palettes, with soft whipped lip tints to match.

WICKED CHOCS "MY FAV B*TCH", $24.90, available at wickedchocs.myshopify.com | The tagline says: "Who needs a lover when you have your best b*tches?". We can't agree more. Show your best friends some love with this set of creamy milk chocolate and dark chocolate alphabets, rose-shaped chocolate filled with sea salt caramel, and dark ganache-filled heart chocolate.

SOPHIE BILLE BRAHE VELVET JEWELRY BOX, $121, available at NET-A-PORTER | For the friend who has way too many jewellery from her boyfriend (or uh, ex-boyfriend), she'll be able to store every unique piece in this Italian-made velvet pouch, lined with satin and with an oversized tassel that's just the right amount of extra.

STARBUCKS BUZZ MUGS, from $24.90 | Everyone loves Starbucks, so consider this one of those no-brainer gifts that will be well-received anyway. Their Valentine's Day “Bee Mine” collection sees these two Buzz mugs that resemble a bee and a pot of honey respectively, for some much-needed warmth in their fully air-conditioned office space.

WANDERLUST + CO GOLDEN HONOR HEART MANTRA NECKLACE, $104.91 | For a way to honour your most cherished friendships, this 90s-inspired toggle chain necklace has a heart locket inscribed with the phrase ‘Honor the things that make your heart grow’, which might be a good mantra for your dear pal. It opens up to a little surprise too.

KORA ORGANICS ROSE QUARTZ HEART FACIAL SCULPTOR, $98, available at Sephora | A gua sha that's pink, heart-shaped, and made with the healing rose quartz. Need we say more? Your friend's face could use a little extra love this season, with this sculpting device that stimulates circulation, de-puffs, and lifts skin, all at the same time.

MARKS AND SPENCER SHARE THE LOVE CHOCOLATE BAR, $24.90 | For your favourite frenemy, you can look to this special Share The Love chocolate bar, in a special box that splits neatly down the middle, each side topped with a salted caramel ruby chocolate heart, so you'll never have to fight again! Till the next intense argument, that is.

4. For the guys

Bouquets of 99 roses and dazzling jewellery are always on proud display every Valentine’s Day anyway, though isn’t it unfair how all the responsibility and stress often fall on the men in our lives? We’re all for equality here, so this one’s for the guys who deserve all that over-the-top love too.

RIMOWA NEVER STILL BACKPACK - BLACK, $1,540 | Rimowa's series of everyday essentials are as sleek as their suitcases of course, especially this roomy backpack made from durable canvas and full-grain leather. No matter his profession, your man will get to walk around with effortless style.

BABY-G DW5600TGA-BGD560TG-9DR WATCH, $288 | Rock matching arm candy with your loved one this Valentine's Day, though done in unbelievably tough G-SHOCK styles that convey the strength of true love. This yellow-and-white pair is inspired by a thunderbolt, with that particular motif subtly seen on the face and EL LCD image of both watches, while that bright hue gives a street-style edge to the classic design.

K BY DOLCE&GABBANA EDP, $134 | A sensual scent for the modern king, K BY DOLCE&GABBANA eschews typical masculine scents by celebrating the “king of everyday life”, a multi-faceted person who's not afraid to show his vulnerability. Similarly, the fragrance itself features more spicy top notes, and a more sensual heart, compared to the original EDT.

AESOP A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME BODY CLEANSER, $60 | Valentine's Day is no big deal — any other day would smell as sweet. If you and your partner are firm believers of "everyday is Valentine's Day", then this practical gift of a hydrating, aromatic body wash would be most ideal. Better when shared, of course.

PRADA AIRPODS PRO BRUSHED LEATHER CASE, $505 | There must be some way to store their AirPods Pro in the most stylish, luxurious manner possible. Ah right, there's Prada. The durable leather case even comes with an adjustable Saffiano leather neck strap for convenience — or, a new way to flaunt this refined piece.

RAPPORT LONDON BERKELEY TAN LEATHER DUAL WATCH SLIPCASE, £195 | Luxury watches are serious business, and those need to be stored properly to avoid wear and tear. If your man's a watch fiend, you can't go wrong with this 2-piece watch case, with quality soft pebble grain leather on the outside, and soft suede on the inside to hug those babies while they sleep.

5. Date night

There’s no date night greater than a Valentine’s Day date night, so you might as well go all out with the perfect dress, jewellery, and makeup for a complete, head-to-toe smouldering look. Who knows, this might be the only one you’re getting in a while.

ROUGE DIOR - VALENTINE'S DAY LIMITED EDITION COUTURE COLOUR, $59 | The colour of life and blooming passion, this limited edition version of the classic Rouge Dior sees the lipstick dressed up in hearts and 'CD' initials, an ode to house founder Christian Dior. You'll find this stunner in two satin shades encased in the new 'CD' gem case — the iconic 999, and 080 Red Smile.

BURBERRY SMALL QUILTED LAMBSKIN LOLA BAG, $2,650 | A runway style for the rare date night — why not? Burberry's softly structured Lola bag was a hit the moment it hit stores, since it features classic quilts modernised with a chain shoulder strap and the Thomas Burberry Monogram. There's also bucket hats, cashmere scarves, sneakers, and small leather goods across the British brand's Valentine's Day collection.

LEE HWA JEWELLERY TWINKLE DIAMOND EMBRACE NECKLACE, $520 | A heart-shaped necklace for Valentine's Day might be a little too on the nose, but you know, it is a day of ostentatious celebration after all. Lee Hwa Jewellery's Twinkle Diamond series does it nice and subtle though, with their quality diamond seemingly suspended in mid-air, held up by the tiniest of clasps in this rose gold design.

PH5 MAYA WAVY ASYMMETRIC DRESS WITH SEQUINS IN PINK, $849, available at society-a.com | No need to rack your brain for the perfect date night outfit, PH5 nails the look with this pink dressy number, with the label's signature wavy asymmetrical hem lined with sequins. Even the mirror will get jealous of you.

GUCCI VALENTINE'S DAY CHAIN CARD CASE WALLET | In honour of the significant occasion, Gucci presents their GG Supreme monogram canvas and a slightly over-the-top 3-D heart-shaped emblem with the Gucci logo, on this chain wallet design. It might be a little cheesy, but you know Gucci, they pull this off unexpectedly well.

BVLGARI B.ZERO1 NECKLACE, $4,370 | For more atypical Valentine's Day gems, Bvlgari's B.zero1 Rock series makes a statement with rings and necklaces inspired by the world’s most renowned amphitheater, the Colosseum. Here, an 18 kt rose gold pendant is studded all along the sides with black ceramic inserts on the edges, and paired with a matching 18 kt rose gold chain too.

6. “I’m staying home.”

There are two, very different scenarios when you’re staying home for Valentine’s Day — both are equally valid. One, it’s your night of indulgence and you couldn’t care less about what society thinks; here’s you rocking up to the occasion with pajamas. The next one’s more for the couples who’re in for a cheeky good time. Don’t need to pick a side, we’ve catered to both options here.

ANISSA KERMICHE JUG CERAMIC VASE, $531, available at NET-A-PORTER | If you're wondering how something can be both cute and provocative at the same time, welcome to the world of Anissa Kermiche homeware. The Parisian-born jewelry designer is just as known for her sculpted pieces that play on the female form, hence, a 'Jugs Jug' vase of glazed porcelain that flaunts some nice jugs too.

SAINT LAURENT CONDOM, $10 | You'd think this would be reserved for Crazy Rich Asians, but hey, not really. At $10 per piece, which are, granted, priced substantially more than the ones available at your regular convenience store, they're still rather affordable if you'd like to bring a touch of luxe to your bedroom.

LUSH COSMETICS PEACHY GIFT SET, $30 | The cheeky emoji takes centrepiece in this gift set, which features a blushing duo of juicy, peach-scented bath bombs that'll ensure a blissful time in the bath. Eggplant bath bomb, sold separately.

AGENT PROVOCATEUR ZADI METALLIC EMBROIDERED TULLE BRA, $157, available at NET-A-PORTER | Agent Provocateur certainly knows how to do sexy right, so you'd want to entrust all your best assets to the brand. This 'Zadi' bra, of sheer tulle embroidered with metallic red roses, actually comes with a full set of a thong and suspender belt, which are actually made to be comfortable so you can strut your most confident stuff.

SOVA VALENTINE'S DAY KIT, $179, available at sovasilk.com | On the other end of the spectrum, are SOVA's premium silk accessories in the vibrant Rouge hue. The homegrown brand has put together a kit for the ultimate good night's sleep, comprising of a 22 momme mulberry silk pillowcase, eye mask, and a Lullaby sleep scent, produced in collaboration with local artisanal perfumery, SIX.

DIPTYQUE 'DANCING OVALS' LIMITED EDITION CANDLES, $59 (70g) or $115 (190g), available at escentials | Indulgence has to come in the form of diptyque candles. Here, you're looking at a series made in collaboration with artist Yorgo Tloupas, of playful black-and-white lines and graphic motifs decorating their iconic Baies, Figuier, Roses and Turberose candles.

SLEEPER PARTY FEATHER-TRIMMED CREPE DE CHINE PAJAMA SET, $347, available at NET-A-PORTER | Staying home for Valentine's Day can be a fancy affair too when you've got this vintage-inspired pajama set — note the tonal piping, mother-of-pearl buttons, and of course, flamboyant feathers at the hem.

VENCHI LARGE HEART GIFTBOX, $48 | Go old-school and show up with a box of Venchi's premium Italian chocolates, presented in a heart-shaped metal tin box. You and your bae can easily finish the entire box snuggled up on the couch, while you both Netflix and chill — whatever that means to you.

All items available at their respective brand stores, unless indicated.