Clockwise, from top left: Leica’s Sofort 2 camera, which prints photos on the spot; a heart-shaped bud vase; a John Derian nostalgic paperweight; an oh-so-cozy alpaca throw, and wear-anytime Elsa Peretti open-heart earrings.
AH, FEBRUARY! Frigid but short.And mid-month there’s Valentine’s Day, a celebration of love—and who couldn’t use more of that in these uncertain times? If you haven’t yet noted it on your calendar, V-Day is February 14. That means you have time to look for a little—or big—something to give your significant other, best friend, sister or . . . . I have suggestions:
Designed by Elsa Peretti, these 18k rose-gold stud earrings come in two sizes—7mm or 11mm for $900 or $1,275, respectively, from Tiffany. They're also available in 18k yellow gold and in sterling silver. And, I like these curved heart-shape earrings in silver (and gold vermeil), new from Kendra Scott.
Spark joy in your special someone’s heart with this sweet bud vase (7.5"h by 5.9"w by 3.4"d). Fill it with a stem or two from the bunch of flowers you just bought at Trader Joe's. Or, add this spray of faux scabiosa.
If my husband didn’t already own one, I’d buy it for him and maybe one for me, too. Without the usual bulk, this fleece jacket fits like a trim sweater.
The best gift for your snoring partner/husband? These Bluetooth earbuds with noise-canceling technology and biometric sensing. He can slip the tiny Ozlo Sleepbuds into his ears to stream music, podcasts from his phone, and they'll detect when he's fallen asleep—and then pipe in white noise to mask sounds.
Grownup girls will prefer this sophisticated paisley print to the usual little red heart suspects. Bonus: They come gift-wrapped in a handsome wood crate.
A cool camera with the panache of the Leica name that delivers on-the-spot prints (like a Polaroid). For that Valentine who wants to have instant fun sharing hard-copy prints with pals.
From decoupage master John Derian, who creates innovative, decorative pieces (plates, paperweights, coasters) from his huge collection of 18th- and 19th-century prints, this nostalgic glass piece, 3½ by 3½ inches, will melt hearts with the image of a little girl's Valentine's Day message.
Have it your way with this dainty necklace. Personalize with your initial, zodiac sign, black or red enamel heart, diamond shape and size, length of chain (14 or 16 inches) and material (sterling silver, 18k gold vermeil or 14k solid gold). To show it off, layer the small-scaled piece with one or two complementary necklaces.
A family-owned business, Alicia Adams’s wheelhouse is alpaca wool textiles and clothing. (The company raises and manages a herd of over 200 Suri alpacas on a farm in New York's Hudson Valley.) Give the gift of cozy on V-Day with this generously sized (51 by 71 inches) throw, just right for stylish snuggling on the sofa.
Brighten up someone's gray February day. These porcelain planters filled with fragrant herbs make a cheery winter windowsill. And when the weather warms, put them outside.
While thinking about Valentine's Day gifts for friends and lovers, it's impossible not to remember those returning to fire-ravaged Southern California where thousands have lost homes and businesses. Having lived in Washington, DC, for more than two decades I’m familiar with and support the work of chef José Andrés—the genius behind World Central Kitchen—which right now is helping to feed residents returning to Altadena. For more information on how to contribute, see "How to Help Victims of the Fires of the Southern California Wildfires."
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