According to history books, Valentine’s Day was initially associated with romantic love in the Middle Ages, and, by the 18th-century England, evolved into what we know today – exchanges of gifts and cards. In other words, the practice has been around long enough that it’s not going anywhere, so deal with it. Here are a few local finds to help get through this Valentine’s Day with kisses and smiles instead of silent scorn.
1. A beautiful, sophisticated 1970s-inspired boho dress from the newly released Olivia Palermo + Chelsea28 line at Nordstrom ($188) will definitely light up her eyes.
2. Give the gift of good luck with this darling gold horseshoe ring from Vancouver’s Poppy Finch ($265) at PoppyFinch.com.
3. Get ready to pucker up after you give her the luscious, lovely Rodin Olio Lusso lip balm, $40, at LYNNsteven and Holt Renfrew.
4. It might not seem like the sexiest gift, but nothing gets as much love as a favourite mug. The charming pastel mugs from Vancouver’s Maggie Boyd Ceramics ($38) available at Charlie & Lee in Chinatown, is the perfect functional keepsake.
5. Give the gift of protection – and style – with the Blee Inara Enamel Hamsa chain necklace, find a similarly dark pink one on sale at Charlie & Lee for $25 (down from $45).
6. The gift of gorgeous skin never gets old. The Rodin Olio Lusso face oil ($210) available at Holt Renfrew and LYNNSteven, is a much buzzed-about beauty product, concocted with 11 essential oils derived from flowers and other botanicals. This is one gift she is sure to love.
7. Give her the time of day, all day, every day with the Rosefield Bowery watch in soft pink ($130) at Woo To See You in Yaletown.
8. Savour the sweet smell of days of falling in love at the beach with the Brooklyn-based MCMC Fragrances. Maine is inspired by a day spent on the island of North Haven off the coast of Maine and features Bulgarian rose absolute, local clary sage, wild Somalian myrrh, and French seaweed, on sale at LYNNSteven for $50, (down from $95).
