Keep the Love Alive With These Extravagant Valentine’s Day Gifts

Sharp Staff February 9, 2024

Valentine’s Day seems to sneak up every year. Now that we’re less than a week out from Hallmark’s favourite holiday, it’s time to lock down your last minute Valentine’s Day gifts before you’re stuck explaining why the discount box of chocolate ‘means a lot, actually.’ Besides, good gifts are sexy: it’s physical proof that someone was thinking you — your preferences, your hobbies, your style — even when you’re not around. So, this year, give your other half the gift of care: here’s our top picks for lovebirds to celebrate Valentine’s Day in 2024.

Dior Glass Set, Tortoiseshell Tinted Harmony

Learn More

You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t love this six-piece glass set from Dior. Tastefully tinted, they’re eye-catching beyond a doubt, yet subtle enough to blend in with numerous home aesthetics. Carved in crystalline by Cordelia de Castellane, the four-by-three-inch cups make a chic accent for dinner parties — serve them alongside a homecooked meal for an extra-special Valentine’s. ($480)

Cherry Highball With Jura 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whiskey

Learn More

Speaking of romantic dinners: no menu would be complete without a cocktail worthy of Cupid. Just over an ounce of Jura single malt offers a smoky hint of toffee and citrus peel, amplified with cherry juice and a splash of bubbling water. (Jura Single Malt Scotch Whisky, $75 per 750mL at LCBO)

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1.5 ounces Jura 12-year
• 0.5 ounce cherry juice
• 1.5 ounces soda water
• 1 cherry to garnish

Just pop the first three ingredients in your favourite cocktail shaker, give it a mix, and pour out over ice. Then, garnish with a red cherry to match the atmosphere.

Montblanc Meisterstück Tote

Learn More

Meet Montblanc’s Meisterstück Tote: it’s chic, it’s functional, it’s easily adjusted for casual and formal looks — what more can we ask? An elevated take on the tote-bag trend, the Meisterstück Tote is designed for both over-the-shoulder and by-the-handle carry. Inside, find three pockets; two opened for storage, and one that zips for valuables. ($1,935)

A Day of Love at Aman Spa

Learn More

Although it’s located in the heart of Toronto, Aman Spa is as relaxing as a private island — soothing sand-coloured walls, rustic decor, and, of course, unparalleled full-body treatments. In the spirit of Saint Valentine, the spa is offering three distinct couples’ packages from February 4th through the 18th. Cupid’s Hydrate is a 90-minute face and body treatment. Lathered with signature shea butter, you’ll leave smelling like sandalwood with take-home gifts in tow. Alternatively, check out A Day of Love: spend a full hour on the massage table, followed by a rose gold face mask. Or, if you’re a fan of hot stone treatments, book the Love is Hot package. Himalayan salt stones provide the perfect unwind, finished off with a hydrating sheet mask for good measure. ($309 to $389)

Krug Brut Rosé Champagne

Learn More

Krug’s bottle of bubbles — pink bubbles, no less — makes one sleek segue from an average Wednesday to a dreamy Valentine’s. Made from mature fruit, the Krug Brut Rosé needs only a few ingredients to make a lasting impression. Hints of freshly-crushed raspberries waft off the rim while sultry accents of rhubarb and spice round out the flavour profile. ($590 at LCBO)

Gucci Decorative Poker Set

Learn More

Inspired by the mid-19th century archives, the Gucci poker set is covered in a captivating forest print. Like a midcentury wallpaper, it’s got depth and repetition, evoking an image of luxurious interiors from a bygone era (and that’s just the design). Inside the box, you’ll find eight dice, chips, and two sets of playing cards. For game-night couples, Gucci’s poker set makes a stylish addition to the living room; and — if you aren’t yet — know that routine card games are a truly underrated way to bond and just tricky enough to be engaging. ($9,595)

Matching Breitling Chronomat Watches

Learn More

As we covered in last year’s His and Hers Watches Guide, there are a lot of options to run with, and you don’t need a watch brand to tell you which partner in any couple should wear what watch based on their respective gender. Of the more recent releases that suit the one-size-fits-all mantra, we’re rather smitten with the new Breitling Victoria Beckham collaboration. These 36mm references (especially the yellow gold ones) have a boldness to them that differs from the usual aviation and military themes we often see from the brand. (from $7,000 in steel, $37,000 in gold)

Fendi Build-Your-Own Belt

Learn More

Want to give a personalized gift, but not quite ready to go the handmade route? Check out Fendi’s new build-your-own belt program: select the size, colour, material, and belt buckle to tailor the belt for your Valentine. Buckle options include rose-gold, black, silver, rhodium grey, and even multicolour stripes — go wild. (From $320)

Need a little more inspiration? Here’s what we were loving in 2023…

Valentine’s Day is almost upon us (yes, it’s coming up quite quickly) and you’re still coming up short on gift ideas? Breathe a deep sigh of relief, my friend. We’re here to help. The bright minds at SHARP have joined (and exhausted) our collective brainpower in a bid to help you make this Valentine’s Day one to remember. And before you ask — no, there are no flowers or chocolate on this list (sort of). We’re going big.

Louis Vuitton Malle Fleurs

Learn More

A romantic piece rooted of Louis Vuitton history, the Malle Fleurs is a reinterpretation of an iconic piece created in the 1910s for the brand’s top clients: the flower trunk. The water-resistant metallic tray and Vuittonite lining mean that flowers, water, or soil can be put in the tray without damaging it. Over the top? perhaps, but who doesn’t love LV luggage of any variety? ($10,400)

Tiffany Lock Bracelet

Learn More

While the idea of a “lock bracelet” isn’t entirely new, Tiffany has added their own spin on this latest unisex variant. Unlike other examples that require a special key, the “lock” is created by a special tension mechanism that took the brand’s artisans and engineers roughly a year to perfect. Offered in white, yellow, and pink gold in a few distinct variations, this is the kind of timeless stuff we love to see from the brand. ($53,500)

Byredo Bibliotheque Candle

Learn More

Nothing sets the mood quite like the scent of a…French library? Trust us. It’s less dusty, leather-bound copies of The Count of Monte Cristo, and more peach, plum, vanilla, and patchouli. Yum. ($125)

Zen Flower Vase 

Learn More

Give flowers inside this unique amber vase designed by Luca Nichetto and your partner is likely to act like one of those kids who enjoys the box that their gift comes in more than the gift itself. We’d still count that as a win, though. ($170)

TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200 Date

Learn More

It’s been in the market for a year or so, but the Aquaracer Professional 200 Date stays on our Valentine’s Day list on account of its perfect quality-to-value offering. It’s a compact and rather slender diver that can safely fly under the banner of unisex; something you and your partner can share without much fuss. That said, there’s also a more petite 30mm version if you wanted to go the route of “his and hers” watches for the occasion. No matter how you slice it, it’s one of our favourites from last year that doesn’t call for an astronomical sticker price or difficulties with waitlists and other nonsense. ($3,550)

Prada Shearling Bucket Hat

Learn More

Pastels are huge this winter season, so you can’t go wrong with a high-end plush, blush pink  hat that is equal parts functional and cute for the colder climes. With a definitive nod to the 90s, bucket hats have seen a mass resurgence of popularity among all retro lovers.   Decorated with the Prada logo in enameled metal, the hat subtly declares its luxe status. With 100% sheep shearling on the outside and a 100% silk lining on the inside, this piece feels wonderful to the touch. ($1,850)

Cartier White Gold Love Bracelet

Learn More

Plenty of Valentine’s Day gifts are corny and rely on novelty. Not this bracelet. While it is a worthy of expression of your love — it does come from Cartier’s long-standing “Love Collection”, after all — its spare, frill-free form is also chic and timeless. ($7,550)

MEC Fireside Double Wide Sleeping Bag

Learn More

For the more adventurous, the idea of romantic camping getaways maintain a certain level of appeal (when the weather gets a bit warmer). This sleeping bag accommodates two people, while also securing your pillow and sleeping mat in place so you don’t roll onto the cold, hard ground in the middle of the night. Now the only thing that can disturb your sleep while camping is that mysterious rustling sound in the woods that wakes you up at 2 a.m. You know it’s most likely a chipmunk, but it could be a bear. At least you have your loved one to hold you close. ($400)

Moncler Legere Crossbody Bag

Learn More

This nylon crossbody bag may be compact, but how many boxes of chocolate do you think it could hold? Well, our calculations have proved inconclusive, but we hope it’s a lot. The bag comes with a detachable shoulder strap so it can also be worn as a pouch. Cool. It’s also made using recycled materials that are environmentally friendly. Even cooler. ($670)

F. Miller Necessity Kit

Learn More

Give the gift of smooth, hydrated skin with this kit that includes a face oil, body oil, cleansing oil, toning mist, and, yes, a lip balm (all in a cool reusable washed paper bag) from Toronto’s own F. Miller. This is the Necessity Kit, so you have no choice but to buy it. ($158)

Tromba Tequila Manhattans

Learn More

We’re throwing one more cocktail in the mix, perhaps on account of bias, but we’re okay with that. It’s hard to beat a clever spin on a Manhattan, ant the folks at Tromba got it right. ($75 per 750 mL at LCBO)

In case you’re curious, here’s the recipe:

• 2 oz. Tromba Añejo
• 1 oz. Sweet Vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice, and stir until thoroughly chilled. Strain over ice. Garnish with a cherry.

When Objects Work Bohemian Crystal Carafe

Learn More

Ditch the wine bottle and use this crystal carafe designed by UK architect and master of minimalism John Pawson. Nobody has to know just how expensive (or inexpensive) that bottle of wine is when it’s in a carafe that looks this good. ($330)