2015 Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

header

The type of gift you give will naturally be determined by the type of relationship you have, but in every case, it’s important to put some thought into it. Paying attention to the little things go a long way, so a gift that’s very personal will make a bigger impression than the price tag. With that said, brand-name gifts are guaranteed to make her friends jealous, and what women doesn’t love that? Here are some ideas to get you started.

Gunter Wilhelm Cookware & Cutlery

gunter_wilhelm

Whether your loved one is a professional chef or just acts like one in the kitchen, you can’t go wrong with Gunter Wilhelm, which produces high-quality cookware and cutlery that lasts longer, makes food prep easier and results in tastier meals. Their stainless steel cookware is some of the best we’ve ever used, boasting a 5-ply construction that offers superior conduction and even heat distribution, which means that you can throw on a piece of fish or meat directly from the freezer and have it ready in under 15 minutes, restaurant-style. They also feature a rivetless design that make them easy to clean; an electropolished, stick-resistant mirror finish that eliminates the need for sprays, oils or butter; stay-cool silicone handles that are oven-safe to 500 degrees F; and vented, self-standing lids with a temperature port for digital thermometers. If you don’t want to break the bank on one of their cookware sets (though they’re always running deals that are practically a steal), Gunter Wilhelm’s cutlery – from a 7-piece beginner set, to a 26-piece executive set with 12 steak knives – makes for a great alternative. These knives are amazing, with excellent weight and balance, a comfortable grip and an extra-wide blade for enhanced performance. Along with the cookware, they’re the perfect complement to any kitchen.

STREET by 50 On-Ear Wireless Sport Headphones

street_by_50

SMS Audio’s STREET by 50 line may not have the name recognition of a brand like Beats by Dre, but it’s a worthy substitute with comparable audio. The problem with a lot of premium headphones, however, is that they’re not exactly built for working out. STREET by 50’s Sport collection looks to address that with the introduction of wired and wireless on-ear headphones that, much like the less stylish Soul+ Combat, are designed with active lifestyles in mind. They’re IPX4 rated for sweat resistance and protection, with a sweat-proof chamber within the ear cup and OVALFIT perforated leather memory foam on the headband and ear pads that provide comfort and breathability. The headphones also boast professionally-tuned 40mm custom drivers for high-quality sound and include a one-click microphone, on-board track and volume controls, ear covers for added protection and a sports towel. But perhaps most crucially, they’re surprisingly lightweight, which makes them ideal for gym rats and marathon runners, especially women who can’t wear the bulkier models while moving around.

Steve’s Ice Cream

steves

Credited as the grandfather of the ice cream mix-ins, this Brooklyn-based company (which was revived in 2011 by a former employee of the original shop in Somerville, Massachusetts) has some of the most unique frozen treats you’ll ever try. Pushing the limits of modern gourmet ice cream, Steve’s features flavors like Carrot Habanero Pepper, Small Batch Bourbon Vanilla (emphasis on the bourbon), Mexican Chili Chocolate and Southern Banana Pudding. Not every flavor is quite as crazy – like personal favorites Bklyn Blackout (milk chocolate ice cream with chocolate stout cake pieces and dark chocolate pudding) and Sunday Morning (buttered maple syrup ice cream with waffle pieces) – but they’re all really delicious, especially when paired with one another. A box of chocolates may be the traditional Valentine’s Day gift for those in a hurry or on a tight budget, but why not shake things up this year with an assortment of ice cream from Steve’s? In addition to being available in grocery stores like Whole Foods, you can also buy the pints online at their official website, so you’re covered no matter where you shop.

Skinit Customizable Cases and Skins

Our cell phones and tablets have become an extension of ourselves, so it’s only natural that we would want to tailor them to fit our individual personalities. While there’s an overwhelming number of protective cases already on the market, Skinit takes things one step further by allowing you to customize your mobile device with a one-of-a-kind case or vinyl skin. There are hundreds of pre-existing designs to choose from, including licensed sports teams and popular brands like Star Wars, Marvel and Looney Tunes, but you can also create your own case using a personal photo for a gift to truly remember. Skinit supports a variety of smartphones, tablets, MP3 players, laptops and game consoles, and there are several different cases depending on the device. The process itself is super-easy – just upload a photo, resize it, add optional text or background color, and you’re ready to go – but the thought alone will score you more brownie points than your typical gift.

skinit

The Bouqs Flowers

Buying flowers can be a horrible experience, which is probably why a lot of guys don’t even bother. But what if there was a company that not only guaranteed fresher flowers at a reasonable price, but did so in style? That’s the basic concept behind The Bouqs Co., which cuts its flowers (from the side of an Ecuadorian volcano, naturally) on the day you order and delivers them within two to four days. Fed by pure volcanic snow melt and mineral-rich, pH-balanced soil, the flowers are brighter and can be enjoyed longer compared to other online floral companies. Better yet, it costs a flat $40 for a bouquet with shipping, and there are no annoying up-sells like cheap candy and stuffed teddy bears. Additionally, The Bouqs Co. farms practice sustainable, eco-friendly farming, only cutting what they sell, and offer its workers competitive living wages and services like on-site childcare and healthcare, and adult education. It’s win-win, so you no longer have a reason not to get your special lady the flowers she desperately wants.

Pajamas from Victoria’s Secret

If you want to be bold, you can always go with some sexy lingerie, or you could take a more subtle approach with a set of lovely pajamas from the always reliable Victoria’s Secret instead. There are plenty of styles and fabrics to choose from, including full-length satin PJs, top/shorts combos and a cotton line as well. If nothing else, browsing this online store will at least put you in a good mood as you start your shopping experience.

Spafinder Gift Cards

Women love to be pampered. Of course, you should be giving her regular messages, but she’ll be thrilled with a day letting the professionals pamper her in a luxurious setting. This is something we recommend every year and these cards from Spafinder.com never expire. She’ll be able to use them at over 20,000 spa and wellness locations worldwide. If she and her friends have a favorite spot, you can always get her a gift card there as well. This will be great for everyone on your list, and you’re telling her that she deserves to spoil herself!

spafinder