The Long Live Guide To Valentine’s Day
Ideas for spreading joy and showing love
I understand the compulsion to hate Valentine’s Day. Insert monologue on Hallmark holiday here. But almost a decade ago, I started sending out postcards I’d design to friends in honor of the holiday. The gesture was small, but it seemed to me, as adults, it’s a celebration we reserve strictly for romantic partnerships.
No such thing, at least, not on Planet Long Live. I fondly remember Valentine’s Day gifts from my mom growing up—a new water bottle or tickets to a show. So out of nostalgia, a need for a bright spot, or just because—here’s a list of Valentine’s Day gifts that say “I love you” in a thousand different ways. And your efforts don’t have to be expensive. A lot of ideas included below are under $50 :)
From our friends at West Elm
This is the kind of Valentine’s Day gift I’d send to my sister—fresh out of undergrad and really into hosting dinner parties. Lots of color options mean she could mix and match in the future. For now, I’d stick with pink. It’s festive!
It’s crazy how almost everyone could use a mini speaker. This is a very nice one. And trust me, I thought it didn’t make a difference, but after my third cheap one from Amazon, I decided to upgrade and never looked back.
Schostal Originals X Else PJ Set
Really, at the end of the day, being given fresh pajamas really is the best thing. My advice? Always size up. These are very cool, in every single colorway.
Maelove Glowmaker Vitamin C Serum and NIA 10
From our friends at Maelove
Your expertise is also a gift when it comes to Valentine’s Day. I’ve shopped Maelove skincare for years because it’s simple and affordable. If I was gifting skincare to my mom or a friend looking to build out a routine, I’d start here. But the funny thing is, after trying some of the most expensive Vitamin C serums on the market, I always come back to this one. It’s not sticky and the glow lasts throughout the day. Plus the 1 oz. size means it’s easy to travel with, making sticking to my routine a breeze.
Step 2? NIA10 is 10% niacinamide (vitamin B3), to effectively soothe sensitive skin and alleviate redness by strengthening the skin barrier and protecting against environmental stressors. One-two punch.
There doesn’t have to be an occasion for a band, but this one would be lovely stacked with an engagement ring or to represent a milestone in your professional life.
I simply adore this artist and this bowl is under $40? I implore you to look at all her work. I might pay her a visit at her Gowanus studio if this obsession continues.
Venus Et Fleur Aphrodite 3-Piece Bud Vase Set
From our friends at Venus et Fleur
Level up your flower game with something that’ll last a whole lot longer than the roses you picked up at the grocery store. These last a year, in fact, and the Roman architecture-inspired vases make arranging a cinch. Plus I love that Venus Et Fleur offers custom options, too.
Come on! A fresh notepad tied in a bow? That’s an ideal Valentine’s Day gift in my eyes. Maybe add a few of these and you’re set.
First, I’d remove the tag with a seam ripper. Then I’d make sure this $10 gift was going to someone who’d appreciate its British countryside appeal as much as me.
Ethique Scalp Health Shampoo Bar
From our friends at Ethique
Christmas has stockings. Shouldn’t Valentine’s Day? I like the idea of pulling together your own little care package, starting with this incredible shampoo bar from Ethique. Winter scalps rejoice because just a few weeks using this made all the difference for my dry scalp. Think concentrated, clean ingredients, minus any wasteful packaging. Code EVAPPROVED gets you a free chic storage tray with your purchase.
Just picture it: this plus a note that says you’re about to leave for a long weekend in the Bahamas. So fab.
From our friends at Brooklinen
There’s a reason these might be the most popular sheets on the internet. I like Valentine’s Day as an excuse to buy myself something I need, but maybe have been putting off, like a bedding upgrade. Now’s their President’s Day Sale, making the timing even more divine.
Fellow Aiden Precision Coffee Maker
Let’s be clear. This is what my husband got for his Valentine’s Day gift. Plus a sentimental note, of course, but there really are some people who light up reading an instruction manual. He’s one of them.
Ancient Minerals Magnesium Bath Flakes
These are my go-to and there’s nothing scented, which makes it a safe bet. This plus a very lovely body wash—I’m romanced?
This book is a love letter to correspondence written by one of my favorite living writers. I’d pair it with some notecards to really complete the gift.
Think of this as a locket for a person who would never wear a locket. Spend $30 on this stunning swan, stuff a love letter inside, and you’re golden.
If you know your valentine and you know they’d respond positively to a climbing-inspired sneaker, these are a great call.
If you’re willing to look hard enough, you can find these classic watches for less than $2k online.
Just when you think you’ve seen every single cashmere snood on the market, this beauty appears. It looks like an oversized collar and can be paired with any number of winter ensambles.
Miró, Composition (Cramer 83; Mourlot 347), Derrière le miroir (after) 1963
Art for Valentine’s Day is a big yes from me. Filter by your budget on sites like 1stDibs or make your own art at Framebridge. That receipt from your first date? Fair game.
Lizzie Fortunato Matilde Cord Necklace
Not all jewelry has to be that serious. In fact, recently, I’ve been drawn to my more playful pieces to spice up an outfit I’ve worn and loved before. This necklace with a grey cashmere sweater and jeans?
Show someone you love them by giving them stamps that look like them. I think space-themed ones are very category agnostic. But knock yourself out!
Tip: vintage trays from Etsy and eBay are the perfect gift. They’re practical, unique, and there’s one to match the aesthetic of every person you love.
Listen, I’m as surprised as you are to see lingerie on this list. But I’ve worn Cuup for five years and I’m suggesting it as a private wardrobe upgrade for yourself.
Tiffany Elsa Peretti Money Clip
If anyone gets the emotional resonance of this gift, I trust it’s you, dear Long Live reader.
From our friends at Brooklinen
I like this gift for your friend who’s always going out and complaining about never getting enough sleep. A silk pillowcase and eye mask just might change their ways. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll travel with mine. Bonus: also a part of the President’s Day Sale.
Maybe it’s the first movie you ever watched together. Or the one you keep meaning to watch. Whatever the reason, finding a beautiful vintage movie poster is always a good idea.
If a bright red lobster isn’t your thing, this Etsy shop has lots of other hooks to choose from.
They want to make more drinks at home. And you want them to know you did the exact right amount of Reddit research to get them the best. Pair with a mug from Fellow.
Rhode Boxed Candle – Fig & Lotus Blossom
From our friends at West Elm
What’s not to love about gifting a candle? I like keeping a note in my phone of the scent preferences of the people closest to me. Too far? Just keep an eye on what they burn when you come over and copy that.
Jewelry is, of course, a very classic route to take. But who says you have to save up all year for it? I wear these with a plain tshirt and jeans to feel like I have some semblance of a real job. They’re only $215 and a recent treasure in my jewelry collection.
I’ve tried…other ice rollers…and this one is the best. I also like that it’s for anyone who wants to practice cold therapy on their face. No skin types are excluded!
Clog people need love, too. I love that these are leather and still very durable. Seavees makes underrated clogs, in general.
I have a few brushes to choose from, but I’ve been using this one for a few weeks and can’t get over the delight it brings me on my bathroom counter.
From our friends at West Elm
Framing a beloved photo has to be one of my favorite gifts. These frames are easily under $50, even with personalization, and you can print a photo at most drugstores. I love taping a note to the back as a reminder of how much I adore the recipient.
If there’s such a thing as a cool girl sock, it’s this pair, made in collaboration with USM.
I just had a pair made here in the city and can’t recommend stopping in with your Valentine for a custom pair made to measure enough.
Thank you for reading Long Live. It means so much to me. You can shop my favs here, follow along on Instagram + Tiktok, and shop my Notion template. Get matched at EV Salon. And if you want to partner on a future Long Live, email evan@communite.co x
Erika- your graphics are awesome. Could you share what you use to create them?
Putting objects on a tray is the quickest way for something to go from cluttered to ~collected~ Fun ideas!