Often Valentine’s Day is a time of two solitudes: do nothing and you’re a thoughtless jerk or buy something expected—a box of chocolates, a dozen red roses—and you’re a thoughtless dupe.
But there’s a romantic road less taken for gifting that can help underscore all the things February 14 is supposed to stand for—you just need the right romance map. Here are some delectable bread crumbs to point you in the right direction.
Lelo Sila Sonic Massager
We’re no prudes but we also know wading into the (increasingly mainstream) world of sex toys can be a bit daunting. So we’re thankful that Lelo—the high-end Swedish brand that’s tony enough for Selfridge’s and Holt Renfrew—is here as our trusty guide.
Image courtesy of Lelo.
Take a baby step—or stroke—with Lelo’s Flickering Touch Massage Candle made from all-natural soy wax, shea butter, and apricot kernel oil. The lightly scented wax melts into an exquisite pool of luxurious massage oil (Vanilla & Crème De Cacao, Snow Pear & Cedarwood, or Black Pepper & Pomegranate) for some wholesome sensuous foreplay. Then flick on the new Sila Sonic Massager—think of it as an intimate wave machine—for some gentle external stimulation.
Available locally at Indigo and online at Indigo.ca and Lelo.com
Rouge Dior Lipstick Valentine’s Day Edition
Sometimes the height of luxury is that one piece that only you know about. While everyone will nod to your classic tube of Dior Rouge lipstick, only you can appreciate the singular vision of creative director Peter Philips’ Rouge Dior Valentine’s Day Edition. Enriched with natural-origin extracts of red peony and pomegranate flower, two shades of confident red (080 and 999) are delicately engraved with a flight of hearts. Perfect for puckering up or presenting to the one you love.
Image courtesy of Dior.
Available in-store at Holt Renfrew in Vancouver and online.
Pop-In@Nordstrom Self Love
To help celebrate Valentine’s Day, Nordstrom delivers its Pop-In Self Love shop, dedicated to the twin concepts of empowerment and pleasure. This year’s featured selections marry the archetypal offerings—think lingerie and loungewear, body care, intimacy products—with inclusive sizing, ethical production, and affirming self-discovery. Prepare to spritz yourself with the oddly compelling scent Dirty Grapefruit, by irreverent perfume house Heretic, or admire yourself in comfy yet sexy underwear from Lunya or Knickey that can handily facilitate all sorts of downward dogs.
Image courtesy of Nordstrom.
Nordstrom’s pop-up Self Love shop is open in Vancouver now until March 14.
Something Wicked Supple Leather & Silk Blindfold
If you’re ready to explore your inner 50 Shades of Grey, especially after months of lockdown, start with the Supple Leather & Silk Blindfold from award-winning European lingerie house Something Wicked. With its black silk, soft leather, and French Chantilly lace, this blindfold promises to heighten your senses as you and your lover test new paths of seductive pleasure and fun. Because we could all use a little (naughty) fun right now.
Image courtesy of Something Wicked.
Available online and in-store at Honey Gifts on Cambie Street.
Charlotte Tilbury Push Up Mascara
If the eyes are the keys to the soul, then how important is the key to the eyes? The Pillow Talk Push-Up Eye Secrets Set by UK darling Charlotte Tilbury brings the smoke show to les yeux. The limited-edition set features the new Pillow Talk Push-Up Lashes Mascara in a full size (that’s the smoke) and a travel-size Rock ‘n’ Kohl Eyeliner (that’s the show) for a one-two combo that will have you and your lover seeing floating hearts all year long.
Image courtesy of Charlotte Tilbury.
Available online and in-store locally at Sephora.
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