Valentine’s Day is one of those holidays that can feel like an annual reminder to sulk about having nobody to spend it with rather than a date to celebrate. In preparation for this Valentine’s Day gift guide, I was browsing the previous guides, and the one from 2023 caught my attention. In the masterfully written, angsty intro, Liam Sharma tells us about his newfound perspective on this holiday.

“Love comes packaged in so many different forms and the cookie-cutter boyfriend/girlfriend/whatever relationship approach this Day has become synonymous with is, well, just one shape.”

I agree with every word. Valentine’s Day is a celebration of all kinds of love—platonic, romantic, familial or self-love. Think of it as an excuse to make some time to get together with the people closest to you.

In case you’d like to show them your appreciation with a gift, here’s a list of gifts for anyone you love, be that a friend, a partner or yourself. Remember, nothing can beat an experience. The best gift is your time and company. Therefore, my top recommendation is to take your loved ones out for a nice meal (here is a list of my favourite restaurants in Tamaki Makarau).

Naveya & Sloane Lovers Knot Grand Huggies in Yellow Gold

$1495.00 available at Naveya & Sloane

Le Creuset Stoneware Set of 2 Heart Mugs with Saucers

$ 140.00 available at Le Creuset

Byredo Desert Dawn EDP

$342.00 available at MECCA

Horace Tobacco & Vanilla Beard Oil

$27.00 available at MECCA

TSU LANGE YOR Sassafras Candle

$60.00 available at MECCA

Georgia Jay Pop Pouch (Rosso Rubik)

$180.00 for a pack of four available at Georgia Jay

Stolen Girlfriends Club Punk Rose Eternity Ring

$799.00 available at Stolen Girlfriends Club

Bennets Blueberry Milk Chocolate Bar

$7.50 available at Crushes

Caitlin Snell Maroon Flower Hair Clip

$79.00 available at Crushes

Oval Teeth Charm Sleepers – Gold & Teal Sapphires

$2530.00 available at KauKau

Liniere Lingerie Soft Kiss Soft Bra Ivory

$234.00 available at Underlena

The Facialist The Beam Body Set

$138.00 available at The Facialist

Sophie Buhai Rivoli Comb in Mother of Pearl

$365.00 available at Simon James Store

LUSH Rose Jam Perfume

$130.00 available at LUSH

Round-Up : Yana Kulishenko

Saucy Valentine’s Day Gift Guide 2025

“Love comes packaged in so many different forms and the cookie-cutter boyfriend/girlfriend/whatever relationship approach this Day has become synonymous with is, well, just one shape.”

I agree with every word. Valentine’s Day is a celebration of all kinds of love—platonic, romantic, familial or self-love. Think of it as an excuse to make some time to get together with the people closest to you.

Naveya & Sloane Lovers Knot Grand Huggies in Yellow Gold

$1495.00 available at Naveya & Sloane

Le Creuset Stoneware Set of 2 Heart Mugs with Saucers

$ 140.00 available at Le Creuset

Byredo Desert Dawn EDP

$342.00 available at MECCA

Horace Tobacco & Vanilla Beard Oil

$27.00 available at MECCA

TSU LANGE YOR Sassafras Candle

$60.00 available at MECCA

Georgia Jay Pop Pouch (Rosso Rubik)

$180.00 for a pack of four available at Georgia Jay

Stolen Girlfriends Club Punk Rose Eternity Ring

$799.00 available at Stolen Girlfriends Club

Bennets Blueberry Milk Chocolate Bar

$7.50 available at Crushes

Caitlin Snell Maroon Flower Hair Clip

$79.00 available at Crushes

Oval Teeth Charm Sleepers – Gold & Teal Sapphires

$2530.00 available at KauKau

Liniere Lingerie Soft Kiss Soft Bra Ivory

$234.00 available at Underlena

The Facialist The Beam Body Set

$138.00 available at The Facialist

Sophie Buhai Rivoli Comb in Mother of Pearl

$365.00 available at Simon James Store

LUSH Rose Jam Perfume

$130.00 available at LUSH

Six Contemporary Aotearoa designers making waves in sustainable and design-forward fashion