Valentine’s Day Gift Guide: 28 great ideas for every kind of relationship
Valentine’s Day Gift Guide: 28 great ideas for every kind of relationship
By Jean Grant | February 7, 2015
By Jean Grant | 02/07/2015
Choosing the right Valentine’s Day gift can be a delicate business. Most long-term beaus expect more than just a funny card, but a Tinder date might get spooked by a dozen red roses. For gift-givers who need a little assistance, we’ve decoded the subtext of over 25 great gifts—from low-key tokens of admiration to ultra-extravagant gestures of love and devotion—to make sure the message you intend to send is the one that’s received.
306530 <strong>The Gift:</strong> Sweet Olenka's Lucky Money Cat chocolates (with candied orange inside), $1.95 each<br />
<strong>The Subtext:</strong> I like you (but maybe just as a friend).<br />
<br />
<em>Available at Sweet Olenka's, 1050 Queen St. W., 647-350-7444, <a href="http://sweetolenkas.ca/" target="_blank">sweetolenkas.ca</a></em> https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-26-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-26.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-26.jpg 1000 1000 [] https://torontolife.com/shopping/toronto-valentines-day-gift-guide-2015/slide/valentines-day-gift-guide-26/ valentines-day-gift-guide-26 0 0
306514 <strong>The Gift:</strong> Engraved Keychains, $15 each<br />
<strong>The Subtext:</strong> This gift is kind of a joke—unless you're into me, in which case I'm totally serious.<br />
<br />
<em>Available at The Drake General Store, various locations, <a href="http://www.drakegeneralstore.ca/gifting/valentine-s-day/engraved-keychain.html#.VNTYyHbDt74" target="_blank">drakegeneralstore.ca</a></em> https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-10-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-10.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-10.jpg 900 900 [] https://torontolife.com/shopping/toronto-valentines-day-gift-guide-2015/slide/valentines-day-gift-guide-10/ valentines-day-gift-guide-10 0 0
306509 <strong>The Gift:</strong> Sweetheart Men's Boxer Briefs, $29<br />
<strong>The Subtext:</strong> It's our first Valentine's together and I'm definitely thinking about what's under your pants.<br />
<br />
<em>Available at The Drake General Store, various locations, <a href="http://www.drakegeneralstore.ca/gifting/valentine-s-day/shared-sweet-tart-men-s-boxer-briefs.html#.VNTYu3bDt74" target="_blank">drakegeneralstore.ca</a></em> https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-05-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-05.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-05.jpg 900 900 [] https://torontolife.com/shopping/toronto-valentines-day-gift-guide-2015/slide/valentines-day-gift-guide-05/ valentines-day-gift-guide-05 0 0
306513 <strong>The Gift:</strong> Flakes Paperie Cray Cray Card, $5<br />
<strong>The Subtext:</strong> I'm into you, but I panicked and bought you this silly crayfish card.<br />
<br />
<em>Available at Gerhard Supply, 2949 Dundas St. W., 416-797-1290, <a href="http://www.gerhardsupply.com/current-inventory-2/flakes-paperie-card-cray-cray" target="_blank">gerhardsupply.com</a></em> https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-09-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-09.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-09.jpg 750 971 [] https://torontolife.com/shopping/toronto-valentines-day-gift-guide-2015/slide/valentines-day-gift-guide-09/ valentines-day-gift-guide-09 0 0
306510 <strong>The Gift:</strong> Old Fashioned Rouge Bittermilk, $19<br />
<strong>The Subtext:</strong> Let's get tipsy and do stuff.<br />
<br />
<em>Available at BYOB, 972 Queen St. W., 416-858-2932, <a href="http://byobto.com/collections/cocktail-mixes/products/bittermilk-new-orleans-style-old-fashioned-rouge" target="_blank">byobto.com</a></em> https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-06-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-06.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-06.jpg 686 1000 [] https://torontolife.com/shopping/toronto-valentines-day-gift-guide-2015/slide/valentines-day-gift-guide-06/ valentines-day-gift-guide-06 0 0
306525 <strong>The Gift:</strong> Chris Uphues for Loft T-shirt, $39<br />
<strong>The Subtext:</strong> I like you (maybe as more than a friend).<br /><br />
<em>Available at Loft, various locations, <a href="http://www.loft.com/chris-uphues-x-loft-tee/379340" target="_blank">loft.co</a></em> https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-21-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-21.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-21.jpg 899 1200 [] https://torontolife.com/shopping/toronto-valentines-day-gift-guide-2015/slide/valentines-day-gift-guide-21/ valentines-day-gift-guide-21 0 0
306522 <strong>The Gift:</strong> Paddywax Tobacco and Patchouli Candle, $26<br />
<strong>The Subtext:</strong> A rugged scent for my favourite lumbersexual.<br />
<br />
<em>Available at Red Pegasus, 628 College St., 416-536-3872, <a href="http://www.redpegasus.ca/" target="_blank">redpegasus.ca</a></em> https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-18-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-18.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-18.jpg 800 1200 [] https://torontolife.com/shopping/toronto-valentines-day-gift-guide-2015/slide/valentines-day-gift-guide-18/ valentines-day-gift-guide-18 0 0
306527 <strong>The Gift</strong>: Geo F. Trumper Almond Oil Shaving Cream, $30<br />
<strong>The Subtext:</strong> I like your face, but I hate your beard.<br />
<br />
<em>Available at Men Essentials, 1-800-833-1055, <a href="http://www.menessentials.com/shaving/geo-f-trumper-almond-oil-soft-shaving-cream-200g-bowl.html" target="_blank">menessentials.com</a></em> https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-23-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-23.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-23.jpg 1000 859 [] https://torontolife.com/shopping/toronto-valentines-day-gift-guide-2015/slide/valentines-day-gift-guide-23/ valentines-day-gift-guide-23 0 0
306531 <strong>The Gift:</strong> A Sweet Woodruff Flower Arrangement, $40-$200<br />
<strong>The Subtext:</strong> I'm smitten.<br />
<br />
<em>Available at Sweet Woodruff, 889 Dundas St. W., 416-362-8883, <a href="http://sweetwoodruff.ca/" target="_blank">sweetwoodruff.ca</a></em> https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-27-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-27.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-27.jpg 1200 1200 [] https://torontolife.com/shopping/toronto-valentines-day-gift-guide-2015/slide/valentines-day-gift-guide-27/ valentines-day-gift-guide-27 0 0
306519 <strong>The Gift:</strong> Homie Door Mat, $38<br />
<strong>The Subtext:</strong> See, live-in girlfriends are cool too.<br />
<br />
<em>Available at Drake General Store, various locations, <a href="http://www.drakegeneralstore.ca/gifting/valentine-s-day/homie-floor-mat.html#.VNTpQXbDt74" target="_blank">drakegeneralstore.ca</a></em><br />
https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-15-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-15.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-15.jpg 900 900 [] https://torontolife.com/shopping/toronto-valentines-day-gift-guide-2015/slide/valentines-day-gift-guide-15/ valentines-day-gift-guide-15 0 0
306529 <strong>The Gift:</strong> Province Apothecary Lover's Oil, $20<br />
<strong>The Subtext:</strong> Oh, it's on.<br />
<br />
<em>Available at <a href="http://provinceapothecary.com/collections/aromatherapy/products/lovers-oil" target="_blank">provinceapothecary.com</a></em> https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-25-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-25.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-25.jpg 667 1000 [] https://torontolife.com/shopping/toronto-valentines-day-gift-guide-2015/slide/valentines-day-gift-guide-25/ valentines-day-gift-guide-25 0 0
306517 <strong>The Gift:</strong> Copper Knot Cufflinks, $36<br />
<strong>The Subtext:</strong> You probably got me jewellery, so I figured I'd reciprocate.<br />
<br />
<em>Available at Frank and Oak, 735 Queen St. W., 647-930-8711, <a href="https://www.frankandoak.com/product/26733" target="_blank">frankandoak.com</a></em> https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-13-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-13.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-13.jpg 800 800 [] https://torontolife.com/shopping/toronto-valentines-day-gift-guide-2015/slide/valentines-day-gift-guide-13/ valentines-day-gift-guide-13 0 0
306516 <strong>The Gift:</strong> Eleven Thirty Eye Mask, $70<br />
<strong>The Subtext:</strong> Fifty shades of see you in the morning.<br />
<br />
<em>Available at Palm Sunday, 384 Harbord St., 416-588-4526, <a href="http://palmsunday.co/" target="_blank">palmsunday.co</a></em> https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-12-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-12.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-12.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/shopping/toronto-valentines-day-gift-guide-2015/slide/valentines-day-gift-guide-12/ valentines-day-gift-guide-12 0 0
306506 <strong>The Gift:</strong> Bob Dylan and Suze Rotolo Print, $475<br />
<strong>The Subtext:</strong> There aren't any cute couple photos of us. Why aren't there any cute couple photos of us?<br />
<br />
<em>Available at Analogue Gallery, 673 Queen St. W., 416-901-8001, <a href="http://www.analoguegallery.com/" target="_blank">analoguegallery.com</a></em> (Image: Don Hunstein) https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-02-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-02.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-02.jpg 667 1000 [] https://torontolife.com/shopping/toronto-valentines-day-gift-guide-2015/slide/valentines-day-gift-guide-02/ valentines-day-gift-guide-02 0 0
(Image: Don Hunstein)
306511 <strong>The Gift:</strong> Shashi Diamond Bar Bracelet, $90<br />
<strong>The Subtext:</strong> Next up: real diamonds.<br />
<br />
<i>Available at Zane, 753 Queen St. W., <a href="http://visitzane.com/collections/new-arrivals/products/diamond-bar-bracelet#white" target="_blank">visitzane.com</a></i> https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-07-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-07.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-07.jpg 880 800 [] https://torontolife.com/shopping/toronto-valentines-day-gift-guide-2015/slide/valentines-day-gift-guide-07/ valentines-day-gift-guide-07 0 0
306518 <strong>The Gift:</strong> Faribault Woolen Mill Company Soho Wool Throw, $145<br />
<strong>The Subtext:</strong> Let's sip hot toddies and cuddle.<br />
<br />
<em>Available at Frank and Oak, 735 Queen St. W., 647-930-8711, <a href="https://www.frankandoak.com/product/24855" target="_blank">frankandoak.com</a></em> https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-14-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-14.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-14.jpg 800 800 [] https://torontolife.com/shopping/toronto-valentines-day-gift-guide-2015/slide/valentines-day-gift-guide-14/ valentines-day-gift-guide-14 0 0
306524 <strong>The Gift:</strong> Jenny Bird Half-Moon Necklace, USD$60<br />
<strong>The Subtext:</strong> I totally understand your style.<br />
<br />
<em>Available at <a href="http://jenny-bird.com/index.php/jewelry/whatsnew/crescent-moon-necklace-1.html" target="_blank">jenny-bird.com</a></em> https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-20-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-20.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-20.jpg 1000 1000 [] https://torontolife.com/shopping/toronto-valentines-day-gift-guide-2015/slide/valentines-day-gift-guide-20/ valentines-day-gift-guide-20 0 0
306512 <strong>The Gift:</strong> Amet and Ladou Cashmere Scarf, $190<br />
<strong>The Subtext:</strong> Girls like scarves, right?<br />
<br />
<em>Available at Elevator, 1273 Queen St. W., 416-535-9671, <a href="http://www.shopelevator.com/collections/women-scarves/products/amet-ladoue-auroris-scarf" target="_blank">shopelevator.com </a></em> https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-08-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-08.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-08.jpg 750 540 [] https://torontolife.com/shopping/toronto-valentines-day-gift-guide-2015/slide/valentines-day-gift-guide-08/ valentines-day-gift-guide-08 0 0
306526 <strong>The Gift:</strong> You Cook, I'll Clean Towel Set, $48<br />
<strong>The Subtext:</strong> Aww, we're such a great team.<br />
<br />
<em>Available at Loversland, 215 Ossington Ave., 416-551-3321, <a href="http://www.shoploversland.com/" target="_blank">shoploversland.com</a> </em> https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-22-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-22.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-22.jpg 800 800 [] https://torontolife.com/shopping/toronto-valentines-day-gift-guide-2015/slide/valentines-day-gift-guide-22/ valentines-day-gift-guide-22 0 0
306533 <strong>The Gift:</strong> Le Specs Runaways, $79<br />
<strong>The Subtext:</strong> I think you're cool enough to pull these off.<br /> <br />
<i>Available at Zane, 753 Queen St. W., <a href="http://visitzane.com/collections/new-arrivals/products/runaways" target="_blank">visitzane.com</a></i> https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-29-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-29.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-29.jpg 880 800 [] https://torontolife.com/shopping/toronto-valentines-day-gift-guide-2015/slide/valentines-day-gift-guide-29/ valentines-day-gift-guide-29 0 0
306521 <strong>The Gift:</strong> Lonely Hearts Sabel Bra, $48<br />
<strong>The Subtext:</strong> This'll look just as good hanging off my bedpost.<br />
<br />
<em>Available at Loversland, 215 Ossington Ave., 416-551-3321, <a href="http://www.shoploversland.com/" target="_blank">shoploversland.com</a></em> https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-17-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-17.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-17.jpg 800 800 [] https://torontolife.com/shopping/toronto-valentines-day-gift-guide-2015/slide/valentines-day-gift-guide-17/ valentines-day-gift-guide-17 0 0
306523 <strong>The Gift:</strong> Handcrafted Thorocraft Oxfords, $138<br />
<strong>The Subtext:</strong> We've reached the stage where I'm invested in your street style.<br />
<br />
<em>Available at Park and Province, <a href="http://parkprovince.com/collections/footwear/products/ross-brown" target="_blank">parkprovince.com</a></em> https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-19-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-19.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-19.jpg 768 1024 [] https://torontolife.com/shopping/toronto-valentines-day-gift-guide-2015/slide/valentines-day-gift-guide-19/ valentines-day-gift-guide-19 0 0
306520 <strong>The Gift:</strong> Lizzie Fortunato Necklace, $515<br />
<strong>The Subtext:</strong> I adore you. <br />
<br />
<em>Available at Holt Renfrew, H Project, 50 Bloor St. W., 416-922-2333, <a href="http://www.holtrenfrew.com/" target="_blank">holtrenfrew.com</a></em> https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-16-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-16.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-16.jpg 1200 1189 [] https://torontolife.com/shopping/toronto-valentines-day-gift-guide-2015/slide/valentines-day-gift-guide-16/ valentines-day-gift-guide-16 0 0
306515 <strong>The Gift:</strong> Billykirk Leather Carryall, $475<br />
<strong>The Subtext:</strong> One romantic getaway, please.<br />
<br />
<em>Available at Elevator, 1273 Queen St. W., 416-535-9671, <a href="http://www.shopelevator.com/collections/mens-collection/products/billykirk-20-inch-carryall-black-leather" target="_blank">shopelevator.com </a></em> https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-11-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-11.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-11.jpg 750 540 [] https://torontolife.com/shopping/toronto-valentines-day-gift-guide-2015/slide/valentines-day-gift-guide-11/ valentines-day-gift-guide-11 0 0
306508 <strong>The Gift:</strong> Aquazzura Stilettos, $725<br />
<strong>The Subtext:</strong> I cared enough to email your best friend for gift ideas. <br />
<br />
<em>Available at Holt Renfrew, 50 Bloor St. W., 416-922-2333, <a href="http://www.holtrenfrew.com/" target="_blank">holtrenfrew.co</a></em> https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-04-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-04.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-04.jpg 1200 800 {"copyright":"\u00a9 2014 Adam Moco"} https://torontolife.com/shopping/toronto-valentines-day-gift-guide-2015/slide/valentines-day-gift-guide-04/ valentines-day-gift-guide-04 0 0
306534 <strong>The Gift:</strong> Mondaine Watch, $550<br />
<strong>The Subtext:</strong> This relationship is serious—watch-level serious.<br />
<br />
<i>Available at Zane, 753 Queen St. W., <a href="http://visitzane.com/collections/mens-jewelry/products/light-38mm#white" target="_blank">visitzane.com</a></i> https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-30-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-30.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-30.jpg 880 800 [] https://torontolife.com/shopping/toronto-valentines-day-gift-guide-2015/slide/valentines-day-gift-guide-30/ valentines-day-gift-guide-30 0 0
306507 <strong>The Gift:</strong> Anya Hindmarch Yes/No Clutch, $1,575<br />
<strong>The Subtext:</strong> I'm all in.<br />
<br />
<em>Available at Holt Renfrew, 50 Bloor St. W., 416-922-2333, <a href="http://www.holtrenfrew.com/" target="_blank">holtrenfrew.com</a></em> https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-03-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-03.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-03.jpg 1200 1200 [] https://torontolife.com/shopping/toronto-valentines-day-gift-guide-2015/slide/valentines-day-gift-guide-03/ valentines-day-gift-guide-03 0 0
306505 <strong>The Gift:</strong> Emie Slip, $3,190<br />
<strong>The Subtext:</strong> I worship you and/or I am a wealthy industrialist with 12 mistresses.<br />
<br />
<em>Available at Agent Provocateur, 131 Bloor St. W., 416-944-3544, <a href="http://www.agentprovocateur.com/us-main-nav/soiree/view-all/info/emie-slip~red" target="_blank">agentprovocateur.com</a></em> https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-01-150x150.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-01.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-01.jpg 420 1200 [] https://torontolife.com/shopping/toronto-valentines-day-gift-guide-2015/slide/valentines-day-gift-guide-01/ valentines-day-gift-guide-01 0 0