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A Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for Everyone in Your Life

Sweet, silly and special items to give from the heart

spinner image A Valentine's Day gift box with red roses and chocolates on a defocused lights background
Liliboas/Getty Images

Valentine’s Day — that 24-hour lovefest — is here again. Although some may balk at a commercial holiday that forces affection, lots of us joyfully get into the spirit of the day. As the Beatles sang, “All you need is love,” so celebrate not only those who bring warmth, romance or passion to your life, but yourself as well. Whether you’re married, in a relationship, going through a divorce or loss, dating or happily single, here’s a way to make the day special.

1. Treat your looks to an attitude change

spinner image Valentino Rosso Valentino Refillable Lipstick, Satin in 22R; H&M Women Ribbed Mock Turtleneck Dress in Red; Chico’s Red Seed Bead Drop Earrings
(Left to right) Valentino Rosso Valentino Refillable Lipstick, Satin in 22R; H&M Women Ribbed Mock Turtleneck Dress in Red; Chico’s Red Seed Bead Drop Earrings
Bloomingdale's; H&M; Chico's

There’s nothing wrong with a solo evening of chocolates, roses and a Netflix rom-com binge. But Feb. 14 is also a perfect day to kick off a campaign to boost your self-esteem and body positivity in attention-getting red. Try the Valentino Rosso Valentino Refillable Lipstick, Satin in 22R ($55, bloomingdales.com), to make every word and smile count; the H&M Women Ribbed Mock Turtleneck Dress in Red ($30, www2.hm.com/en_us/), to show off your shape whatever your size (it comes in XS to XXL); and Chico’s Red Seed Bead Drop Earrings ($36, chicos.com), instead of the usual studs, for a head-turning statement even with jeans. Let your inner diva shine!

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2. Create a new beauty and style bucket list

spinner image Yoga Direct Yoga Mat in Red; Armani Beauty Si Passione Eau de Parfum; Serena Williams Jewelry Multi-Diamond Tilted Heart Pendant in 10K Yellow Gold; Dior Hypnotic Poison Eau de Toilette Spray
(Clockwise from bottom left) Yoga Direct Yoga Mat in Red; Armani Beauty Si Passione Eau de Parfum; Serena Williams Jewelry Multi-Diamond Tilted Heart Pendant in 10K Yellow Gold; Dior Hypnotic Poison Eau de Toilette Spray
Target; Sephora; Serena Williams Jewelry; Sephora

Cross “someday” off the agenda and start today. While “I’d loooove to go to Paris” sounds terrific, opt for a few realistic goals that you can achieve now. You might decide to start a yoga regimen with the Yoga Direct Yoga Mat in Red ($30, target.com). Consider swapping your longtime fragrance for the spicy Dior Hypnotic Poison Eau de Toilette Spray ($95, sephora.com) or the fruity floral Armani Beauty Si Passione Eau de Parfum ($104, sephora.com) — both grownup but delish vanilla-based scents. Or treat yourself to a new piece of jewelry, like the Serena Williams Jewelry Multi-Diamond Tilted Heart Pendant in 10K Yellow Gold ($299, serenawilliamsjewelry.com), instead of waiting for the next round of anniversary, birthday and Mother’s Day gifts.

3. Treat your one and only to a fashion fling

spinner image Quince Women’s Mongolian Cashmere V-Neck Sweater in Red Apple; Victoria’s Secret Modal Long Pajama Set in Lipstick Red; Vineyard Vines Men’s Flannel Lounge Pants in Tartan/Nautical Red; Gildan Men’s Adult Fleece Hooded Sweatshirt G18500 in Red
(Left to right) Quince Women’s Mongolian Cashmere V-Neck Sweater in Red Apple; Victoria’s Secret Modal Long Pajama Set in Lipstick Red; Vineyard Vines Men’s Flannel Lounge Pants in Tartan/Nautical Red; Gildan Men’s Adult Fleece Hooded Sweatshirt G18500 in Red
Quince; Victoria's Secret; Zappos; Amazon

Besotted? Infatuated? Still crazy about that special someone? A romantic dinner for two says “love,” whether it’s a restaurant night out or ordering in from your favorite local hot spot. Since Valentine’s Day is a winter holiday, make the date a cozy one with a gift of a pullover or PJs, depending on the venue. Skip the sexy stuff and the heart prints. Instead, opt for the Victoria’s Secret Modal Long Pajama Set in Lipstick Red ($70, victoriassecret.com) or Quince Women’s Mongolian Cashmere V-Neck Sweater in Red Apple ($50, onequince.com) for her, or the Gildan Men’s Adult Fleece Hooded Sweatshirt G18500 in Red ($19, amazon.com) or Vineyard Vines Men’s Flannel Lounge Pants in Tartan/Nautical Red ($67, zappos.com) for him. They’re perfect partners for wine or mocktails.

4. Give your BFFs a beauty perk

spinner image Lush Valentine Bombshell; MLE Heart Sleep Mask in Red; Kiss Products Short Square Press-On Fake Nails in Adore You
(Left to right) Lush Valentine Bombshell; MLE Heart Sleep Mask in Red; Kiss Products Short Square Press-On Fake Nails in Adore You
Lush; Anthropologie; Target

A girls’ night out with your besties on Valentine’s Day never disappoints. They’re the friends who’ve had your back through thick and thin, dating and divorce, wrinkles and weight gain; the ones for whom no topic is taboo. Getting identical tattoos to seal your mutual admiration may be a running joke, but posh and practical gifts — like the snooze-inducing MLE Heart Sleep Mask in Red ($48, anthropologie.com), vegan rose-scented bath bomb Lush Valentine Bombshell ($15, lushusa.com) bath bomb, or the Kiss Products Short Square Press-On Fake Nails in Adore You ($8, target.com), for a fast and flawless DIY red manicure — will get Gram-worthy pics and XOXO thank-yous.

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5. Say thanks for unconditional love

spinner image BodyRestore Amore Shower Steamers Aromatherapy 12-pack; Wookingsten Wooden Pendant Heart Shaped Key Ring; Bath & Body Works Bubbly Rose 3-Wick Candle in LOVE
(Clockwise from left) BodyRestore Amore Shower Steamers Aromatherapy 12-pack; Wookingsten Wooden Pendant Heart Shaped Key Ring; Bath & Body Works Bubbly Rose 3-Wick Candle in LOVE
Amazon (2); Bath & Body Works

Although they may veto your maxi skirt and microbladed brows, your family — parents, siblings, kids — are still your fans and cheerleaders. Besides, they’ve also been known to applaud your new bangs and leather pants, so it’s all OK. Send them a thumbs-up with soothing shower steamers for mind and body like the BodyRestore Amore Shower Steamers Aromatherapy 12-pack ($29, amazon.com), a heart-shaped key ring like the Wookingsten Wooden Pendant Heart Shaped Key Ring ($7, amazon.com) that won’t get lost in even the biggest bag, and a rosy scented candle like the Bath & Body Works Bubbly Rose 3-Wick Candle in LOVE ($17, bathandbodyworks.com) for the perfect message for all.

6. Reach out to others

spinner image Wicked Good Cupcakes Valentine’s Day Cupcake-2 Pack; Mrs. Fields Happy Heart Day Mini Box; Harry & David Dried Fruit Heart Tray
(Left to right) Wicked Good Cupcakes Valentine’s Day Cupcake-2 Pack; Mrs. Fields Happy Heart Day Mini Box; Harry & David Dried Fruit Heart Tray
Wicked Good Cupcakes; Mrs. Fields; Harry & David

Know someone who lost a job or spouse last year? Have a special neighbor who is a full-time caregiver or going through a crisis? They may not be your closest friends, but some longtime acquaintances may be spending a lonely Valentine’s Day. Brighten their mood with a sweet gift like the Wicked Good Cupcakes Valentine’s Day Cupcake-2 Pack ($26, wickedgoodcupcakes.com), Mrs. Fields Happy Heart Day Mini Box ($30, mrsfields.com) or Harry & David Dried Fruit Heart Tray ($40, harryanddavid.com) to let them know you’re there for them.

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