The Citiblog

Valentine’s Day Weekend Gift Guide
February 10, 2011, 10:34.23 pm ET

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Photo: Editrix

Despite if you recognize its significance, Valentine’s Day remains the sort of holiday where the gift you give can literally define your terms. For some, finding the perfect gift is an agonizing experience, made ever more daunting by the pressure to come up with something unique, extremely heartfelt, or just plain take-your-breath-away gorgeous. Whether they say so or not, most women love handmade items, but if you’re running short of time and still want to make a good impression, consider something from our fool proof Valentine’s Day gift guide, guaranteed to win hearts (and likely a few kisses).



If February’s chill has seized her last nerve, a Kiehl’s Gift Set of skincare cleansers, moisturizers, and hair care items is like a high-end rescue package from the Red Cross. Since many of the items from the classic New York apothecary are unisex in nature, you can basically mix-and-match items ‘til your heart’s content, $11 and up.

Kiehl’s
109 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10003
(212) 677-3171


Don’t let the radiators be the only steamy thing in the bedroom. These nylon and spandex full-length Ariel Leggings by Hanky Panky are as warm and flattering as they are romantic. As a rule, most women would never turn down a guy who shows up with black lace, $64.

Hanky Panky
373 Park Avenue South, 12th Floor
New York, NY 10016
(212) 725-4996


While the actual Robert Indiana sculpture is located in the City of Brotherly Love, you can get her a mini LOVE Sculpture from the Whitney Museum Store. Made of polished aluminum, the signed replica is licensed by Indiana himself and comes in a lovely box perfect for gift-giving, $75.

Whitney Museum Store
945 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10021
(212) 570-3614


This fifteenth-century replica from the New York Public Library is inscribed Vous et nul autre, or You and no other. The original ring is part of the permanent collection of London’s Victoria Albert Museum. Cast in sterling sliver, $50.

New York Public Library
Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
Fifth Avenue (at 42nd St.)
New York, NY 10018
(212) 930-0641


Everyone loves cupcakes, and the heavenly treats from Sugar Sweet Sunshine are baked with wholesome ingredients, made fresh daily, and sloppy delicious. Given enough lead time they can also be customized, though we have it on good authority that stopping by the LES bakery unannounced will also yield excellent results. 24-hour Manhattan delivery is also available, $1.75 each / $21 dozen.

Sugar Sweet Sunshine
126 Rivington Street
New York, NY 10002
(212) 995-1960


When presented with an elegant journal or stationary, this sculpture of a writing quill by Agelio Batle is extremely romantic, especially when accompanied by a personal love note or poem. Made of solid graphite, it may also be use as a writing instrument, $55.


Brooklyn Museum
200 Eastern Parkway
Brooklyn, NY 11238
(718) 638-5000


Even Judy Jetson would have been enamored with Apple’s new ipod 8GB Nano, which can also be worn as a touch-screen watch. Preload it with all the songs you heard when you fell in love. The limited edition red Nano is available now and can be engraved, $149.

Apple Store
401 W. 14th Street
New York, NY 10014
(212) 444-3400


Please remember that I love you. Brooklyn-based designer Kiel Mead casts his Silver Forget Me Knot Ring from an actual piece of string, a charming and endearing way to “tie the knot,” $65.

MoMA Design Store
11 West 53 Street
New York, NY 10019
(212) 708-9700


Since most smart phones can now capture decent photos on the fly, trendy image makers are on the prowl for interesting analog versions, especially those that offer the opportunity to try unusual treatments. We love Lomography’s Sprocket Rocket panoramic 35mm film camera, which bleeds exposures past the sprocket holes for an even wider angle, $120.

ICP Museum Store
1133 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10036
(212) 857-9725


Share everything, even your music, with a heart-shaped mini headphone splitter from Fred Flare that fits all mp3 players. Now you no longer have to listen to his favorite tracks in mono, $16.

Fred Flare
131 Meserole Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11222
(718) 349-1257

—Joann Jovinelly

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