37 Things Women Actually Want (for Valentine's Day)

Should you have a stylish, sophisticated woman in your life, you may know exactly what you want to get her for Valentine's Day. In which case – congratulations! – this piece is not for you. But just in case you don't have it sorted, which is also totally reasonable, it just so happens Esquire has a few stylish, sophisticated women of its own (oh hey there! we’re writing this ourselves, in fact!) who can offer you some suggestions. You aren't obliged to buy a gift for Valentine's Day – perhaps pure love is the only gift you want – but in case you have some making up to do, here are 36 gift ideas, for those on a modest budget right up to those opting for the full blow-out, and given that they’re culled from our own personal wish lists, we can 100 per cent guarantee that each potential present has the approval of at least one extant human woman.

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Sleepwear is a great thing to splurge on for someone else, and this set from cult PJ brand Desmond & Dempsey is inspired by the vibrant colour palette of Mexico.

£120, Net-a-Porter

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There’s nothing like a shoe for mooching about at home in, and Birkenstock’s sheepskin-lined Bostons are perfect for a soft shoe shuffle.

£135, Birkenstock

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Considering that we’ve been in-and-out of lockdown for almost one year now, it’s unsurprising that there has been a meteoric rise in at-home beauty treatments, with LED masks leading the frontier. 95% of users noticed improvements in skin tone and texture in 4 weeks. She'll be pleased with that.

£265, CurrentBody

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The sweatshirt has gone from something you’d wear in secret to the most worn piece in your wardrobe, this moss green number can (and should) be gifted with its coordinating sweatpants.

£135, Net-a-Porter

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This soft clutch bag in Bottega Veneta's signature intrecciato leather is chic and elegant. Burglar Bill’s swag-bag in its most elevated form.

£1,650, Bottega Veneta

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A very, very nice blend of Turkish rose (400 flowers per 100ml), patchouli, sandalwood, and frankincense.

£168 for 50ml, Harrods

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You may not have heard of Amina Muaddi, but your partner certainly has. This crystal update of her signature Gilda sandals was made for dancing all night. We can hope.

£685, Farfetch

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A classic handmade chain link necklace that is striking enough to be worn alone or layered with others for a chunkier look. She’d be hard-pressed to find an outfit that this necklace didn’t complement.

£140, SSENSE

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Well, it is a special occasion. Fizz is a bit obvious, so opt for a cognac made from Champagne grapes, which explodes in plum and candied orange before developing into rich florals that linger on the tongue for what seems like hours. Because why rush things?

£175, Selfridges

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It’s no wonder that with such an understanding of emotive imagery, Jacquemus has delivered some must-have photo books. This is the second in the series and gathers 321 photos taken by the designer himself. Expect to see candy sunsets, architecture, and the kind of lifestyle that encapsulates the brand.

£40, Jacquemus

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This scent engulfs you, much like the Moroccan city that inspired it, with top notes of plum and gardenia which are balanced with a rosewood and honey base.

£235, Selfridges

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Made in France, the city of love, there is a tenderness to Viltier’s designs that you don’t often find in contemporary jewellery. This ring, in particular, is cast in Fairmined 18-karat gold in the jeweller’s signature magnetic shape, and inlaid with four diamonds.

£1,750, Net-a-Porter

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A combination of Champagne truffles, caramels, cocktails, fruity twists, pralines, and more, this box is worthy of any rom-com.

£40, Hotel Chocolat

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The latest in wearable art, Bea Bongiasca’s handmade Baby Vine ring swirls around the finger. You can choose from multiple colours, but this blush feels the most romantic to us.

£395, Net-a-Porter

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Inspired by summer meadows and bursting with a mix of cornflower, lavender, orange, and rhubarb essence, this gin will transport her to a better, warmer time.

£30, Majestic

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Containing four of their best-selling serums, Dr. Barbara Sturm’s products will save even the most lacklustre lockdown skin.

£245, Selfridges

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With over 150 years of experience handmaking shoes in Northamptonshire, Grenson’s black leather Chelsea boots will last her about the same as this style will never go out of fashion. While you’re browsing the selection, you might want to check out the men's section too.

£350, Net-a-Porter

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Nothing is as luxurious as a silk shirt, and this Casablanca number is no exception. The back is emblazoned with one of their handpainted signature motifs which (we're arguing) counts towards her 5-a-day too. Healthy!

€650, Casablanca

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One earring is all you need to make a statement and this diamond talisman from luxury jeweller De Beers does just that.

£1,425, De Beers

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Made from soft vegan leather and pleated in a way that was inspired by traditional Japanese knot bags, this top handle piece is full of intrigue.

£289, Farfetch

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Designed by Nicholai Wiig Hansen for Raawii, this sculptural ceramic vase is reminiscent of early cubist art. It is also the perfect accompaniment to those flowers you’ll try not to forget this year.

£79, COS

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Petrol station flowers or a yellow-gold bracelet from Cartier? Make you choice, and make it well.

£3,850, Cartier

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Sometimes the best gifts are the ones you use every day. Crafted from RWS certified merino wool, this warm ribbed jumper will add brightness to even her greyest days. (That could be this Valentine's Day, should it slip your mind).

£69, Arket

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Get the cult fragrance from New York perfumer Le Labo in a more travel (and bank balance) friendly size with this concentrated perfume oil.

£106, Net-a-Porter

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Everyone's favourite Instagram mood board @rbmoodboard, emblazoned on one of the brand's French terry sweatshirts. Get one for yourself too.

£180, Rowing Blazers

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Made from a textured weave, this simple shirt-jacket is the ideal layering piece that she will wear season and season and season again.

£40, H&M

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A spirit blended with rose petals? It doesn't get much more romantic than that in the world of distillery.

£30, Master of Malt

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Lavender is absolutely not for old ladies these days, and if anyone can officially make it so, it's Tom Ford. We love this scent which combines lavenders from the mountains and valleys of Provence.

£228, Tom Ford

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When we are free to travel again, know that these will be coming in her luggage.

£38 on sale, Net-a-Porter

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Whether you connect it to your Spotify, listen to the radio, or play some love ballads via the aux, it delivers a top sound quality that Roberts is renowned for.

£199, John Lewis

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This candle variation of the brand's best-selling L'Ombre perfume mixes rose, blackcurrant, and bergamot in a heady room-filling scent which, at a hefty 600g, should last her a very long time.

£140, Net-a-Porter

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There is much more stompy boot weather coming, and these are just the ticket for warm feet for years to come. Crafted in Italy with a robust Goodyear-welted midsole, these were made for the country and city alike.

£310, Matches

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These Cary Grant sunglasses were inspired by the shape worn in the 1959 Hollywood classic North By Northwest. The blue hue is a little more unexpected and almost certainly something she won't already have.

$492, Oliver Peoples

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This puffer jacket from small independent brand Entire Studios is a punchy turmeric colour which is sure to be a standout gift this year.

£193 to pre-order, Entire Studios

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This cinched waist blazer is cut from premium soft leather giving it longevity in her wardrobe. From up-and-coming brand The Mannei, she won't have anything else like this in her wardrobe, and nor will anyone else.

$2,000, The Mannei

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A smart, small, super-powerful camera from legendary brand Leica that is a genuinely lovely piece of kit to treasure forever.

£5,300, Leica

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A contemporary take on the classic Pilot silhouette, these black and orange aviator sunglasses are crafted from premium Mazzucchelli acetate by independent brand Lexxola. The brand has a cult following for a reason.

£190, Lexxola