Whether you're single, married or anything in between, get ready for a red and pink explosion from every store window, marketing campaign and advert over the coming two weeks about gifting for that special someone. I like celebrating everything in the calendar, whether that's having Scottish veal and whisky on Burn's Night (as we did last week at Mac & Wild), getting fried chicken and staying up to watch the Superbowl (this Sunday, folks) or having pancakes on Shrove Tuesday (13 February - mark your diaries!), so I've always celebrated Valentine's Day, either with boyfriends or besties. If you're exchanging presents this year, I've rounded up the five most iconic Valentine's Day gifts which surely every woman would like to receive...
Perfume
Perfume always goes down well, for men or women, on any other occasion. I'm currently obsessed with the latest fragrance from Jean Paul Gaultier, Scandal. It's a heady, sweet gourmet eau de parfum with honey, blood orange, patchouli and gardenia key notes, with warm, woody undertones and incredible staying power. For the past 20 years, JPG fragrances have always come in the famous busts, until now: Scandal instead comes in a playful glass bottle, topped with legs. Ooh la la.Lingerie
Whether it's lacy lingerie, sexy hosiery or chic nightwear, underwear always goes down a treat. I was recently sent this gorgeous red chemise in 100% silk trimmed with delicate lace from Figleaves. It's luxurious, timeless and I love it.
Flowers
A dozen red roses has to be THE classic Valentine's Day gift, but I like a modern mix of pink blooms with lots of foliage too - my favourite online florist Bloom & Wild is currently selling this beautiful Cora bouquet of blueberry roses, pink spray veronica and sprigs of eucalyptus (get £10 off your first order here.)
Jewellery
I love Kate Spade, every woman likes receiving jewellery, and these sparkly, gold-plated pavé heart triple drop earrings are the cutest. I'd keep things simple and pair with a black dress, black heels and red lips for Valentine's date night. Easy peasy.
Champagne
IMO, the best gifts are shared gifts and experiences, so I always like to buy a special bottle of something charming to open presents with to make it more of a occasion. I don't really have a sweet tooth, so rarely go down the box of chocolates/ macarons route, even though both are lovely to give and receive. Champagne is my favourite tipple, and this is my favourite Champagne, so I'm always a very happy girl raising a glass of Ruinart, which we'll be doing on 14 February.
