Flowers are far from the most thrilling Valentine’s Day presents. Instead, why not select something memorable and indulgent…perhaps a frosty bottle of gin?
If you’ve been fretting about just what to treat your sweetheart to this season, we’ve compiled a list of 10 rather smashing ideas, culled from our own favourites. From epicurean treats to experiential adventures, these Valentine’s Day presents should perfectly suit the Sipsmith in your life.
1. Anthropologie Bar Accessories
Does your Valentine have a taste for all things pretty and refined – as well as a thirst for delectable drinks? Anthropologie is a brilliant repository for elegant kitchen and barware – like this crystal decanter, or goblets fit for your finest cocktails. Meanwhile, we’ll pine for the decadent Grand Swan Punch Bowl.
2. A Satchel from the Cambridge Satchel Company
Colourful, classic, and remarkably well suited to toting 35ml bottles of gin, a satchel from the Cambridge Satchel Company is attractive as well as wonderfully practical (toss in a few basic supplies and you’ve got a cocktail making kit on the go).
3. Rococo Chocolates
Chocolates may not be the most surprising of Valentine’s Day presents, though the flavours available at Rococo Chocolates, a London-based chocolatier, are far from pedestrian. Try the floral bars scented with rose or violet for a twist on the expected.
4. Herb Lester Lost in London Guides
Whether you’re a local or merely plan to visit, London is big enough to challenge the internal compasses of even the finest navigators. The series of six fold-out guides published by Herb Lester hone in on specific points of interest (one points to clandestine sights; another covers culinary landmarks) – and are frequently found in our back pockets.
5. The Ernest Journal
There’s nothing like a retreat to the countryside (especially with a flask of sloe gin on the hip), but even those who don’t plan on leaving city limits anytime soon can get a taste for the country with The Ernest Journal, a stylish biannual magazine that embraces rusticity – with a few urban indulgences thrown in.
6. Custom Knitwear from Knyttan
A sweater or a scarf is a sensible mid-winter gift. But to add more of a personal touch to the old standby, opt for Knyttan. A bespoke knitwear company that lets users customise colours, patterns, and tags – and which then turns out the one-of-a-kind products the very next day – it’s currently installed in Somerset House. Pay a visit to see the machines in action.
7. ENO Tickets
On to the cultural forays. If you’re looking to impress, there’s nothing quite like a trip to the opera – and the upcoming La Traviata at the ENO should be a heart-wringingly romantic choice (Sweeney Todd, coming up afterwards, perhaps slightly less so – but certainly no less entertaining).
8. ENB Tickets
And of course, one mustn’t forget the ballet. The ENB is presenting a series of compelling shows this season, including Modern Masters (a performance honouring three top 20th century choregoraphers) and Emerging Dancer (a one-night competition that sees six finalists perform live). Tickets to either performance would certainly please.
9. Royal Academy Tickets
How about a spot of art? Rubens is currently being celebrated in a banner exhibition at the Royal Academy, and his brilliant colours, colossal canvases and many nudes might be just the right romantic gesture (especially when followed up with a drink in the Keeper’s House).
10. Not on the High Street: Sipsmith Gin Experience
And of course we’d be remiss not to add a gin gift to our list. Not on the High Street is offering an exclusive tasting and distillery tour experience of our HQ. There’s nothing more romantic than a well-mixed G&T, we’ve always said.
