It’s that time of year again. The much loved (yet dreaded) holiday that pops up in the middle of February is just around the corner – Valentine’s Day. In fact, it is this coming Monday (February 14th of course). Are you ready? Not to worry, there is still plenty of time to make it happen and make it one they will never forget. At AmongMen we are here to help with our 2022 Valentine’s Day Gift Guide. It includes gifts for everyone on your love list – with gift ideas from lingerie to food to weekend getaways to sex toys and much much more.
The way to anyone’s heart…
The old adage is true – the way to a woman’s heart is food. So cook for her already! May we suggest homemade pasta; it is sure to impress any date and it’s actually very easy to make. All you need is a great stand mixer; professional and home cooks recommend the Artisan Stand Mixer from KitchenAid. And when a brand drops a new stand mixer in a beautiful beetroot colour, you know it will make a perfect valentine’s gift. Sexy and stylish on any countertop. Further, a proper stand mixer will make light work of making homemade dough for pasta. Just add in an array of pasta attachments and you can make everything from fresh spaghettini to linguine. Sounds like a delicious Valentine’s Day to us. Scared of screwing up pasta? Just order in from Skip the Dishes. With over 47,000 restaurant partners on the network, Skip is Canada’s go-to source for industry data and food trends. Just click through and find the perfect at home romantic meal. And when it arrives, re-plate everything before your date shows up. There is no harm in supporting local and taking a little credit for some well-plated food.
Valentine’s Day gifts that sparkle
Everything that glitters is in fact gold. But when it comes to Valentine’s Day jewellery gifts, avoid the stereotypical gold hearts pendants on chains and opt for something more modern. Stacked minimalist rings with a few carats from Canadian based Mejuri will win you points this V-Day…just remind her, these are rings with diamonds not a diamond ring (not yet). But if you are looking to pop the question and gift that big diamond ring this year, opt for a classic engagement ring for Birks. But make it an event, grab some fresh coffees, a croissant or two and have a little Breakfast at Birks together while you browse the engagement ring. It feels more fresh and modern to do it together than a surprising her with a ring she might not like. And trust us, she won’t expect ring shopping to follow to-go coffees.
Satin sheets are very romantic but…
One of the reasons you love sleeping in a luxury hotel is their high-end mattresses and bedding, so why not upgrade your bed at home for Valentine’s Day? Now we aren’t suggesting that a new mattress is a romantic gift… But a new fancy mattress (may we suggest Canadian made Good Morning mattresses), with great new bedding (Flax Linen is a great go-to for relaxed sophistication) and a few lit scented candles (Byredo anyone?) could make for a romantic evening (followed by the best sleep ever). And if you want to spice up your bedtime, a few choice toys from LoveHoney.ca.
Every woman wants to feel sexy
Yes it may seem like a cliché but many women enjoy receiving lingerie and sexy underwear for Valentine’s Day. But here is the trick, you need to buy them something they feel sexy in NOT what you think is sexy. These are two very different things. The trick to finding the perfect kind of sexy lingerie or underwear for your loved one? Check out what they already have – look at the fit, materials and cut (and size!). And then just step it up a little – like with a more luxurious fabric. We even did a little research for you, some of your best female friends suggested to check out Mary Young, Love & Nudes or Fortnight. The latter brand was worn by Bella Hadid on the cover of a recent issue of Italian Vogue. And yes we know you don’t care but your loved one be impressed with this fact (and that you know that). But she will also be impressed with Fortnight’s retro-femme pieces. Everything is manufactured at the brand’s Toronto studio, and the grading—the process of sizing up a standard garment pattern—is done by hand instead of machine and is based on real women’s measurements. And if your loved one is pregnant or recently gave birth, we suggest checking out Mayana Geneviere. This Canadian female founded and operated brand is known for luxurious lingerie and underwear that is all about capturing the essence and needs of a woman as she transitions through life’s many stages.
Gift a spa experience
Now that restrictions have eased up across the country, it is time to give the gift of a relaxing day at the spa. If you are based on the west coast, check out the Spa at the Fairmount Jasper Park Lodge or the Spa at Four Seasons Whistler. Both offer the perfection combination of luxurious spa services and breathtaking views. Toronto city dwellers should hit up the Spa at the St Regis or the Spa inside the Ritz Carlton. Or if you are willing to make a weekend of it, perhaps you should plan an escape together at Le Nordik Spa. If you aren’t able to hit up a spa in person this weekend, perhaps set up a home spa with some products from a Canadian fan favourite – Bathorium.
