5 Valentine’s Day gifts that transcend gender norms
Forget silky slips, teddy bears, and heart-shaped chocolates, these five Valentine's Day gift ideas break from clichés.
Article content
Valentine’s Day gifts that ditch the gender labels? Yes — and it’s about time.
No matter who you’re celebrating, love is love is love, and Feb. 14 calls for gifts that break free from clichés — forget silky slips, teddy bears, and heart-shaped chocolates. We’re still into pink and red, as long as people who identify as he, him, they and them can wear these colours, too. From chic accessories to playful trinkets, Rebecca Tay discovers five Valentine’s Day gifts that transcend gender norms.
GOOD INSTRUMENTS
South Korean fashion brand Andersson Bell —founded by Choi Boko and Park Cheol-young — celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, and this red guitar bag is an excellent example of its modern, streetwear-meets-contemporary designs. Made from structured, brick-hued leather, it features an adjustable shoulder strap and edgy, silver hardware that looks cool with bare shoulders and chunky sweaters alike.
A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME
Floral and spicy? Sharp and pristine? Tom Ford’s Rose Prick eau de parfum is a scent that’s so lovely it hurts — which is precisely what one could say about love, too. Alluring, enticing, and unisex, its Bulgarian rose, Rose de Mai, and Turkish rose notes are punctuated by Indonesian patchouli and Sichuan pepper, while the matte pink bottle is sleek and simply iconic. Gift as large a bottle as you can afford — it comes in everything from 10ml to 250ml.
Holt Renfrew, holtrenfrew.com | $330
BUILDING SITE
Those that build together, stay together? Perhaps. And as anyone that’s ever used a Lego set before will know, it is, truly, make-or-break stuff. We’re big fans of their adult kits, such as this Tiny Plants set: not only is it a great way to connect over something other than a screen, but the resulting nine potted plants are cute décor items that can be dotted around your house as an everyday reminder of your relationship.
ADORN YOURSELVES
Sleek bracelets, simple rings, chain necklaces: anyone that thinks jewelry has to be a his-or-hers thing is stuck in the last century. Indeed, pendant necklaces easily transcend genders and are a thoughtful, personal expression of love — and are therefore a wonderful Valentine’s gift. Case in point: this ‘Valkyria’ duo with a pattern inspired by Nordic mythology. Designed by Danish brand Pilgrim and made in Canada with 14-karat gold plating, there’s a round pendant and a rectangular one. Take turns wearing both at once, or split the set so you always have a little, physical memento of them literally close to your heart.
GET SHIRTY
Just as love is love to infinity, a good shirt is a good shirt … is a good shirt, and this ‘Andy’ style by Reformation is currently at the top of our list. Oversized and made from 98% organic cotton and 2% spandex for just a touch of added comfort and movement, it comes in a plethora of cool, but smart colours — think baby blue stripe, midnight stripe, and our favourite, baby pink stripe. Finish with pleated high-waisted trousers and leave a few buttons undone for extra sass.
Reformation, thereformation.com | $188
Bookmark our website and support our journalism: Don’t miss the news you need to know — add VancouverSun.com and TheProvince.com to your bookmarks and sign up for our newsletters here.
You can also support our journalism by becoming a digital subscriber: For just $14 a month, you can get unlimited access to The Vancouver Sun, The Province, National Post and 13 other Canadian news sites. Support us by subscribing today: The Vancouver Sun | The Province.
Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.