Back by popular demand, the All She Does gift guide has been helping out lost boyfriends and clueless girlfriends since Christmas 2020. Why not extend the offer to Valentine’s day?
Every year the day comes around and brands fail to flaunt what the boys want. Hell, people still think women are only after flowers and teddy bears? It’s 2021. We want thoughtful art pieces, boys want stylish cycling socks and even a plant goes a long way with a millennial.
What to do?
With the lack of lockdown luxuries, an “at-home” dinner is set to be a hit this coming Valentine’s day. Why not kick start your day with a plant-based brunch from Linnaean. Jam-packed with vegan croissants, dark chocolate truffles and oozy chia puddings – this kit is set to spark the romance from breakfast onwards. Spice it up with some organic champagne and fresh orange juice. Nothing says “I love you” like a mimosa in bed.
Come dinner time, you’re gonna wanna check out companies like Big Night. Big Night is pushing the boundaries in the food scene by bringing you restaurant quality food right to your doorstep. Sans the moody lighting (which I’m sure a tea-light can contribute to) an at-home dinner has never felt this glamourous. Think top-notch flavours, banging dishes and a feast for you and your best.
If you’re in South Africa, you’re allowed to booze and beach as much as you want! Yay! Why not head out to one of my favourite wine farms near Cape Town for the day?
For him & her:
These gifts are set to be a hit for both the man or woman in your life. Galentine’s day your thing this year? These gifts will work too.
The Strangers Club in Cape Town is a hotspot for gifts. Why not pick up a Thalia Strates card holder for your man and an Irie purse for yourself? Valentine’s day is the day you can totally buy yourself a gift. Self-love is the phrase as far as I recall. TSC has also set up a new deli section boasting delicious pantry condiments and who doesn’t love a luxurious spread, sauce or jam to add to their kitchen cupboard? Food is my love language and I am sure I’m not alone in this.
The OZCFM (Oranjezicht City Farm Market) boasts a large array of plants and every 20-something-year-old loves a plant. You can be like Kate Hudson in “How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days” and give your man a “love fern”.
For him:
These suggestions have come straight from the horses mouth. I put out a poll on my Instagram and boys actually replied (!!!).
A weekend away is always a sure way to anyone’s heart. Plus, you get to enjoy it too! Another top trump is a decent Cafetière with some good-quality coffee. If you’re in London, grab some grind from Climpson & Sons, Dark Arts or Square Mile. If you’re in Cape Town, The Strangers Club, Rosetta and Pauline’s beans are my favourites.
Clothing also came up tops and if your man is a cyclist why not grab him a pair of Pas Normal Studios socks. You can order them from Orphan Street Clothing Shop. If you’re a long way down the line and live together, a print from Ben Eagle is affordable, thoughtful and a treat.
For her:
If you’re London-based, anything from the Liberty beauty section would be a hit for the lady in your life – even if that’s your mom. There’s a selection from natural beauty products to the more glam-girl lipglosses to suit every woman. If your girl loves skincare, a starter-kit from Drunk Elephant is a must.
For any art-lover, one of my favourite pieces by Babak Ganjei is sure to surprise. “I’m in the bush outside and I really love you” is the new way of saying “you’re a keeper”. Plus, the typography and colour will bring life to any room in your home.
Also, what is Valentine’s day without jewellery and wine? A Famke necklace and a bottle of low-intervention wine from Leo’s Wine Bar would make me swoon.
Not your typical…
Valentine’s day doesn’t have to put you out of pocket. Unrealistic expectations set by the media can definitely stress one out. A baked good (my sticky toffee pudding is the bomb!) plus a hand-made card or a picture frame with a cute selfie goes a mile. Don’t negate thoughtful gifts, they mean more than you think. I promise.
