Banish the baby’s breath, red satin and heart-shaped chocolate boxes this Valentine’s Day with gifts bound to bring out the romantic in even the most cynical of hearts.
Love Tea by Storm & India
Love Tea by Storm & India
Share a cup of this Storm & India organic tea with the one you love – a blend of white and green tea with raspberry, ginger and jasmine blossoms. Guaranteed warm and fuzzies. $42.82
Dish cufflinks by Élodie from Sorry Thanks I Love You
Dish cufflinks by Élodie from Sorry Thanks I Love You
These sterling silver cufflinks from Melbourne designer Élodie Darwish are the perfect excuse to get dishy this Valentine’s. Hand-made and shaped with a tiny rounded hammer, this set is a true labour of love. $185
Champagne Pommery Brut Rosé NV
Champagne Pommery Brut Rosé NV
It wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without bubbles, right? This Brut Rosé NV from the house of Pommery is sure to up the romance at apéritif hour. Matching flowers optional. $89.99
Lark Limited-Release Single-Malt Whisky
Lark Limited-Release Single-Malt Whisky
For something with even more spice, Tasmania’s Lark Distillery has produced just 60 bottles of this special-release single-malt whisky, aged for five years and finished in French oak Sherry casks. The drop comes packaged in a wooden gift box and is only available by calling the cellar door direct. Nightcap sorted. $297 for 500ml. For all orders call (03) 6231 9088.
Georg Jensen Barbry breakfast tray
Georg Jensen Barbry breakfast tray
If you’re lucky this Valentine’s Day, breakfast in bed will be served on this Nordic-inspired oak-wood tray, designed by Aurelien Barbry for Georg Jensen. $160
Lotus Belle tents
Lotus Belle tents
It doesn’t get more romantic than a night under the stars. Until there’s a Lotus Belle tent involved, that is. This lavish tent comes in the shape of a lotus blossom with four metres of width and three metres of height to keep the lions, tigers and bears at bay. From $1,950.
Jenny Kee Waratah scarf
Jenny Kee Waratah scarf
This individually printed, crêpe de chine scarf from Australian design goddess Jenny Kee provides just the right measure of Valentine’s spirit with its vibrant red hues. The red waratah is a symbol for passion, too. $165
Triumph & Disaster Stash Box
Triumph & Disaster Stash Box
The Stash Box from New Zealand’s Triumph & Disaster comes replete with shaving cream, face scrub, a shaving brush and Gameface moisturiser. Reminiscent of an old-school apothecary set, it’s also the perfect-sized box for stashing love letters and the like. $165
James Turrell & Hotel Hotel stay
James Turrell & Hotel Hotel stay
US artist James Turrell’s current retrospective at the National Gallery only adds to a growing list of reasons to visit the nation’s capital sooner rather than later. To celebrate the Turrell show, Hotel Hotel is taking 10 per cent off your room booking and will also offer free room upgrades when available. It’s a Valentine’s win-win. _Hotel Hotel room rates start at $245 per night; tickets to James Turrell via NGA(deal subject to availability)._
Grafa gardening trowel
Grafa gardening trowel
For the Valentine with a green thumb, this beautifully crafted gardening trowel from Melbourne-based makers Grafa is handmade using timber, bronze and copper. $70
Lilian silk pyjamas by Equipment
Lilian silk pyjamas by Equipment
Why not try these washed-silk Lilian pyjamas from French favourite Equipment? We love them for their classic navy and white stripes, and we think your Valentine will, too. $678.24
Pop & Scott “Thinking Swing”
Pop & Scott “Thinking Swing”
Feeling uninspired? Take five on this swing from Pop & Scott. Fashioned using recycled Australian hardwood timbers, swings can also be made to order in your Valentine’s favourite colour. $320
Check-dyed Cottesloe beach towel by Jac and Jack
Check-dyed Cottesloe beach towel by Jac and Jack
This hand-dyed, 100 per cent organic cotton beach towel from masters of laid-back cool Jac and Jack is the perfect accessory on your next beach or picnic date. $180
Basil Bangs Wonderland sun umbrella
Basil Bangs Wonderland sun umbrella
Hold onto the sun, sand and backyard barbecue vibe a little bit longer with the help of this striking Wonderland umbrella from Basil Bangs. $249
Kartell in Tavola Jellies Family tableware by Patricia Urquiola
Kartell in Tavola Jellies Family tableware by Patricia Urquiola
Back in the ’70s, Kartell in Tavola tableware turned heads for its imaginative and colourful design style. Flash-forward to 2015 and this Jellies Family collection by designer Patricia Urquiola is well-suited to the Valentine who likes to entertain. From $25 at Space Furniture.
Jerome Dreyfuss Arnaud L bag
Jerome Dreyfuss Arnaud L bag
Whether it’s a quick getaway or a business trip overseas, this teal weekender bag by Jerome Dreyfuss packs some serious style punch for the man on the move. $1,890
Kate Spade notebook
Kate Spade notebook
Bring back the handwritten love notes with this diary from New York designer Kate Spade. Sophisticated, practical and just a little bit cheeky. $45
Lorraine’s Pâtisserie strawberry mascarpone cake
Lorraine’s Pâtisserie strawberry mascarpone cake
We’re always down for saying it with cake. Particularly if it’s Sydney pâtissière Lorraine Godsmark’s mascarpone number made with strawberries and coconut dacquoise. Romantic? We think so. From $48.
Les Exclusifs de Chanel Eau de Cologne
Les Exclusifs de Chanel Eau de Cologne
One can never have enough Chanel, and this classic eau de cologne combining neroli and citrus fruits is an alluring choice. $350 for 200ml.
L’Obscurité candle by Lyn & Tony for Maison Balzac
L’Obscurité candle by Lyn & Tony for Maison Balzac
Sydney-based artists Lyn & Tony took their cues from the Australian landscape when designing this limited-edition candle for Maison Balzac. Red cedar, volcanic rock and birch tar mingle in a scent that’s dark, smoky and very Valentine’s appropriate. $65
The Cat’s Tongue Chocolatiers gift box
The Cat’s Tongue Chocolatiers gift box
Step away from the After Eights. Chocolatier Andy Abramowich from Hobart’s The Cat’s Tongue has your post-dinner chocolate treat sorted with this perfectly wrapped box of handcrafted pralines. $85 for 32 pieces; 0428 411 455
KitchenAid Artisan Espresso Machine
KitchenAid Artisan Espresso Machine
Don’t let its shiny red exterior fool you. The Artisan Espresso Machine from KitchenAid, which features two separate boilers for streamlined brewing and frothing, is a serious piece of coffee kit. $1,999
Victorinox “I Love You” Swiss Army Knife
Victorinox “I Love You” Swiss Army Knife
Your more adventurous other half will be chuffed with a Swiss Army Knife – not least one that’s printed with those three little words. $39.95
Nicolai Kiss Me Tender perfume
Nicolai Kiss Me Tender perfume
This aptly named fragrance from French boutique perfumery Nicolai puts the spotlight on orange-flower and almond, with undertones of jasmine and ylang-ylang. You’ll find it exclusively at Napoleon Perdis Life.Style. $75
Dinosaur Designs Limited-Edition Atelier resin puzzle
Dinosaur Designs Limited-Edition Atelier resin puzzle
Dinosaur Designs’ new collection of bright resin puzzles are just the ticket for the creative beau. $595
The American Lover by Rose Tremain
The American Lover by Rose Tremain
In this collection of short stories, Rose Tremain presents a crisp portrait of love in all its beauty and complication. Random House Australia, $29.99, pbk
The Gourmet Traveller Team
Gourmet Traveller is Australia’s trusted authority on food, travel and luxury lifestyle, bringing the latest news and trends to life through quality journalism, enticing recipes and evocative photography. For more than 55 years, it has been inspiring and informing Australians with the best in cooking, dining, travelling and shopping. Our critics bring the expertise of years of critical eating, drinking and writing to the table. Plus, as the country’s leading title in the luxury sector, Gourmet Traveller works closely with Australia’s leaders in the travel and hospitality industries to give our readers exclusive access. The Gourmet Traveller legacy is one of trust, prestige and relevance.
