How can it nearly be Valentine’s Day? How?!

I know I should be prepared as I’ve been planning Valentine’s Day gift guides for the past month, but I still can’t believe we’ve moved beyond greeting people with ‘Happy New Year’ and we’ve been ‘fast-tracked’  straight into February. Next stop Easter! (Sorry!).

Well, despite being shocked that Valentine’s Day is only a couple of weeks away, I’m also very excited. After weeks of searching, I ‘ve finally selected my favourite gifts to include in my first every Valentine’s Day gift guides, ‘For Him’ and ‘For Her’.

I’ve decided to share my ‘Valentine’s Gifts for Her’ ideas with you first. There are two reasons for this: Firstly, it’s traditional to let ladies go first. Secondly, I can’t wait to tell you about some of the lovely things I’ve selected.

If you scan my list, you’ll see it doesn’t include flowers or chocolates. I realise they’re the usual ‘go-to’ Valentine’s gifts for females, but I wanted to wander off the beaten track and select things that are a little bit different. They’re the kinds of Valentine’s gifts I’d like to receive and I hope you or your loved ones will too.

Mind you, I’m still expecting some flowers and choccies for Valentine’s Day, (because I’m worth it!) 😉

My top 6 Valentine’s Day gifts ‘for Her’.

1. Facet Bead and Heart Bracelet, £9.99, The Royal British Legion. 

Although I seem to have acquired an insatiable desire for handbags since turning forty, I’m still not much of a ‘girlie’ girl. I don’t wear much makeup, and I only have a few pieces of jewellery.  However, when I spotted the beautiful and unique Poppy Heart Jewellery Collection, featuring an eye-catching heart-shaped cluster of ruby red enamel poppies in every piece, I was smitten.

The collection includes a beautiful Necklace with Heart Pendant and a delicate twisted Singapore chain, a plated silver tone Heart Pin, Heart Drop and Floating Heart Earrings, a Heart & Stone Bangle and Facet Bead & Heart Bracelet.  

The wonderful thing about the Poppy Heart Jewellery Collection is ‘it’s the gift that keeps on giving’. That’s because all profits raised from the sales of the jewellery go directly to The Royal British Legion.

The Poppy Heart jewellery collection is available from The Royal British Legion online shop www.poppyshop.org.uk

, Facet Bead and Heart Bracelet £9.99, The Royal British Legion online shop www.poppyshop.org.uk

2. Zippo Candle Lighter, Red. RRP £13.75.

Candles are so popular nowadays and there are so many lovely shapes, sizes and scents to choose from. This sleek and stylish Zippo Candle Lighter, available in chrome, red, champagne, blue and bronze (£13.75) is a much neater solution than matches or cheap lighters. It’s easy to use, with an advanced soft-touch ignition system and an adjustable flame dial. Made of durable metal, it also features a patented child proof safety button. Packaged in an elegant gift box, the Zippo mini lighter is the perfect gift to set the tone of a romantic Valentine’s date.

Zippo Candle Lighter, Red. £13.75

3. Stackers Jewellery Box with Lid, New Mink, John Lewis, £22.

I’ve had my eye on Stackers jewellery boxes for a while, but with so many options I don’t know which ones to choose. They’re an organiser’s dream, with plenty of colours and interior fabrics to choose from as well as several different tray styles and sizes, with and without lids. You can also buy wooden lids in dark or light wood to compliment the Stackers boxes. I think the wooden lids will appeal to men who are looking for a more masculine box for their wallet, watches and keys.

This shallow Stackers Jewellery box with lid in New Mink (£22) is one of my favourite colours and designs.  For more details check out the Stackers range on the John Lewis website: (HERE)

Stackers Jewellery Box & Lid, New Mink, £22, John Lewis.

4. 100ml French Connection UK Friction Her Gift Set, (£20), The Fragrance Shop.

Ladies love perfume and The Fragrance Shop has some incredible deals on big brand fragrances. This 100ml French Collection UK Friction Her Gift Set is just one of the gift sets on offer, costing just £20, (half the RRP, £40), and includes: 250 ml Body Lotion, 250ml Fragrance mist, 100ml EDP.

French Connection UK Friction Her Eau De Toilette 100ml Gift Set, The Fragrance Shop, £20.

5. Braun FaceSpa is a 2 in 1 precise epilator and limited edition red facial cleansing brush, RRP £99.99 (currently £49.99), Argos.

I love being pampered. My idea of bliss is a spa day (complete with all you can eat healthy buffet, obviously). Unfortunately, I don’t get to indulge in Spa Days that often, so I’ve included a ‘pamper’ gift in my selection instead. This Braun FaceSpa is the perfect pamper gift! Launched this month in stylish red, the Braun FaceSpa is a 2 in 1 precise epilator and facial cleansing brush will expertly remove hair and smooth skin. Usual price is £99.99 from Argos but at the time of publication it’s half price, £49.99!

Braun FaceSpa 2 in 1 precise epilator and facial cleansing brush. RRP £99, Available at Argos.co.uk.

6. Natural boar bristle hair brush, Flag design, Rock and Ruddle, (Large £30/ Small £20).

If you’ve ever owned natural bristle hair brushes, you’ll know how kind they are to your hair, brushing it thoroughly without tugging as they are drawn through it. However, until recently, natural bristle brush designs were fairly boring.

Thanks to Rock and Ruddle, a British company set up by two friends, you can finally love your hair and love your hairbrush. Their natural boar bristle hair brushes are available in 14 colourful designs and two sizes, large (£30) and handbag-sized (£20).

A selection of the brushes can also be personalised with the name of your loved one too for an extra special touch.  There are plenty of hairbrush designs to suit everyone. My personal favourite is this fabulous Flag design. Why not visit Rock and Ruddle and find your favourite?

Rock and Ruddle stunning designer, natural boar bristle hair brush, Flags design (Large £30/ Small £20) from www.rockandruddle.co.uk

This is a collaborative post. As always, the words and opinions are my own.