Cheryl Shops

You don't have to be in a relationship to celebrate Valentine's Day. In fact, the day has rather dark origins—in Roman times, it was a pagan matchmaking festival that followed a ritual animal slaughter, and also the day on which several men named Valentine were executed.  Now, who's in the mood for chocolates and romance? That said, I fully embrace the concept of love, whether that's the kind you share with someone else or just self-love. And while gifts are my least-favored love language, maybe that's because I rarely hesitate to treat myself. Here are some of my favorite options this year for you, for your significant other, or for both of you. 

The last couple of years, I've focused on gifts that you and your significant other can enjoy together. It's a nice sentiment—and one still worth pursuing—but after texting with my girlfriends today, I decided we're all a bit starved for some self-care, and so this Valentine's Day, why not take an opportunity to practice some self-love? I mean of the treat-yourself variety; this is a shopping blog, of course. ;) Here are some of my favorite Valentine's Day gifts to give yourself (sharing always encouraged).

Are Valentine's Day gifts necessary? Probably not, but this blog is called Cheryl Shops, so who am I to judge? As I mentioned last year, I am not a fan of going out to dinner for Valentine's Day—it's one of my least favorite nights of the year to eat out, with maybe only New Year's Eve being worse in terms of poor service and overpriced prix fixe menus. So that's why I prefer to stay home and cook a decadent meal, like steak or spaghetti bolognese. With that in mind, here are some complimentary gifts that you both can enjoy...at home.

Valentine's Day gifts have always been a little weird and unnecessary to me, unless you want to get me a Chanel bag, in which case, I prefer the medium lambskin in black with gold hardware. Anyhoo, I like the spirit of Valentine's Day, in that you should spend some quality time with your sweetie, but the "holiday" can also be awkward, especially when you're seated next to a couple that fights or barely talks throughout a three-course dinner. I also hate being forced to have an overpriced three-course meal with bad service, so I tend to stay home for Valentine's Day. Thus, in the spirit of Hygge, here are some gifts that the two of you can enjoy together...at home.

A confession: Valentine's Day is usually not a very romantic occasion in our household. This is because it generally falls during Fashion Week, so by the time I get home, I'm exhausted (hey, running all over the city and looking at clothes all day is hard work!) and not exactly in the mood for love. Not to mention, MW has a particular disdain for so-called Hallmark holidays. That said, Valentine's Day is still a good excuse to treat yourself to something sexy. Here are some of my current objects de desire, perfect for spicing things up anytime.



Top row:
Knowing Alexander Wang, these fur-trimmed sandals were probably meant to subvert the stereotypical froufrou bedroom slipper, but the combination of the extra-high heel and exaggerated pouf of fur just makes them extra sexy to me.  Alexander Wang Chantal Sandals, $398

This Kiki de Montparnasse necklace has an, ahem, added feature that just might come in handy when you least expect it. Or when you do.  Kiki de Montparnasse Cigar Pocket Vibrator, $375

Mary Green makes all manner of cheeky eye masks (I have a blogger-appropriate one that says "I'd rather sleep than tweet"), but this "Never enough" one carries a fun double entendre. Because who ever gets enough...sleep?  Mary Green Never Enough Embroidered Sleep Mask, $27

Middle row:
There's lingerie that serves a more, shall we say, practical purpose, and then there's lingerie that's suited for one role only. Teddies tend to fall into the latter category, but I love how this Brulee teddy somehow combines a minimal, sophisticated look with a more playful quality. Brulee Vamp Ava Teddy, $158

Champagne, particularly the rosé variety, is one of my favorite things to drink—it tastes good, it's bubbly, and you always look chic holding a flute of it. There's also something to be said for its ability to grease the wheels, so to speak. Taittinger Brut Prestige Rosé Nv, £57

What goes best with Champagne? Chocolate champagne truffles, of course!
La Maison du Chocolat Champagne Truffles, $55

Bottom row:
As a perfume junkie, I have scents for pretty much every mood and/or occasion. For seduction, one of my favorites is L'Agent Provocateur's namesake scent. I once read a review that referred to its essence as "dirty knickers," and before you get grossed out, let me just say that that's a good thing. Trust me.
Agent Provocateur eau de parfum, $60

Adam and Eve, apples, tree of knowledge, serpents, etc. This rose-gold Stella & Dot Sidewinder ring is a little bit dangerous, in a biblical sense.  Stella & Dot Sidewinder Ring, $69

Probably one of my favorite gifts here, these Kiki de Montparnasse panties look like days-of-the-week undies, but upon closer look, say things ranging from "aime-moi" to "mange-moi." Since these are meant to be French lessons, I'll let you figure out their meaning on your own.  Kiki de Montparnasse French Lesson Panty Set, $295