Fluffy little Valentine's Day Gift Guide

Yes, yes, it’s a holiday driven by consumerism; it’s the retailers who really feel the love and of course we don’t need a special day to tell the people that we love how much we love them. But lots of us still like to make a little Valentine's Day gesture, so I’ve compiled this guide of sweet suggestions that won’t break the bank but are guaranteed to put a smile on the face of the lucky recipient -- whether that’s your partner, pal or your own good self.  

From top left, we have:

Heart Cookie Cutters (£2.95): The way to anyone’s heart is through their stomach so get your bake on with these great value cookie cutters from retro themed UK site dotcomgiftshop. If anyone’s wondering, I think these peanut butter cookies sound divine.

Love/Hate mug (£2.95): Not entirely sure of how you’re feeling? You don’t have to make up your mind just yet with this vintage billboard lettered mug, printed with a different message on each side. Also from dotcomgiftshop.

Valentine's Heart Cufflinks (£12.50): These 100% brass cufflinks from Marksandspencer.com bear the classic lovehearts design.

Sweetheart soap (€3.75 for 100g): Another loveheart inspired design, this time on a seductively scented soap from Lush. With oils of jasmine, sandalwood and ylang ylang – all reputed aphrodisiacs – to set the mood.  

Cake in a jar (€12.20): If, like me, you broke into a sweat at the very thought of baking those peanut butter cookies, this fool-proof cake kit from Irish online store Opoko should see you right. The glass jar contains cake mix, a gift label, candle and candle holder. Just add oil and water, pop in the oven, and smugly present it to your nearest and dearest.  

Body Shop Chocomania Body Butter (200ml €18.95 / 50 ml €7.95): Spoil your sweetheart or yourself with this chocoholic’s dream, one of the Body Shop’s ever popular pots of hydrating goodness. With Community Fair Trade beeswax and honey, cocoa and shea butter, Brazil and babassu nut oil, and organic sugar cane, you’ll smell every bit as good as you feel.

Heart Shaped Confetti (£1.50): Sometimes the simplest gestures are the most effective. A home cooked meal will look the part this Valentine’s Day with a scattering of these little lovehearts on the table.  Also from marksandspencer.com.

A Million Kisses lip tint (€6.25): A limited edition Valentine’s special from Lush, this lip tint is a gorgeous, pigmented, rose scented red that can also be used as a cream blusher, for a sexy flush.

Where do you stand on Valentine’s Day?