Looking for a gift that's sure to make hearts melt this Valentine's Day? Amy E. Goodman, contributing editor for In Style, shares some sweetheart gift ideas for her, for him and for kids.
For a day that celebrates love, Valentine’s Day can offer its own share of pain. Braving the lingerie department, finding the perfect rose and searching for a box of chocolates can make anyone’s feet ache. So take a cue from the spring collections and hottest trends for 2006, found in the February pages of In Style, that are guaranteed to inspire your gift giving. Go ahead, save the legwork and share the love with swanky presents for all the beloved ones on your list.
For Her
The Midas Touch
Ever want to see your dearest dripping in gold? The gold paillette necklace featuring 18kt-gold-plated discs by Viv & Ingrid — a jeweler popular with the young Hollywood set — will create a stylish statement and make her feel like a million bucks. With gold and metallic accessories still popular well into spring, she’ll also be sporting a seasonably “cool” look. Available in several lengths (16”, 24” and 32”) and variations of gold and silver. Viv & Ingrid, $62 to $212; 800-231-1878.
Pretty Little Thing
Capture the essence of French Bohemian chic — without a trip to Paris — with this gorgeous stretch charmeuse camisole by Miguelina. The lace trim, diaphanous fabric and delicate bow add feminine finesse to an utterly sensual top that still offers enough coverage to wear during the day. Available in 9 hues including blush (light pink), red and tangerine, $298; 212-290-2996 for stores.
Boys, Don’t Cry
Stealing a favorite wardrobe staple from men everywhere, American Eagle creates the ultimate boxer for women. These high-cut women’s boxers combine a super sexy look with a smart tomboy attitude — so that you’ll never have to raid your man’s drawers again! And in honor of Cupid, there’s no sweeter print than little white hearts. In four colors: light pink, red, navy and white. $16 each; American Eagle stores or ae.com.
Kiss and Makeup
If you want a sweet something to give your best girl friend or sister, then the Sweetheart print cosmetics bag from Le Sportsac’s new Classic Collection will hit a retro note. Made of nylon with a sturdy zip-top, the bag (3-1/2” x 7-1/4” x 2-1/3”) holds a stunning amount of makeup. And for the pal that flies the friendly skies often, surprise her further by filling the sac with travel-size aromatherapy lotion, shampoo and conditioner in her favorite scent. Le Sportsac, $18; 212-988-6200.
For Kids
Mommy & Mini Me
Like the perfectly synchronized Kanga and Roo from the tales of Winnie the Pooh, you and your little one can walk step by step in matching pink wellies — as in the original Wellington boots by Hunter. Handmade in the UK with a cushy sole that’s comfortable enough to wear even when it’s not raining, these waterproof booties offer the added benefit of giving to a charitable cause. For each pair of boots sold, Hunter has pledged a donation to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Finally, boots that make a splash! Kid sizes 3-9; $49, adult sizes 4-13, $94. Hunter, 877-495-1500.
Book Buddies
From the go-to store for Hollywood moms including Courteney Cox, Debra Messing, Julia Roberts and Marcia Gay Harden, Giggle presents teddy bear bookends that make organizing the nursery a snap. A fantastic gift for a new mom who received books during her shower or a great accent for any kid’s room, these faux-leather bears can stand alone or as a pair. Beyond the V-day colors of red and pink, they also come in green and orange. $34 each; Giggle, 800-495-8577 or www.egiggle.com.
Candy Stripes
Stylish moms certainly inspire a pint-sized fashion following. Tots of Tinsletown like James Wilke (Sarah Jessica Parker’s son), Maddox (Angelina Jolie’s son) and Apple (Gwyneth Paltrow’s daughter) have set a high fashion standard at wee ages by donning Splendid Littles T-shirts. A spinoff of Splendid — known for their cotton women’s T-shirts worn by many a celeb — Splendid Littles now offers tees for the next generation: babes and tots ages 3 months to 7 years. Specializing in the same rayon and pima cotton blend that makes Splendid among the softest shirts around, Splendid Littles offers 14 colors and a variety of styles to keep your kids comfy and colorful. From $32 to $52, including double-sleeve shirt ($38) and Henley-style cotton top ($45); at the Red Balloon, 949-631-3500 or Fred Segal in Los Angeles.
Snow Angel
From decorating the baby nurseries of Brooke Shields and Kelly Ripa to carrying her own line of accessories and furniture at Babies R Us, Wendy Bellisimo still carves out time to design the sweet things in life. Take, for example, this faux-fur snowsuit with hoodie and quilted heart on the back. You won’t even need snowfall to want to put this on your bundle of joy. Sizes up to 9 months, by Wendy Bellissimo, $37; Babies R Us, 212-254-3084.
For Him
Sports Talk
Want to get your sports fan away from the couch without missing the game? Then give him (or her) the brand new Sanyo Mobile ESPN phone. Compatible with a high-speed wireless network, the phone delivers the world of ESPN in real time on ultra-fast speeds. He won’t miss a beat with ESPN video clips and game highlights, player statistics and personalized sports content at the touch of his fingertips. The phone also sports a 1.3 megapixel digital camera, an MP3 music player and a bold black design accented in ESPN’s signature red. Sanyo Mobile ESPN phone, $199; mobileespn.com.
Bite of Bubbly
Reverse the traditional expectation and gift your guy with the ultimate marriage of chocolate and champagne. The Taittinger Champagne Kiss features a rich dark chocolate bonbon by famed chocolatier Jacques Torres with a Tattinger Rose champagne filling. Available this January on the heels of a previous Torres-Taittinger collaboration (their first, the Taittinger Champagne Truffles, were a delectable hit), these sweets also hold the benefit of antioxidant-rich dark chocolate. But be swift, because Torres fans like Kate Hudson, Jennifer Garner and Susan Sarandon may just be scrambling to stock up. $15 for 12; Jacques Torres, 212-414-2462.
Woo with Wine
If, like a growing number of Americans, your man is falling for wine, then ask your local wine store what bottles they sell by the half case. With a full case (12 bottles) being a tall order and one bottle falling a bit shy of expectation, opt for the perfect 6-bottle half case. Here Borsao Tres Picos, a granacha grown in the rugged terrain of Moncayo Mountain in Spain, is known for its highly fruity aroma and flavor. But your best bet is sleuthing out his favorite variety and working your wine search from there. Tres Picos, $63 for six bottles; Astor Wines, astorwines.com.