Now, for those in search of a nostaglic Valentine’s experience, recreating your first date is apparently “a thing” for this year, if indeed you can remember your first date (and make sure you get the right one because you really do not want to accidentally recreate your first date with someone else).
It might be a better idea to opt for the safer bet of the gift of a spa break,. We are forunate here in Yorkshire to have many brilliant spas right on our doorstep, offering both day breaks and overnight stays. Look out for evening or twilight options which are often reasonably priced, and can be a budget way to enjoy both fine dining and a luxury spa experience combined.
Other fail-safe Valentine’s gift options for him and for her include fragrance – and there are some lovely new releases for this February. Lipstick is also a great choice for make-up lovers, and a good one to combine with skincare (no one feels short-changed by a gift of their favourite brand moisturiser, night cream, serum or eye cream – splash out on all four and that’s even better).
Happy Valentine’s Day gift hunting.
5. Rituals fragrance, wellbeing, home and Beauty gifts
Dutch beauty and wellbeing brand Rituals has brought a much-needed, luxurious (yet reasonably priced), proper bricks-and-mortar shopping experience to our high streets, shopping centres and department stores, with products for body, face and the home. It has beautiful boutiques in Leeds, Bradford, Meadowhall, York Designer Outlet and in Harrogate, where it is celebrating its first anniversary on the town’s prestigious James Street. Photo: Rituals
6. Jo Malone London Taif Rose Cologne
A new, limited-edition Jo Malone Cologne Intense, Taif Rose takes its name from a precious rose indigenous to Taif, a city where the flower fills the streets, markets and fields with its scent and vivid hue. The 50ml is £112 at Jo Malone stores in York, Harrogate, Leeds, Beverley and Meadowhall, and online. Photo: Jo Malone London
7. Forest Spa at Middleton Lodge, near Richmond, North Yorkshire
Spend an evening at the spa, with 2 course dinner at the Coach House or a reduced tasting menu at Forge, (open Thursdays-Sundays only), subject to availability, with opportunities to upgrade to longer treatments. Evening Spa at the Coach House: £90pp (Mon-Thu) / £105 (Fri-Sun)l Forge (Thu-Sun): £115 (6 courses) / £155 (10 courses). Photo: Middleton Lodge
8. Fragrance du Bois Lucius
The first Fragrance du Bois fragrance for men, Lucius has top notes of bergamot, mandarin, a hint of pink pepper, heart notes of cedarwood and orange flower, and a grounding base of vetiver and dry amber, this scent speaks of sophistication and boldness. It costs £285 for 100ml. Photo: S