The KnockturnaLIST: The 2021 Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

For loved ones near and far, this Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to show those close to you how much you care! And what better way than sending a little something that’s sweet, savory, and oh-so-sexy? Below, check out our editors’ picks for the very best Valentine’s Day gifts this year has to offer.

Kiss the Cook

Obsessed is an understatement! TRUFF made our mouths water with their spicy truffle hot sauce, but now we’ve fallen in love, not just lust. The brand’s two pasta sauces – Black Truffle Pomodoro and Black Truffle Arrabiata – are as delicious over ravioli as they are with meatballs. For only $29.99, get the duo and sample each with your special someone. Add some spaghetti, and it’s the makings of a perfect Lady and the Tramp moment for V-Day!

Take a trip to the Mediterranean through the flavors of Kosterina’s Fig Bundle. Complete with the brand’s famed Fig Balsamic Vinegar and its accompanying Fig & Balsamic dark chocolate bar, this duo brings both dinner and dessert ($27.90). Hoping for something a little more sweet? The swoon-worthy Dark Chocolate Everything package ($64.90) offers the mezze sampling of six delicious almond, honey, vanilla, and fig-filled organic chocolate bars made with 70% cocao, plus the ever-so-ingenious Dark Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar, an eye-popping staple from Kosterina.

Wake up with the scrumptious Breakfast in Bed Bundle from Safe + Fair ($23). The fan favorite brand launched two new granola flavors just in time to treat your loved one to a mess-free parfait. The bundle includes two of both flavors: Vanilla Latte and Full Stack. Vanilla Latte has a warm sweetness that is full-bodied without being too overly coffee-flavored. Full Stack brings the best of syrup-drizzled pancakes without actually cooking! Even better? All products are certified gluten free and non-GMO.

It’s impossible to have just one! The GIGANTIC! Variety Pack ($27.99) of signature chocolate bars aren’t too sweet – but that’s the point. By letting unique flavors like Almond Horchata and Banana Pecan speak first, the plant-based bars are “heavy on the good stuff, easy on the sweet stuff,” and we can’t complain. Fairtrade chocolate plus only 7 grams of sugar makes us GIGANTIC fans of this beloved brand. We’ll definitely be back for more! Trust us, the eight-bar variety pack only lasts for an hour or two…they’re that addicting!

Finish up your Valentine’s Day evening with McConnell’s Valentine’s Day Bundle ($60) of limited edition ice cream flavors. There’s no better way to melt a cold heart than by serving up some delicious ice cream. Treat the collection like a flight of wine: it’s better to taste each flavor, all at once! Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate mixes Guittard cocoa, house-made chocolate ganache, and a melted, bittersweet chocolate chip for decadent frozen goodness, while Sea Salt Cream & Cookies is an obvious no-brainer for chocolate chip cookie lovers everywhere. Add in Sweet Cream Caramel Brownie with a vanilla-spiked sweet cream, plus the limited edition festive Chocolate Covered Strawberries made from in-house preserves of Central Coast strawberries, and it’s the ultimate Valentine’s Day treat. Dare we say, McConnell’s has outdone themselves yet again.

Love the Planet

This shirt says it all: tree huggers do in fact make better lovers! The Parks Project Crewneck Tee ($36) is a unisex fit, and is soft to the touch. What better way to give a shoutout to your eco-conscious loved one, while still helping make this planet better? Through April 2021, the Parks Project will donate $6,400 to The Nature Conservancy’s Plant a Billion Trees program to help make this earth a little greener.

Add on an adorable matching baseball cap ($36) for a blue sky-hued flair, and get to hugging! Even let your rear (to your car, that is) do the talking with the cheeky Park Lovers Bumper Sticker pack ($8). With slogans like “hikers do it by the mile” and “let me count the ways,” this pack is full of good vibes and good times.

Want to try something out of this world? Brave Robot’s environmentally-conscious ice cream redefines eco-friendly animal-free dairy products – and the taste of vegan ice cream. The Sweet Relief four-pack ($58) offers an array of flavors, including A Lot of Chocolate with fudge swirls, PB N Fudge for chocolate and peanut butter lovers, Hazelnut Chocolate Chunk, and Vanilla ‘N Cookie. We fell in love with the unique PB N Fudge flavor, perfect for a midnight indulgence that’s not too sweet but definitely too easy to eat!

Cheers to Love!

What’s V-Day without popping bottles? The mauve-hued Brut Reserve Rosé by Mumm Napa ($44) is the perfect way to toast to romance. The multi-vintage rosé blends Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with a dash of red wine to enhance both color and flavor. The sparkling wine offers strawberry and plum tones with a spicy crisp finish. You and your partner will surely feel the buzz of love following this exquisite bottle.

Savor the Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc by New Zealand-based winery Brancott Estate ($12). The sublime, well-balanced white wine has the citrus fruitiness of a coveted bottle; pair with fish, Mediterranean flavors, or even just a nice sunny day to enjoy the full splendor of this radiant wine.

Even better, Brancott Estate is collaborating with star of HBO Max’s In Full Bloom, Spencer Falls aka The Unlikely Florist. Forget about the traditional tired old bouquet of red roses – this Valentine’s Day, opt for the New Zealand-inspired flower arrangement (around $110) that puts sustainable beauty first. Intended to be enjoyed fresh, then flipped upside down to slowly dry into a new look. When customers purchase one of the iconic Flipster Bouquets, Brancott Estate will gift an arrangement to a recipient of your choice.

Nyetimber Classic Cuvee Multi-Vintage is a classic blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier that has distinctive toasty and spicy aromas. A palate of honey, almond, pastry and baked apples gives it a hint of decadence. Winemaker Brad Greatrix and Head Winemaker Cherie Spriggs are married and both work together to produce the finest English sparkling wines – making it the ideal Valentine’s Day gift. After all, couples who make sparkling wine together, stay together. – Daisy Maldonado

Pucker Up

Beautycounter’s Jellies lip glosses have quickly become a fan favorite. The new scent duo, Sorbet & Peppermint, arrives just in time to impress a special someone ($29). The high-shine cushiony gloss packs all the shimmer without the stickiness – and let’s be real, they taste amazing too! The Jellies are even pocket-sized so you can dab them on right before a big kiss.

Speaking of smooching, make sure your breath is fresh with David’s all-natural premium toothpaste, available in four flavors ($9.95).

Lady Gaga can conquer just about anything, and her Haus Laboratories brand has quickly risen to the top of the cosmetics industry. Why? Simply because it’s the best. The Le Riot Lip Gloss ($18) matches the right amount of shine with a comfortable gel form, and even comes in 31 shades to mirror whatever mood you’re in.

Feel like you’re on a tropical vacation with Kopari’s Paradise Pout Trio lip kit ($30). The original bestselling Coconut lip gloss comes in two new island-inspired natural flavors, Pineapple and Watermelon. The trio hydrates your lips while also adding that special touch of color and shine for an effortless, carefree makeup look that’s beachside ready.

For the Beauty Queen

Vamp up your look for Valentine’s Day (and night) with Haus Laboratories’ Liquid Eye-Lie-Ner ($20). Just one wink and anyone in your sights will fall in love. The bestselling 24-hour long-wearing liner is also available in Gaga’s personal favorite shade, her signature Punk hue.

Add in the Glam Attack Liquid Shimmer Powder ($20) to finish your look with a smudge-free polish and voilá, you’re ready for the paparazzi. Plus, the brand is vegan and cruelty-free.

Glam it up! The addictive Naughty Nude Eyeshadow Palette from Huda Beauty ($67) is a work of art. From marbled hues to shimmering velvety-soft mattes, this collection of 18 shades arrives just in time to spice up your life. The shades are presented in five wearable textures, including a never-seen-before gloss with encapsulated bronze and berry pearls. Ooh la la, is it getting hot in here?

A diamond is a girl’s best friend, and thanks to Huda Beauty x Kayali, we can all get our bling on. The limited edition Darling Kit ($39) includes the sumptuous Kayali eau de parfum rollerball, the Huda Beauty Topaz Obsessions Palette in bronze and nude shades, and Power Bullet Matte lipstick in shade “Interview.” We all know who’s getting the job with this #bossbabe set.

Keep it cool with Kinship’s Self-Reflect probiotic moisturizing sunscreen ($25). Available in two sizes, the bestselling sheer mineral sunscreen covers up blemishes while protecting against UV rays. The reef-safe brand even uses turmeric and kinbiome to be a superfood for your skin!

Fans of Peach & Lily already know how coveted the brand is, but the latest Glass Skin Discovery Kit ($39) takes the cake! Peach & Lily define glass skin as “skin that’s so healthy, it appears powerless, luminous, and translucent.” We all can aspire to that! With the help of the Glass Skin routine, such a dream is possible in only four easy steps. The Discovery Kit includes the serum, a matcha pudding antioxidant cream, and wild drew treatment essence for a mind-blowing transformation of your skin.

ESK skincare is an Australian Made Cruelty-Free Skincare collection. Their Hydroxy Overnight Mask is a salicylic acid-based exfoliating and hydrating leave-on night mask, for acne-prone, oily, sun-damaged or sensitive skin. With soothing Aloe Vera, it helps to remove keratin and old skin cells while you sleep, ensuring new skin can thrive and addressing your winter skin issues. – Daisy Maldonado

For the Style Maven

Tobi is an online-only LA-based fashion brand. This cozy sage sweater is the perfect pop of color for colder days where you will be layering up. – Daisy Maldonado

Kick up your style with the leopard print Fur Slides by PJ Salvage ($40). The deliciously soft faux fur slippers are the ultimate treat for your feet!

Can’t decide on just one of Victoria Emerson’s stylish wrap bracelets? Have no fear, the Party Box option lets you have one bracelet for all your lovers! Who said we have to be monogamous to just one piece of jewelry? The stunning collection includes four bestseller wraps and six new styles for a total of 10 (!!) bracelets. From Crystal Ice to Midnight Mist, the included pieces have a collective value of $335. For just $99, it’s hard to say no to a deal this chic.

Spruce up your WFH desk area with the pop of cacti color by Lula’s Garden. We adore the “I Love…” Garden option ($44) – even send one to your gal pal or special someone to let them know you’re thinking of them from afar! There’s no reason to be prickly this season, even if you’re single.

For the Lovebirds

No holiday is complete without Rifle Paper Co. The iconic brand is behind all of the best stylish festive greeting cards, stationary, and more. We can’t get enough of their vintage-inspired postcards to send a special handwritten note to far away loved ones. Thankfully, we don’t have to pick just one of their adorable letters: the Share the Love Assorted Postcard Set ($12) offers an array of adorable phrases and illustrated characters. From sending a piece of your heart to a boatload of love, Rifle Paper Co. is the best way to say “I love you.”

Time flies when you’re in love. Capture all the amóre your heart desires with the Five Year Keepsake Journal Set ($60), also from Rifle Paper Co. Each color-coded volume features a hardcover wrapped in book cloth, gold foil accents, and a ribbon bookmark so you can relieve your love story anytime. They even have dedicated spaces for yearly goals and daily reflections so you can grow alongside your partner. This lifelong keepsake can chronicle the start of any great romance.

Speaking of romance, the novel-based Netflix series Bridgerton has spawned a new modern tea craze. Let the aptly-named La Rue 1680 loose leaf tea company to offer a Bridgerton-inspired tea set. The Queen Charlotte’s Court gift set features four of the brand’s bestselling flavors “in honor of the new Shonda Rhimes cult series,” per the website’s description ($60). The pack includes India Street Vanilla Chai and Earl Grey, plus Moroccan Mint and Casablanca Street teas. Now raise your pinkie and sip on some delightfully fragrant herbal teas. Better yet, add in the Bridgerton Pink Set tea pot ($53). Now all you need is a duke!

Get intimate with his and hers silky undergarments from LilySilk. We love Silk Bra Top with Lace Pants set for women ($99), and Luxury Fitted Drape Boxers for men ($60). Cuddle up for a cup of that tea while still being stylish in and out of the bedroom – who says it just has to be for V-Day?

Share a spoon and dive into the latest EDY’S (Dreyer’s) twist on Rocky Road. Yep, that’s right: the nearly century-old ice cream house has reinvented one of America’s favorite flavors. Founders William Dreyer and Joseph Edy are credited with creating the original chocolate, almond, and marshmallow ice cream recipe. Now, fans can enjoy the full Rocky Road Collection including Mocha Almond Avenue, Chocolate Peanut Butter Park, and Salted Caramel Pretzel Path. Our favorites? It’s hard to turn down a carton of Brownie Brick Road inspired by brownie batter, and the Cookie Cobblestone that is s’mores meets chocolate sandwich cookie. Cuddle up by the campfire and dive in!

Keep your romantic flame burning with the sultry Amber & Moss candle ($28)  from P.F. Candle Co. The all-natural brand (paraben-free, phthalate-free, and never tested on animals) uses hand-pouring techniques with apothecary-inspired touches like amber jars and brass lids for an old school approach to candles. The stylized effort pays off big time – the candles burn for dozens of hours, and are made from 100% domestically-grown soy wax, fine fragrance oils, and cotton-core wicks. One of our favorite scents, Amber & Moss, evokes the warmth of the sun, with the coziness of a mossy forest. With undertones of sage and lavender, the California-made candle makes us fall in love all over again.

Looking for something even more relaxing? Burn the eternal flame of the Cedar & Sagebrush incense ($9), also from P.F. Candle Co. OK, so maybe it’s not “eternal” but your heart will go on with the charcoal-based, hand-dipped sticks. The transcendental smoke lightly fanning off the incense adds to a meditative state. The Cedar & Sagebrush pack has a welcome woodsy fragrance, mixing Sierra juniper, granite, dry sage, and a mineral-inspired scent palette to ease any tensions away.

Happy Valentine’s Day!