We All Love Presents-A Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

By INDIA-JEWEL JACKSON 02.10.2009 imt

Everyone knows that V-Day can evoke stress for numerous reasons. But gift-giving shouldn’t be one of them. Below are the perfect pressies, no matter whom you’ll be spending February 14th with!

MEN
I personally am totally supportive of buying men products; we all know they secretly love it. Since not all males are created equal, here’s what to get your guy whether he has more products than you, only uses bar soap, or falls somewhere in between.

The Manly Man—JACK BLACK THE NEW CORE COLLECTION
Simple and straightforward, this set of three products will make his skin clean and healthy. Facial cleanser, beard lube conditioning shave, and an SPF moisturizer come in a sleek and very manly black pouch.
Available at sephora.com for $52.

The Traveler-ANTHONY LOGISTICS FACE OFF KIT
This travel-size kit is perfect if your guy is always on the go or doesn’t want to commit (to one product). Small and portable, it contains a cleanser, scrub, shave cream and after shave balm.
Available at Bath and Body Works for $40.

The Earthy Type-KORRES ASBINTHE SHAVE CREAM
If your man has gone green, he’ll love this product from Korres. Absinthe and jojoba oil will protect his skin for irritation and leave it silky smooth.
Available at sephora.com for $22.

The Product Lover-ALFORD & HOFF EYE CREAM
A man who doesn’t balk at the idea of using eye cream will love the sleek packaging and innovative formula of this one. Made to reduce the appearance of dark circles and wrinkles, it will keep him looking young and fresh.
Available at Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman for $48.

The Product-Phobe: CUPID’S KISS PACKAGE AT THE CHOPRA CENTER & SPA
Some guys just don’t do products, so treat him (and yourself) to this blissful series of treatments based on Ayurvedic principles that restore mind-body harmony. Enjoy their Navina Sensory Bath for two, several massage therapies, and a hand massage workshop. Being pampered with your man, what could be better?
130 minutes/$220 per person at the Chopra Center & Spa 212-246-7600

LADIES
If you’re single on Valentine’s Day, please don’t do what I did last year and sit at home alone eating an entire blueberry pie (sad but true). Get your girls together and do a Secret Santa type gift swap!! You all get to reap the benefits of getting cute presents while showing each other how much you care. After all, it should always be chicks first!

PHILOSOPHY CANDY HEARTS LIP DUO
A total flashback to the conversation hearts from elementary school, this lip gloss duo comes in shades called Smooch and Luv U. They smell and taste yummy!
Available at Sephora for $20.

SOAP AND PAPER FACTORY BAR SOAP
These soaps are almost too pretty to use. The antique packaging is so girly and feminine, and each one is full of moisturizing shea butter. The only problem is choosing between the six scrumptious scents!
Available at soapandpaperfactory.com for $14.

CAROL’S DAUGHTER SWEETHONEYDIPCHOCOLATEBROWNSUGAH
BATH BOMB
Each fizzy bomb contains essential oils that turn a normal bath into a totally delectable experience. Plus, they look like little cupcakes. Could bathtime get any cuter?
Available at carolsdaughter.com for $7.50.

TWEEZERMAN RED HEART SLANT TWEEZER
A perfectly appropriate version of the classic, these tweezers are adorable and practical. As with all Tweezerman products, you can send them away to be sharpened for FREE forever. (Um, score!)
Available at tweezerman.com for $25.

DIVINE MILK & DARK CHOCOLATE HEARTS
I know this technically isn’t beauty related, but what girl doesn’t want chocolate? These nutritious and delicious chocolate hearts have less than 30 calories each. And they’re fair trade, made by cocoa farmers in Ghana.
Available at Whole Foods and Borders stores for $4.99

xx, Melanie Rud