If ever there was a moment for showing our love for one another, Valentine’s Day 2021 is surely it. Be it your partner, neighbour, friend or family member, take the opportunity to let them know how loved and special they are with our all-inclusive Valentine’s gift guide. And don’t forget a little treat for yourself too!

MAKE A STATEMENT

Valentine’s Day is the one holiday where the usual British restraint goes out of the window and grand romantic gestures are par for the course. Show your love with timeless statement pieces, such as a pair of exquisite diamond earrings from Boodles or a limited-edition rose gold timepiece from Bremont. A silk tie from Hermès is sure to score brownie points, as are these stylish, wireless headphones from Montblanc. After all, ‘if music be the food of love…’ 

ALL THE SMALL THINGS

They say that big things come in small packages — and no package packs quite a punch like a little duck-egg blue Tiffany & Co. box. This graffiti-inspired arrow earring, designed by Paloma Picasso (granddaughter of Pablo) exclusively for Tiffany, is a contemporary love token. Similarly, Vashi’s Lovestrike collection is a subtle celebration of amore with a sleek design that mimics heartbeat sound waves, while Tateossian’s ruby-encrusted cufflinks are a modern interpretation of a timeless accessory. But if subtlety isn’t your style, you can’t go wrong with this sweet Aspinal of London leather key ring, which you can choose to emblazon with your loved one’s initials.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

There’s no truth to the old adage ‘the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach’ — food is the language of love for everyone. And while a heartfelt attempt at baking or breakfast in bed may be thoughtful, these gourmet experts at The Royal Exchange are guaranteed to deliver the ‘wow’ factor. Fortnum & Mason has a wide range of beautifully presented foodie gifts, from beautiful boxes of chocolates to indulgent hampers, while its decadent Rosé Champagne can be personalised with a special message added to its label. Also ‘tickled pink’ is French patisserie Ladurée with its cupid-emblazoned macaron gift boxes. And this gooey vegan fondue bomb with dunkable sugar-coated matchsticks, by Cutter & Squidge, is a sweet and satisfying declaration of love.

I’LL BE THERE FOR YOU

February 14th needn’t just be about romantic love. Everyone enjoys receiving presents, so why not use Valentine’s Day as an excuse to give back to the most important people in your life? The Leica Sofort is an ingenious mini instant camera, allowing your friends to capture spontaneous moments to treasure. Smythson’s stylish ‘Little Black Book’ is another traditional and tangible way to stay connected to your inner circle, and Tateossian’s stylish range of unisex accessories make perfect ‘grown-up’ tokens of friendship. 

PUT YOURSELF FIRST

It’s not often that the writing of Carrie Bradshaw is considered profound, but the last lines of Sex and the City brilliantly summarise self-acceptance and love: ‘The most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself.’ Whatever your marital status, why not indulge in a little ‘me time’ this Valentine’s Day with some fabulously indulgent gifts. Jo Malone London’s sumptuous bath oil, made from crushed violets and a blend of seven types of roses, will elevate your bath time, especially when paired with these beautiful sculptural tea lights from Danish design house Georg Jensen. Afterwards, slip on an exquisite 100 per cent silk Liberty print dressing gown from Sirplus and curl up in front of your favourite Netflix series (or Sex and the City boxset). Bliss…

Thinking of popping the question this Valentine’s Day? Don’t miss our expert guide to choosing an engagement ring, with top tips and advice from The Royal Exchange’s knowledgable and highly renowned jewellery boutiques. Read now >

The Royal Exchange celebrates its 450^th anniversary this year. We look forward to welcoming you during 2021, for a considered shopping experience in spectacular and historic surroundings. Please visit our boutiques page for regular updates on our retailers’ opening information and hours, as well as details about virtual appointments and click and collect services

Visit our heritage page to learn more about the history of The Royal Exchange and keep an eye on our journal and Instagram for more fascinating facts and insights about The Royal Exchange’s past and present as we commemorate this special milestone throughout the year ahead