Valentine's For All

Summary

The Wirecutter Show - Episode Summary: "Valentine's For All"

Release Date: February 10, 2025
Hosts: Christine Cyr Clisset, Caira Blackwell
Producer: Rosie Guerin
Guest: Samantha Shea, Gift Writer at Wirecutter

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Introduction: Embracing Valentine's Day Beyond Tradition

In the "Valentine's For All" episode, The Wirecutter Show delves into the multifaceted nature of Valentine's Day, exploring gift ideas that cater to a diverse range of relationships and personal preferences. Host Rosie Guerin sets the stage by emphasizing that Valentine's Day isn't limited to traditional gifts for significant others but extends to Galentine's, self-gifting, and unconventional presents that break the mold.

Balancing Consumerism and Genuine Sentiment

Samantha Shea opens the discussion by acknowledging the duality of Valentine's Day as both a consumer-driven holiday and a meaningful occasion to express love and appreciation.

"I fully realize that it is a consumerist holiday and that it was, you know, made up kind of to get us to buy things. That said, I also kind of really like it." (02:58)

She advocates for a "no junk" approach to gift-giving, steering clear of clichéd last-minute purchases like teddy bears holding hearts. Instead, she emphasizes meaningful acknowledgments over extravagant gestures.

Thoughtful Gift Ideas for Every Valentine

Traditional Yet Low-Key Gifts

Samantha prefers simple, traditional gifts that hold sentimental value without being over the top. She shares her family's approach to Valentine's Day, which includes:

• Handmade Cards:
  "I will make handmade gift cards, Cards I might give my kids, like candy or, you know, lip gloss or if I'm really feeling generous, like a jelly cat stuffy." (03:34)

• Heart-Shaped Treats:
  "One year we made heart shaped hamburgers. Like that was the big celebration." (04:09)

• Fresh Flowers:
  "I always get flowers delivered because I love fresh flowers and my husband is well trained in that regard." (04:27)

Gifts for Self-Care and Personal Indulgence

For those who choose to celebrate themselves, Samantha recommends affordable luxuries that add a touch of joy to everyday life:

• Sparkly Socks:
  "They're super warm and cozy but they're also super fun and they're really affordable. I think they're like 15 bucks." (05:15)

• Silk Hair Accessories from LilySilk:
  "If you have longish hair, this curler thing will make your hair. You'll look like a movie star when you take it out of your hair in the morning." (05:15)

• Elegant Gold Chains:
  "It's just a very simple, very classic herringbone gold chain... it looks like the real thing and it's will last forever." (06:17)

• Artisan Chocolates:
  "Our favorites are this box of rakuti chocolates. They're delicious. They're amazing." (06:17)

• Paper Flowers from Unwilted:
  "They're so beautiful and so colorful, and they look like the real thing, but of course, they last way, way longer." (08:00)

Unique and Subversive Gifts

Breaking away from conventional gifts, Samantha highlights options that are both unique and thoughtful:

• La De Rey Paris Macarons:
  "These cookies are insane. They're so beautiful... they're pastel thin shortbread cookie with a little bit of, like, jam or caramel on top." (07:56)

• Gummy Candies:
  "Personally, like, gummies would be the way straight to my heart." (07:56)

Navigating Valentine's Day in New Relationships

Valentine's Day can be particularly challenging for those in the early stages of dating. Samantha offers guidance on finding the right balance to acknowledge the day without overwhelming a new partner.

"If you're seeing someone beyond just like a hookup situation, you should acknowledge the day in some very small way and just kind of solve the whole problem." (10:29)

She shares a personal anecdote about receiving a charming yet modest Valentine's gift—snowballs and a handwritten note—that left a lasting positive impression without being excessive.

"I was just dating this guy... he gave me a package of snowballs... he gave me a little note written on binder paper. And I was totally charmed and cost him maybe $5, probably less, but it worked." (10:29)

Samantha emphasizes that small gestures, such as flowers or chocolates, are sufficient to acknowledge the day without sending mixed signals.

Crafting Meaningful DIY Cards

As an artsy individual, Samantha enjoys creating handmade cards, adding a personal touch to her Valentine's Day celebrations.

"I buy the ready made blank cards of watercolor paper and then I paint them... I've definitely simplified now, and I mostly just do watercolors." (12:56)

She reminisces about elaborate card-making parties from her childhood, highlighting the joy of creating personalized expressions of love.

Advice for Couples with Differing Views on Valentine's Day

When one partner embraces Valentine's Day and the other doesn't, Samantha advises indulging the one who does to maintain harmony in the relationship.

"Indulge them. I mean, why wouldn't you take the opportunity to make them happy, you know, with some small gesture." (12:06)

She cautions against letting differing opinions on Valentine's become a source of conflict, suggesting that small acts of kindness can bridge the gap.

Personal Valentine's Plans

Wrapping up the episode, Samantha shares her own Valentine's Day plans, which reflect her philosophy of thoughtful, simple gestures:

"My daughter's name is Magnolia, and I found a really pretty mug that says Magnolia on it. And I sent her that... I'll probably send my son candy. I'll make them both cards." (13:59)

Conclusion: Celebrating Love in All Its Forms

"Valentine's For All" encourages listeners to tailor their Valentine's Day celebrations to their unique relationships and personal preferences. Whether it's through traditional gifts, self-care indulgences, or thoughtful DIY creations, the episode underscores the importance of meaningful acknowledgment over extravagant spending.

For more detailed gift recommendations and to explore the products featured in this episode, visit The Wirecutter Show's website.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "I fully realize that it is a consumerist holiday and that it was, you know, made up kind of to get us to buy things. That said, I also kind of really like it." — Samantha Shea (02:58)

• "I'm a big handmade card person and I always have been since I was a kid." — Samantha Shea (03:34)

• "If you have longish hair, this curler thing will make your hair. You'll look like a movie star when you take it out of your hair in the morning." — Samantha Shea (05:15)

• "If you're seeing someone beyond just like a hookup situation, you should acknowledge the day in some very small way and just kind of solve the whole problem." — Samantha Shea (10:29)

• "Indulge them. I mean, why wouldn't you take the opportunity to make them happy, you know, with some small gesture." — Samantha Shea (12:06)

• "It's just a gesture, it's an acknowledgement. It's not to my mind, a huge gift giving." — Samantha Shea (04:35)

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For more insights and product recommendations, subscribe to Wirecutter's newest newsletter, The Gift, and stay tuned for upcoming episodes of The Wirecutter Show.

Transcript

[Anna Martin]

I'm Anna Martin, the host of the Modern Love podcast. In every episode, we peek into an.

[Rosie Guerin]

Intimate corner of someone's life and learn.

[Anna Martin]

About what love means to them. You know, I can tell you, 35.

[Samantha Shea]

Years with another person, I've never spent.

[Anna Martin]

That much time with anyone else either. So we both kind of said I love you pretty fast.

[Rosie Guerin]

My advice is that it's okay if it's hard.

[Anna Martin]

You can listen to Modern Love wherever you get your podcasts.

[Rosie Guerin]

Hey, it's Rosie from the Wirecutter Show. Valentine's Day is coming up, and today we've got a special mini episode for you ahead of the big day that's in heavy air quotes if you didn't quite catch it. In a minute, Christine's going to chat with Samantha Shea, a gift writer here at Wirecutter. We love Sam because she's brilliant, but also because she has impeccable taste and great gift recommendations for Valentine's Day. You might think you're limited to a Russell Stovers sampler box or a bouquet of red roses, but Valentine's Day gifts needn't be perfunctory nor uninspired. They also don't have to be intended for a significant other. Therefore, we'd like to present to you the Valentine's Day for all Gift guide, Unusual gift ideas, subversive ones. Gifts for your valentine, your Galentine, or my favorite, gifts for yourself. Because you know what, Rosie? You're worth it. And I love you. Stick around. We'll be right back.

[Noah Chestnut]

Hey, it's Noah Chestnut from the Athletic. If you're into games and sports, pay attention. I'm going to give you four sports terms. You tell me the common thread. Ready? Axel Loop. Lutz Sow Cow. That's Axel Loop. Lutz Salchow. This one's like Medium hard. The answer is figure skating jumps. Now, what if I gave you 16 different terms and you figure out how they come together into four different groups? If you're up for the challenge, you'll want to check out Connections Sports Edition. It's a new daily game for sports fans. There'll be some that are going to stump you, some that make you laugh, and some that remind you when you were a kid watching sports for the first time. Connections Sports Edition. To play today's puzzle, go to theathletic.com connections.

[Anna Martin]

Welcome back. I'm here with gifts writer Samantha Shea, who was on the show last December to talk about gifts for the hard to please people in your life. This time, we're going to chat all about Valentine' Sam, what's your take on Valentine's Day? Do you get into it or do you see it kind of as just like another cynical consumerist holiday?

[Samantha Shea]

Um, I would say a little of both. I fully realize that it is a consumerist holiday and that it was, you know, made up kind of to get us to buy things. That said, I also kind of really like it. So my mantra for gift giving is no junk. So I'm opposed to like Valentine themed stuff, things you might buy last minute because you feel like you have like, oh no. So like Teddy bear's holding hearts. But I like to acknowledge the day for sure.

[Anna Martin]

Yeah, I think that's nice. You don't have to go overboard.

[Samantha Shea]

Right.

[Anna Martin]

What's your favorite type of gift to give or to receive on or around Valentine's Day?

[Samantha Shea]

I like to keep it pretty simple. I like traditional. My family goes pretty low key in terms of gift giving. I am kind of a artsy, crafty kind of person. So I'm a big handmade card person and I always have been since I was a kid. So I will make handmade gift cards, Cards I might give my kids, like candy or, you know, lip gloss or if I'm really feeling generous, like a jelly cat stuffy. When they were younger. My husband gets a card and that's it as a family. One year we made heart shaped hamburgers. Like that was the big celebration.

[Anna Martin]

Like actual hamburgers to eat?

[Samantha Shea]

Yeah, like heart shaped patties. And then I'm sure we had like cookies or something. And I always get flowers delivered because I love fresh flowers and my husband is well trained in that regard. So that's always my Valentine's gift. So I like, you know, low key, but kind of traditional.

[Anna Martin]

I sometimes make heart shaped pancakes for my kids on Valentine's Day. That's as far as I go.

[Samantha Shea]

Yeah, I mean, that's as far as you really have to go on Valentine's Day. Like it's a gesture, it's a acknowledgement. It's not to my mind, a huge gift giving. And if you do give gifts, I think they're also of the gesture and acknowledgement. They're not the birthdays. And this isn't a birthday or a Christmas or an anniversary.

[Anna Martin]

So let's say you don't buy into the whole Valentine's Day thing, but you also like to treat yourself. I mean, it's the dead of winter. Gosh, it's dark. What are some things that you suggest for people who maybe wanna just kind of invest in themselves in some kind of like self care things.

[Samantha Shea]

Yeah, any excuse to give yourself a little pick me up. I'm in. And again, it doesn't have to be big, but just a little something. Especially like if you don't have a romantic valentine, be your own romantic valentine. So we have a couple of things that we recommend that I think are perfect little Valentine's gifts for yourself. I love these sparkly socks that we have. They're like I love all things sparkly, but these are gold or silver metallic socks. They're super warm and cozy but they're also super fun and they're really affordable. I think they're like 15 bucks. You know, there's just, it's like a pair of little pick me up socks. Not a big deal, but it can make you feel cute. I am a big fan of these silk hair accessories from Lilysilk. You can buy this whole set that's a silk pillowcase, a silk hair bonnet and this silk heatless curler thing. And I swear to God, if you have longish hair, this curler thing will make your hair. You'll look like a movie star when you take it out of your hair in the morning.

[Anna Martin]

I was about to say this is the perfect gift for our co host Kyra, who loves Lily silk silk products, but Also maybe my 11 year old who's really gotten into hair care. Curling her hair at night and stuff.

[Samantha Shea]

Yes. So it doesn't damage your hair. It's silk so it slips through the hair so it's not breaking anything. It uses no heat. I mean seriously, you look like a movie star. But even if you have short hair, the silk bonnet keeps your hair from breaking. And it's just this sort of luxurious, comfortable way of sleeping. As is the silk pillowcase which is nice on your skin and nice on your hair and a little, you know, treat for yourself. I am also in love with this gold chain from Laura Lombardi. It's just a very simple, very classic herringbone gold chain and it's actually gold plated brass but it looks like the real thing and it's will last forever. It's not going to tarnish or turn green or anything like that. And it's $100 and it's so elegant and I really, really love it. And again, I'm always in favor of chocolates. Buy yourself what you want. We have tons of chocolates that we love on the site. Our favorites are this box of rakuti chocolates.

[Anna Martin]

I've had those.

[Samantha Shea]

They're delicious. They're amazing. I love them so much. And so there's this XOXO box they do for Valentine's Day, and it's 16 pieces, and it's kind of a jaw dropping. $56. But in telling you if you want to treat yourself and you love chocolate, this is the gift that says, I love myself, and I'm gonna buy myself $6 worth of chocolate because it is so good.

[Anna Martin]

They're also kind of like little gems that you get to pop in your mouth. They're so beautiful.

[Samantha Shea]

They're so gorgeous. Yeah, they're like little art pieces, and they're delicious. And same with flowers. Like, obviously, you can go to your corner store, your bodega, and get yourself flowers, but you can also go a little bigger and order yourself something to arrive. And we also have stuff that's like, maybe a little less gendered. Oh, my gosh. These eugen that you can get from the La De Rey Paris, which they're famous for their macarons. You can get them from Gold Belly. These cookies are insane. They're so beautiful. They're these pastel thin shortbread cookie with a little bit of, like, jam or caramel on top. And then they're coated in this very thin layer of chocolate. But the chocolate is pastel color. Sometimes it's normal brown chocolate, but sometimes it's like pistachio green or pale pink. I mean, talk about jewel. Like, they're gorgeous and they're incredibly delicious. And personally, like, gummies would be the way straight to my heart. I love gummy candies, so that's a good give to anyone. I also love these paper flowers from a company called Unwilted, and they are made like, of Italian tissue paper. And they are so beautiful and so colorful, and they look like the real thing, but of course, they last way, way longer. And even a single stem is gorgeous. The bouquets are pretty expensive. The single stems are around 20 bucks. They're kind of like getting fresh flowers, but they're gonna last you forever. And they're handmade, and they're exquisite.

[Anna Martin]

I love all of those. I want all of them. It kind of seems like there's a theme here of extravagant things, but they're not, like, over the top, super, super expensive. They're like small luxuries.

[Noah Chestnut]

Right?

[Samantha Shea]

Exactly. They're. None of. You don't need any of this stuff, but all of them make your life just a little bit more pleasant, and they're not gonna break the bank.

[Anna Martin]

Delightful things that you might not buy for yourself or you need to be prompted to buy for yourself.

[Samantha Shea]

Right. And that's kind of. I think the point of Valentine's Day, like, not a big. You're not gonna give somebody a. I don't know, a Cuisinart for Valentine's Day. You know, you're just gonna give them a little delight. And same goes for gifting stuff to yourself.

[Anna Martin]

Okay. So I think Valentine's can be a little tricky for people who are in new relationships for sure. How soon is too soon to give someone a Valentine's Day gift?

[Samantha Shea]

Oh, God, it's so nerve wracking. If you're just dating someone and Valentine's Day rolls around. It's terrible, terrible timing. Yeah. You don't want to scare anyone off, right. With like a big gesture. And they. But you don't want to disappoint anyone either, if they're expecting, like, at least an acknowledgement. I think my rule of thumb is that if you're seeing someone beyond just like a hookup situation, you should acknowledge the day in some very small way and just kind of solve the whole problem. I remember one of the most charming gestures when I was younger. I was just dating this guy that I would later go on to date for quite a while. And for Valentine's Day, he gave me a package of snowballs, which are those hostess pink, puffy, terrible things, and like, a little note written on binder paper. And I was totally charmed and cost him maybe $5, probably less, but it worked. So. And if you're unsure, go tradition, go flowers, go chocolate. Be the judge of how big you want to go. But I think a small gesture that's not overboard but is more just sort of friendly. And if you need to, you can pass it off as just sort of cute and platonic.

[Anna Martin]

I think the snowball example you gave is kind of great because if he had given that to you and you'd been like, ew, what is this? It would have been a good sign that you guys probably shouldn't be dating at all.

[Samantha Shea]

Right. And I also feel like if you're kind of at the beginning with someone and you have no desire to acknowledge Valentine's Day, that might be a sign you want to look at. If you're like, I don't even feel like giving them a heart shaped Reese's peanut butter cup.

[Anna Martin]

Right.

[Samantha Shea]

Hmm. Maybe this isn't the one for you.

[Anna Martin]

It's an early sign on the trail of the relationship. Turn back. Okay. If you personally do not buy into Valentine's Day, but your partner does, what's your advice?

[Samantha Shea]

Oh, indulge them. I mean, why wouldn't you take the opportunity to make them happy, you know, with some small gesture, like, anti Valentine's Day doesn't need to be the hill that you die on. Like, that just seems kind of like scroogy to me.

[Anna Martin]

You know, there's a lot of other things.

[Samantha Shea]

Yeah, fight about money or the dishwasher. But, like, give your partner a card at least. Come on.

[Anna Martin]

I want to know, because I think you've mentioned before that you do make art. How do you like to make your cards?

[Samantha Shea]

I buy the ready made blank cards of watercolor paper and then I paint them. But I also do all sorts of. I mean, I've done lots of things. Collage. I grew up having kind of like Valentine's card making parties with my mom and our best family friends. And we would do really elaborate things like collages with sequins and feathers and old picture books we would cut up. But I've definitely simplified now, and I mostly just do watercolors.

[Anna Martin]

I love that. My sister, actually, she does watercolors and she'll send us a postcard every once in a while that she has painted. And it's very meaningful. It's quite delightful to get a little piece of art from someone that they've made.

[Samantha Shea]

Yeah.

[Anna Martin]

Sam, as you know, before we wrap, we usually ask our guest about something they recently purchased that they really love. But I'm gonna flip it this time and ask you, what are you planning on giving for Valentine's Day this year?

[Samantha Shea]

My daughter's name is Magnolia, and I found a really pretty mug that says Magnolia on it. And I sent her that. She's at college. You know, it's just a little gesture. I'll probably send my son candy. I'll make them both cards. That's my big plan.

[Anna Martin]

That's lovely. All right, Sam, it was great to chat with you, and I'm looking forward to the next holiday that we can bring you on.

[Samantha Shea]

Me too. Thanks for having me. This was fun. Happy Valentine's Day.

[Anna Martin]

Happy Valentine's Day. If you want to find out more about Wirecutter's gifting coverage, or if you want to check out the products that Sam recommended today, see our show notes or go to our website. Also, if you love gifting, you'll probably love Wirecutter's newest newsletter, the Gift. Get weekly handpicked gems from Sam and other gifting experts delivered straight to your inbox. You can sign [e-mail] thegift and we'll also drop a link in our show notes. I'll be back with Kyra and Rosie for a brand new episode on Wednesday. Thanks for listening. The Wirecutter show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel. Engineering support from Matty Mazziello and Nick Pittman. Original music by Dan Powell, Marian Lozano, Alicia Ba? Itup and Diane Wong. Wirecutter's deputy publisher and interim general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Fruman is Wirecutter's editor in chief. I'm Christine Cyrclassette. Thanks for listening.