Image via Complex Original
Valentine's Day is one of the best/worst holidays on the calendar. Best because, well, you know. Worst because stress levels are at all time highs. You have to get your girl a gift she'll love, plan the perfect day, or your ass is sleeping on the couch. So: what do you buy bae for V-Day? Do you take her out to a fancy dinner? Do you put in the extra effort and just flex your chef skills? Do you drop your entire paycheck on a purse she's been eyeing?
Material things aren't the be all and end all of this holiday, but take it from a girl: We definitely appreciate getting gifts. It can be something thoughtful, like jewelry, or something as simple as rapper Valentine's Day cards. If you have no idea where to start, here are some ideas. Check out our gift guide: What to Buy Bae for Valentine's Day.
But first, tell her this:
Acne Studios Trouser
Buy It Now at Acne, $560
These cost a shit ton, sure, but they're definitely worth it based on the design and quality alone. Get your girl a pair so she can stunt. If you own some of Our Legacy's crinkled pieces from Fall/Winter 2015 and Spring/Summer 2015 yourself, then pull a Kimye and match.
A.P.C. Candles
Buy It Now at A.P.C., $80
Who knew A.P.C. sold candles? If your girl is the type to hoard scented candles around her house, then these are perfect. If she isn't, introduce her to the finer things in life. No one should have unscented /church candles lying around.
Catbird Earrings
Buy It Now at Catbird, $64
Catbird is a small boutique in Williamsburg, Brooklyn that carries some of the best jewelry in New York. The pieces sold in-store can cost you upwards a $1,000, but there are some more affordable options—like these Coquette Ear Huggers. If you're not ready to give her a ring, earrings are the next best thing.
Maison Martin Margiela Tote
Buy It Now at SSENSE, $1,580
Most women consider bags investment pieces, and for good reason. Quality leather bags can last for years and only get better with time—especially if well taken care of. This Maison Martin Margiela is made from the finest leather and has the classic shape of a tote, which means she'll likely never get tired of it and flip it on eBay.
Aeryn Shein Diamond Ring
Buy It Now at Steven Alan, $220
Aeryn Shein is a Los Angeles jewelry brand. This 18k gold plated bronze has a tiny white diamond inserted at the top, and it a clean, simple, and classic style. You can't go wrong with this one.
Alexander Wang Heels
Buy It Now at Alexander Wang, $525
Alexander Wang has built a cult-like following for its apparel, but also for its accessories and footwear. These sandals are made from 100 percent suede and nappa leather, and are 100 percent a gift you should consider buying bae. It's a silhouette that looks good on most, if not all, so no worries about having her walking around with Kim Kardashian-pregnant-swollen-tortuted-like feet.
Le Labo Santal 33 Perfume
Buy It Now at Le Labo, $160
Le Labo's Santal 33 fragrance is made of sandalwood, cardamom, and musk. It will literally make people do a double take and ask your girl what perfume she's wearing—just make sure it's not some creepy dude trying to hit on her. If she doesn't like it, just keep it for yourself because all of Le Labo's scents are unisex.
Rapper Valentine's Day Card
Buy It Now at Etsy, $7
There is still value in giving cards—especially when it has Rick Ross, Kanye West, or Cam'ron on the front. The worst thing you could do is give her some corny card you got from the dollar store. This is a much, much better option, and one that won't cost you an arm or a leg.
*Just make sure this isn't the only thing you gift her.
COS Lingerie
Buy It Now at COS, $35
COS, H&M's sisterbrand, makes pretty decent lingerie for a moderate price. Made from sheer fabric (!), this bra has embroidered detailing and contrast silk panel around the bottom. And for only $35, you could even buy the matching underwear. Splurge, because this is gift for the both of you.
Great Jones Spa Gift Card
Buy It Now at Great Jones Spa, amount up to you
Women love to pamper themselves, which means they love spas. Great Jones Spa is one of the best in New York City, so a gift card here would automatically make you the #1 boyfriend/husband. They offer everything from manicures and pedicures to hot stone massages.