Valentine's Gift Ideas & the Best Date Ever

It’s no secret that Laguna Beach Living loves a gift guide. We’ve done so many:

HOLIDAY Gift Guides

WELLNESS Gift Guides

PANDEMIC Gift Guides

But for Valentine’s Day this year we wanted to do something a little different. 

Instead of listing a roundup of all our go-to fave gifts of the moment, we’ve packed them into a perfect hypothetical date.

Whether you’re planning an extravagant surprise for the love of your life, a “meet cute” for your latest Hinge dalliance, or you’re taking yourself out (because if we’re being totally honest, YOU are who’s most important here), we’ve planned a dream date anyone would be smitten over.

So without further ado, let’s start with a gift for good measure (duh!):

We are vibing on this Hammitt Daniel Satchel in a big way. Hammitt is a Los Angeles based company known for their leather purses with pockets galore. Cell phone pocket? Check! Credit card pocket? Check! A bunch of little tiny pockets to store all your little tiny Valentine’s loot? Check, check, and check! Made to last, all Hammitt products have a lifetime warranty. Literally, if a piece of hardware or a zipper needs repair they’ll fix it free of charge, FOREVER. (Just like love.)

Because this bag is made to hold everything, you’re going to want to fill those pockets with some goodies. 

Pack in a bottle of Osea’s Hyaluronic Sea Serum Reform because you live at the beach and want to make sure that gorgeous face of yours (and theirs) stays hydrated. This fast-absorbing serum is made from three nutrient-rich seaweeds to restore optimal moisture levels. A little face care is something we all need, whether we’re gettin’ all kissy-kissy or not.

Next, throw in a few cans of liquid courage. Not only do Roseade cans look cute AF, the rosé lemonade wine spritzer is small enough to fit in a bag for a date “roadie” — and they taste like the quintessential Cali beach day.

For the perfect spot to drink your spritz, you’ve booked a date with The Picnic Style – luxury pop-up experiences that pay attention to detail. Flowers, pillows, and customized themes, it’s a one-stop-party that’s already done the work for you.

While picnic-ing get the mood right with a SAINT of Finding Love by Ira Dewitt candle. Not only do these candles scream luxury with their sleek packaging and individualized scents, they are each named after a patron saint associated with a specific aspect of human life. Whether you’re battling a health issue, embarking on a trip, or – hi! – trying to find love, there is a SAINT Candle to help guide your journey. 

When it’s time for dessert, pop a bottle of Josh Cellars Reserve North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon paired with Lakrids by Bülow’s Love Selection Box. The full-bodied red is bursting with aromas of dark fruits, toasted nuts, and hints of blackcurrant and rose petal and will make it all the more fun to indulge in the six handcrafted flavors of Denmark’s most famous chocolate covered licorice. How v. fancy — and sweet— and international of you!

At the end of your date, peek back inside your Hammitt purse for an extra hidden surprise (there are literally SO. MANY. POCKETS). Because no perfect dream date can end in a hangover, gift a bottle of Juna Detox Drops for daily detoxification, boosted energy levels, and increased circulation.

Congratulations, you’ve literally thought of everything…

but wait, there’s more!

To really seal the deal, follow up with your boo thang afterwards by sending a framed print of your favorite photo of the day… Collage.com offers custom framed canvas prints that will make sure your date is remembered properly in your hearts (and on your wall), forever.

And if it doesn’t work out, just frame your dogs. 


Lindsay DeLong is the Editor-in-Chief of Laguna Beach Living and the Founder of the City Living Network. She’s currently single… but dayummm, can she plan a date.