It’s not that I don’t like chocolate and flowers, but I often feel that just when our wallets and scales are recovering from the holidays, along comes Valentine’s Day.
Luckily, there are some scented alternatives to show our love and appreciation that often cost a lot less than a dozen red roses and won’t make the scale tilt the next day. Unless you know your beloved is pining for a particular bottle of fragrance, I think Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to expand your scented horizons and give something just a little different.
Scented Stationery and Note Cards
There’s nothing better than a handwritten thank you note or love letter, and a scented card is pretty luxurious, too. $12–$48 at The Soap and Paper Factory.
Scented Spaces
Scented Sheets by Agraria
These elegant cards are sturdy enough to put in your closet, under a car seat, or anywhere that might get a bit musty. Twelve sheets, available in six fragrances. $28 at Agraria and Saks Fifth Avenue.
Scented Drawer Papers
I love opening my lingerie or sock drawer and getting a subtle whiff of fragrance that isn’t laundry soap. Six sheets, available in six fragrances. $28 at The Soap and Paper Factory.
Moroccan Rose Reed Diffuser
The Body Shop has a new line of Moroccan Rose products, and they’re perfect for rose lovers. $24 at The Body Shop.
Agraria Mediterranean Jasmine Gift Suite
Three of Agraria’s luxury home products in one fabulous package. Comes with a TasselAire, PetiteEssence with mirrored tray, and Luxury Bath Bar. $85, exclusively at Neiman Marcus.
Candles and Bath
Citron De Vigne Candle
Citrus with a deep spicy base. Wonderful for men or women. $48 at Fresh.
Tucci Special Edition White Rose Candle
Smells beautiful, and lasts a lot longer than a vase of roses. $28, available at Nooks and Niches.
Thai Honeysuckle Candle and Scented Petals by Red Flower
Remove the petals from the top of the candle and sprinkle them in your bath. Light the candle and soak away your cares. A wonderful idea. $28 at Luckyscent.
Voluspa Japonica Mini Candles
Voluspa makes wonderful candles, and while I never know if anyone actually travels with candles, I love small candles I can mix and match. Plus, the price is right—$9 per tin at Nooks and Niches.
Valentine Cupcake
Pop these sweet cupcakes right into your bath, with not a calorie in sight! $8, available in three scents from Bath & Body Works.
Molton Brown Re-Charge Black Pepper Body Wash
Yummy-smelling, but not overpowering shower gel. Designed for men, but women will love it, too. $28 at Neiman Marcus.
Salt Scrubs
Available in three scents, this scrub comes highly recommended by some very discriminating men. $21 at Nancy Boy.
Just Because I Love Them
Estee Lauder Jay Strongwater Pleasures Bulldog Compact
If you have a French bulldog lover in your life, this is the thing to buy. Adorable and highly collectible. $325 at Neiman Marcus.
Daisy Solid Perfume Necklace.
So cute, and not pricy at all. As fresh as the daisy it’s named for. $35 at Sephora.
I find watching men shave irresistible, even if they don’t like being peeked at! $100 at Saks Fifth Avenue and an engraved razor to go with it for $250 if you’re really feeling the love.
If you love your Valentine but want something a little different, I hope you found something that made your heart beat a little harder in this list—and not just from the price tag!
