Looking for something special beyond hearts and flowers for Valentine’s Day? Think outside the (chocolate) box for some offbeat options that are still sweet surprises.
A toothbrush might not seem like an obvious choice for a Valentine’s Day gift, but the ergonomically designed ISSA Hybrid sonic toothbrush ($199.99) is not only pretty in pink — cobalt blue, mint and cool black, too — but pricey enough to pull it off. Bells and whistles include hybrid bristles that take oral hygiene up a notch, silicone bristles to massage gums, a built-in timer, flexible brush head and eight speeds.
The brush is powered by sonic pulse technology, with the hybrid bristles channeling 183 high-intensity pulsations per second. The result? A more effective cleaning thanks to micro-sweep action. It is made of quick-drying, nonporous silicone that resists bacteria buildup and is 100 percent waterproof for use in the shower or bath.
Packable with a lightweight and portable design, the ISSA Hybrid offers a one-hour charge that lasts up to 365 uses. Each brush head lasts up to six months, plus it includes a two-year limited warranty and a 10-year quality guarantee. (www.foreo.com)
Women will appreciate sleepwear and/or lingerie that has three-in-one functionality — meaning you can go from the beach to meet friends for drinks and then to your bed and nightie-night time. Lusomé makes sensuous sleepwear ($39-$120) that works like a quick-change artist and wears like a dream.
Delicate camisoles, flirty shorts, lace-trimmed chemises — the Luxe and Everyday collections by Lusomé feature an array of flattering silhouettes to compliment every size, shape and budget. The best part? These beautiful designs are backed by science to deliver unparalleled moisture-management control to keep women feeling comfortable and sexy. And P.S., "lusome" is a Scottish term meaning "desirable." (https://lusome.com)
Spencer Paige puts the bling in the bag with Jewel ($120), a fashionable and functional two-section cosmetics bag designed by Denise Millen. From Spencer Paige’s repertoire of luxury travel accessory bags, it offers a boxy shape to fit perfectly into a suitcase.
One section of Jewel contains six spacious compartments for earrings and rings; the other offers three drop pockets for necklaces, with hidden hooks wrapped in luxurious fabric to align chains and eliminate tangling. There are three zippered rows for bracelets, another space to hold bigger necklaces in place and an area for larger bangles with a divider to lay trinkets and other baubles flat.
The washable case is lined with a premium quilted material and finished with polished metal hardware and the SP logo, as well as Spencer Paige's signature cluster of bling. It is available in champagne, blue, purple and black. (www.spencerpaige.com)
The perfect suitcase for a romantic getaway? Travelpro’s Platinum Magna 2 25” Expandable Spinner Suiter ($359.99), gorgeous in deep Marsala red and accented with black leather trim. It is a premium checked piece in high-quality, stain- and abrasion-resistant fabric made for sharing so two can pack just enough for a long, romantic weekend. The suiter accommodates a dress for her, a suit or jacket for him in a padded, wrinkle-free environment. Opposite the suiter are built-in “his and hers” mesh pockets, the perfect place to corral small, easily lost items, organize accessories or stow unmentionables.
In addition to high-performance functionality, this case features eight MagnaTrac self-aligning wheels for effortless 360-degree maneuverability, a patented Contour Grip, and a PowerScope Extension Handle that can be personalized to an individual traveler's comfort with stops at three different heights. Where to tuck those Valentine's Day gifts? In the extra two inches of space created by the bag's tapered expansion feature. (www.travelpro.com)
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