12 Valentine's Day Gift Ideas You Can Use All Year Long
Whip up a great meal or drink for your special someone and spruce up your kitchen all at once.
As much as we love great chocolate gifts, sometimes the best gifts for Valentine's Day are an upgrade that makes your home that much better. Overcome the holiday cliché by using it as an excuse to get a new kitchen tool or two. If you're planning on cooking a meal together, or having a cocktail or two before you head out to dinner, or would rather celebrate with brunch over the weekend, these gift ideas can help with everything. Take the leap and finally buy that glass wine decanter, a proper cheese board, and a full bar tools set. These gifts make the grade, and then some.
Kitchen Torch
Whip up the perfect creme brulée with ease, a definite treat that shows you went the extra mile. Use it regularly for indoor s'mores, meringues, or braising grapefruit for breakfast.
Rösle Kitchen Torch, $65 at surlatable.com or $40 at amazon.com
Riedel Glassware
What is a cocktail without the perfect sipping vessel, after all? With sturdy stems and shapes specifically design for every classic cocktail, this collection is an investment worth making and will stand the test of time.
Riedel Drink Specific Glassware Collection, $30-$60 per set at macys.com or amazon.com
Wine Opener
A great wine opener is a necessity for any wine enthusiast's kitchen counter.
Rabbit Wine Opener, $45 at crateandbarrel.com or amazon.com
Full Bar Set
Get your mixology tools in order and on-trend. This copper-plated stainless steel looks great on display, and comes with a shaker, strainer, bar spoon and jigger.
Williams Sonoma Copper Bar Tools Set, $90 at williams-sonoma.com
Crepe Maker
Morning brunch can get so much sweeter with a proper pan for making crepes from scratch.
Staub Cast-Iron Crêpe Pan with Spreader & Spatula, $100 at williams-sonoma.com or amazon.com
Ice Bucket
Keep your rosé or bubbly nearby on any evening, including the romantic ones. This solid white marble is both durable and decorative for home decor, with copper finishes for extra shine.
Marble & Copper Ice Bucket, $80 at williams-sonoma.com
Raclette Set
Do it for two or impress your guests with an entire raclette-melting set for incredible cheese experience-- no electricity required. Dip your crudites, cover your crostini, or scoop it onto your home fries.
Raclette Party Set, $79 at food52.com or amazon.com
Wine Decanter
Pony up for that ideal decanter and showcase that bottle you've been waiting to savor. This one from Üllo will also filter any unwanted sulfites and sediment, so your wine will be the best it can be.
Üllo Wine Purifier with Hand Blown Decanter, $150 at surlatable.com or amazon.com
Egg Waffle Pan
Step up your waffle game with this egg puff version, the Hong Kong street snack makes for a delicious weekend breakfast. It's make of aluminum and will turn out the puffed up pastry in no-time.
Nordic Ware Hong Kong Egg Waffle Puff Pan, $60 at food52.com or $43 at amazon.com
Steam Griddle
Fried eggs, homemade pizza, or crispy burgers are all perfect for this glass domed cast iron pan. Keep in mind these cast iron do's and don't's.
Staub Steam Griddle with Glass Lid, $149 at food52.com, amazon.com or bloomingdales.com
Cheese Board
Whether it's a dinner for two or a gathering of many, a cheese board is never a bad idea. This one has a fitted cloche that'll keep your fruits and cheeses fresh while the party gets going. (Check out more beautiful serving platters).
Olivewood Board with Cloche, 90 at williams-sonoma.com
Nespresso Machine
A gift that keeps on giving, this expresso machine makes every morning that much easier. Rather unplug? These French presses and pour overs are beautiful additions to any countertop.
Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine by Breville, $173 at amazon.com