The Best Valentine's Day Gifts to Give or Receive — According to a Lingerie Model
:upscale()/2025/01/30/170/n/49352476/1d2b9160679c3e141cd3a7.45688331_.jpg)
You don't have to be in a romantic relationship to celebrate Valentine's Day. In fact, for Mayowa Nicholas, the fashion model argues that perhaps the best thing you can do during the season of love, is celebrate yourself — with a couple self-care gifts, of course.
"Treating myself to some 'me time' is the ultimate present, and while it goes against the status quo of gifting others during V-Day, it's a great reminder to show yourself some adoration too," Nicholas tells PS.
As the star of Victoria's Secret's newest Valentine's Day campaign, the model — who made history as the first Nigerian model to walk for Dolce & Gabbana — knows a thing or two about coveted Valentine's Day treats; and VS's latest collection is chock-full of them.
"This year's collection has so many great, made-to-be seen styles that are perfect for whatever your plans are to celebrate. To me, what sets this collection apart [from others] is the playful incorporation of color – emulating how love can be vibrant, exciting, and unexpected!"
Ahead of the holiday, we asked Nicholas for her best Valentine's Day gifting recs — both in products that she loves to give and receive. From trusted favorites like comfortable lingerie and a decadent box of chocolates to thoughtful gift ideas like a nourishing moisturizer, keep reading to shop the model's full V-day gift guide.
:upscale()/2025/01/30/178/n/49352476/a47d1823679c40ccd64344.41761606_Screenshot_2.png)
Best Valentine's Day Gift For Self Care
ChillHouse Press-On Nails ($43, originally $48)
Nicholas says that her ultimate form of self care is "getting a bold manicure," but if you're more of a DIY nail person, ChillHouse is her favorite for press-on options. This press-on set is part of the brand's new Valentine's Day collection.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2025/01/30/178/n/44344577/shopujhVxl.png)
:upscale()/2025/01/30/193/n/49352476/748ebe9a679c459fb2d1d5.12270762_Screenshot_2.png)
Best Victoria's Secret Valentine's Day Gift
Victoria's Secret Glazed Satin Short Pajama Set ($80)
Lingerie might get all the hype come Valentine's Day, but Nicholas says that she's equally "obsessed" with luxurious pajamas — and this satin set from Victoria's Secret, in particular. "I love how the [brand's Valentine's Day] collection is all about authentically celebrating those you adore including yourself and offers so many chic styles to wear whether you're staying in or going out," she says.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2025/01/30/209/n/49352476/2a651212679c4b288675c8.35882042_Screenshot_2.png)
:upscale()/2025/01/30/178/n/49352476/3f7385ed679c40cf337197.90487928_2025Valentin.webp)
Best Sweet Valentine's Day Gift
Marie Belle Valentine's Day Chocolate Ganache Heart Box ($84)
While it's not the most atypical Valentine's Day treat, a box of chocolates is a failsafe gift for a reason. "As obvious as this might be, who doesn't love receiving a special box of chocolates? Marie Belle offers so many beautiful and delicious options." This particular chocolate gift features an assortment of ganache treats, packaged in a beautiful, heart-shaped box (because, of course).
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2025/01/30/179/n/44344577/shopjcsbMo.jpg)
:upscale()/2025/01/30/178/n/49352476/b81372d1679c40ce9a43b7.51101343_Studio_Sessi.webp)
Best Valentine's Day Jewelry Gift
Heaven Mayhem Brown Mini Necklace ($84)
According to Nicholas, you can never go wrong with treating a loved one to a bold piece of jewelry — especially if it's as chic as this abstract accessory. "A great piece of statement jewelry can elevate any outfit and add personality to any look – and gifting a classic yet bold piece, like from Heaven Mayhem, is a great way to show someone you really get their style."
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2025/01/30/179/n/44344577/shopfE5KXl.jpg)
:upscale()/2025/01/30/178/n/49352476/8cb9f29c679c40cfc73395.65608764_Screenshot_2.png)
Best Valentine's Day Outfit Idea
Victoria's Secret Very Sexy Rose Lace Short Bodysuit ($100)
Perhaps the best Valentine's Day gift you can give yourself (or a partner) is a sultry ensemble that you can feel good in. "Styling outfits is the perfect way to express yourself and optimize feeling your most comfortable and confident," says Nicholas.
As for her recommendations on the best Valentine's Day outfit? "You could do so many different things with the Very Sexy Rose Lace Short Bodysuit – like pair it with a low-rise jean, layer it under a sheer dress, or throw an oversized blazer over it. I also love the Blooming Rose Corset Top and think it would look incredible with a sleek maxi skirt and a pair of heels."
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2025/01/30/212/n/49352476/08f9c3de679c4c13d9a705.66960327_Screenshot_2.png)
:upscale()/2025/01/30/204/n/49352476/698f1c9f679c4959685735.19148356_large_167963.png)
Best Valentine's Day Beauty Gift
Retrouvé Intensive Replenishing Facial Moisturizer ($240)
This Valentine's Day, Nicholas recommends treating the beauty-lover in your life to one of the model's favorite skin-care essentials: the Retrouvé Intensive Replenishing Facial Moisturizer. "Retrouvé has been one of my favorite brands for years because of its incredibly high-quality ingredients. The facial moisturizer is a luxurious and thoughtful gift for anyone skincare-obsessed in your life."
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2025/01/30/209/n/49352476/badb463a679c4b19e6e080.72305078_large_167963.png)
:upscale()/2025/01/30/170/n/49352476/a43702a033663004_Commerce_Mini_Bio_Slides.png)
Kyley Warren (she/her) is an award-winning writer, editor, and affiliate strategist with more than four years of experience in the publishing space. She currently works as an assistant editor on PS Shopping and is an expert on all things related to shopping and fashion. She previously worked with Entertainment Tonight as a style commerce writer, and her byline has appeared in publications globally.