Valentine’s and anniversary gifts

A closer look: Taste them in order of strength: the 55% sea salt bar first, then the 60% coffee bar, the 70% Peruvian and finally the 85% Ecuadorian, the one for true dark fans. Let a square melt slowly on the tongue rather than chewing it to pick up more of the flavour. At 86g each, there’s plenty to share over the Christmas break.

Why we picked it: Four dark bars, from a gentle 55% sea salt to an intense 85%, made by a British craft chocolate maker. A tasting session in a box.

• 4 dark chocolate bars
• 55% to 85% cocoa
• British craft chocolate
• Gift ready

What owners say: Smooth, not bitter and some of the best chocolate they’ve had. A great gift for dark chocolate fans.

A closer look: The scent leans zesty, with lemongrass and ginger alongside the citrus, so it feels more wake-up than wind-down. Light the candle and run the bath, use the scrub before soaking in the salts, then finish with the hand cream. The soap and hand cream carry on being useful by the sink long after the bath night, and none of it contains parabens.

Why we picked it: Six full-size treats rather than tiny samples, all vegan: everything for a proper night off in the bath.

• Bath salts and bath bomb bar
• Soy wax candle
• Hand cream, body scrub and soap
• Vegan
• Gift box

What owners say: A lovely, generous gift with a gorgeous citrus scent. Owners say it feels like a proper treat.

A closer look: Measure across the bath from outer edge to outer edge before buying: it extends from roughly 70cm to 90cm, which covers most standard baths. The bamboo has a protective lacquer, but wiping it dry and standing it somewhere airy after each soak will keep it looking good for longer.

Why we picked it: Extends across almost any bath, with a stand for a book or tablet and a slot for a glass of wine. Bubble bath not included.

• Bamboo
• Extends to fit most baths
• Book and tablet stand
• Non-slip pads

What owners say: Practical, well designed and makes a relaxing bath even better.

A closer look: Silk rewards a little care: wash it inside out on a cool delicate cycle in a mesh laundry bag, or by hand, with a gentle detergent, and dry it away from direct sun. Buying two means one can be in the wash while the other is on the pillow, which helps once it becomes the only one they want to sleep on.

Why we picked it: Genuine 19 momme mulberry silk on both sides: cool to sleep on, kinder to hair, and just the sort of luxury she’d never buy herself.

• 100% mulberry silk
• 19 momme, grade 6A
• Silk on both sides
• Standard UK size (50 × 75cm)

What owners say: Beautiful quality, lovely and cool to sleep on, and noticeably kinder to hair than cotton.

A closer look: Satin keeps looking its best with a little care: turn the set inside out, wash it cool on a delicate cycle or by hand, and hang it to dry rather than tumbling. Short sleeves and a hip-length shirt make them a comfortable choice for warmer nights, or for anyone who runs hot under the duvet.

Why we picked it: Classic button-down satin pyjamas in lots of colours: the “treat yourself” look for less.

• Silky satin
• Button-down top
• Elastic-waist trousers
• Lots of colours

What owners say: The comfiest pyjamas ever, with a smooth feel and a lovely look.

Heads up: Sizing varies a little, so check the size chart on the listing.

A closer look: Tying hair up loosely in one at night is a good way to use them, as the silk slides rather than grips, so there’s less of a crease or tangle by morning. The four tones are neutral enough for the office or the gym, and a gentle hand wash in cool water with a little mild shampoo keeps the silk soft.

Why we picked it: Silk is gentle on hair, so no kinks or snags. Four skinny scrunchies in a travel pouch that lives in her handbag.

• 100% mulberry silk
• Set of 4
• Gentle on hair
• Travel pouch

What owners say: Lovely quality, beautifully soft, and they hold without pulling.

A closer look: Pop the gold lid on to put it out instead of blowing, which avoids a puff of smoke and keeps the fragrance in between burns. Spread across a 15.5cm-wide jar, the three wicks carry the scent round a living room, so an hour or two in the evening is plenty. Trim the wicks short before each lighting to keep the flames tidy.

Why we picked it: Three wicks and a soft vanilla scent, in a smart gold-foil gift box, so there’s no wrapping required.

• Three wicks
• Soy wax
• Vanilla, cream and bourbon
• Gift boxed

What owners say: A strong, lovely vanilla scent and it looks far more expensive than it is.

Heads up: Let it burn until the whole top melts the first time, so it burns evenly.

A closer look: Each sachet is one measured serving, so there’s no guessing at scoops; heat the milk gently rather than letting it boil. The recipe contains milk and soya, which is worth checking if the recipient has allergies. Tucked into a big mug with a bar of their favourite chocolate, it makes an easy and generous winter present.

Why we picked it: Made with real chocolate flakes rather than powder, from the British chocolatier. Tastes like a treat from a proper café.

• Real chocolate flakes
• 50% cocoa milk
• 20 single-serve sachets
• Works in a Velvetiser

What owners say: A rich, not-too-sweet flavour that becomes their go-to drink.

Heads up: Whisk it well, or use a milk frother, for the smoothest cup.

A closer look: The tiny studs and hinged huggies are small enough to sleep in, and several suit a second or cartilage piercing as well as the lobe. Keeping the pairs in a little box or ring dish stops the butterfly backs going astray, and taking them out before swimming or a bath helps the finish keep its shine.

Why we picked it: A set of sterling silver studs and huggie hoops to mix and match, so there’s a pair for every outfit.

• 925 sterling silver
• Several pairs
• Studs and huggie hoops
• Hypoallergenic

What owners say: Good quality with a nice shine, a lovely variety of styles and great value.

Heads up: Want a big name? Pandora’s infinity studs are the popular choice, at just over £25.