There is something undeniably sexy about having the gumption to decide you want something and then actually going out and getting it yourself. Some people dread Valentine’s Day because they don’t expect to receive a gift from a romantic partner. But why should anyone subscribe to archaic notions that they have to sit around and wait for someone else to spoil them? The ESSENCE staff certainly doesn’t think this way! So, we’re sharing some of the best gifts we’ve purchased for ourselves for February 14 – or any other day on the calendar. Whether in a committed relationship or not, treating yourself responsibly is always in style. From a relaxing spa day to a fly statement bag to a fun personal toy (yep, that kind of toy) and even a sleek luxury car, there is self-love inspiration here for every style and budget. Happy shopping!
“For my own push present, I copped my favorite timepiece to date – a Cartier Roadster watch. Whenever I look at my wrist, I remember that I did the damn thing, and don’t need anyone else to celebrate me. I am enough on my own. – Kara Cahoon, Director, Product Management
Available at Tourneau
“I always wanted a two-door car that was somewhat sporty and has just enough power for me to zoom around the city in when I want to be a fun mom. Buying this car made me feel grown af. It didn’t put me in a financial bind because I saved up for the purchase.” – Tabitha Corley, Junior Video Editor
Available at Mercedes-Benz
“When I lived in Jamaica, before I was coupled up and before ‘Galentines’ was a thing, my bestie and I treated ourselves to a spa weekend. One of my favorite spas in Jamaica is Jencare Skin Farm & Day Spa. We splurged on the full treatment package (massages, facials, mani-pedi, seaweed scrubs—the whole nine) and then got dressed up in new duds and went out to dinner at a fancy restaurant. Good times!” – Grace White, Copy Chief
Available at Jencare Skin Farm
“I have always been a watch person. I worked in a watch shop in college, so I have many timepieces. One I never had was an automatic, so I decided to splurge on myself even though I had plenty of reservations about it. When you spend so much time and money making sure your family has everything they need, sometimes you need to honor yourself.” – Victoria Uwumarogie, Senior Lifestyle Editor
Available at Jared the Galleria of Jewelry
“I’m a material gworl at heart and love to spoil myself, so I’m gifting myself a TheraFace Pro this Valentine’s Day. My favorite part of self-care is therapeutic treatments, and what better way to say ‘I love me’ than an all-in-one at-home facial device?” – India Espy-Jones, Contributing Editor
Available at Therabody
“I treated myself to this ca-yute Brandon Blackwood purse after snagging a long-awaited professional achievement. Brandon is a dope Black designer, and the metallic accents are the perfect nod to my golden-era hip-hop loving soul. But what I love most about this bag is that every time I carry it, I’m reminded that regardless of how long it took, I crushed another personal goal.” – Bridgette Bartlett Royall, Senior Research Editor
Available at Brandon Blackwood
“I’m not the Valentine’s Day type. Outside of grammar school when we share Valentine’s Day cards with classmates, I don’t recall ever exchanging gifts – even with my significant other. This year I am treating myself to a girl’s trip to the Seychelles in North Africa. I arrive on Valentine’s Day and will celebrate with my friends. This was all hubby approved!” – Felicia Fortenberry, Vice President, Sales Mid-West & West Region
Available at Etsy