8 Gifts in Red That Will Really Stand Out

New York Times

13-02-2025

Universally associated with love, passion, warmth and desire, the color red also is the most dominant hue.
'Because it has the longest wavelength in the visible spectrum,' said Karen Haller, a color psychology expert in the English county of Kent, 'we see red before other colors; it's what we notice first.'
So presenting someone with a gift that is red can create a special experience. 'Because it's an unforgettable, standout color that's eye-catching, you're more likely to remember that piece, the person who gave it to you and the memory of receiving it,' noted Ms. Haller, the author of 'The Little Book of Colour.'
And isn't the recipient's pleasure the true object of gift giving?
With that in mind, here are eight red-centric items that might make notable, unexpected gifts for this Valentine's Day or perhaps some other pending occasion.
Aromatherapy For an olfactory experience matched by a visual one, there is the Tubéreuse (Tuberose) candle by Diptyque Paris. A tribute to the fragrant white flower grown in Southern India, the candle exudes the intense, yet fresh floral scents of jasmine and gardenia, with soft touches of fruity, milky notes. The wax in the candle's 10.6-ounce medium version ($115) is the perfect shade of red, as is its handblown glass container. If you prefer white wax, a porcelain vessel and three wicks, go for the 21.2-ounce large version ($230) or splurge with the 51.3-ounce extra-large size ($450) in a terra-cotta holder. Once the candle is burned, the smaller vessels could be used for knickknacks and the larger ones could double as plant holders.
Got My Eye on You Who doesn't need a little protection — or a lot? It may be found in a fashionable bracelet purposely created to ward off negative or toxic energy. Corbin Chamberlin, a healer and the owner of Sage & Salt, a crystal and wellness brand in Sedona, Ariz., has designed hand-carved crystal amulets with an evil eye motif ($280). Aquamarine is used to create the pupil, obsidian for the iris and clear quartz for the rest of the eye. The stones are all cleansed, he said, in a multipart ritual, blessed and charged in a vortex near his home. The eye design is encapsulated in sterling silver and strung on a red cord to encourage energy, strength and power.
Worth the Weight The elephant has long symbolized wisdom, power and good fortune. Why not invite a little luck into a home or office with Hermès' small but mighty elephant paperweight ($610). Made from hand-lacquered wood in a terra-cotta color, and inspired by the elephants of Laos, this five-inch-tall mammal quietly shouts sleek sophistication with its purposefully designed contours and curves.
The Cherry on Top So you don't lose a handbag or anything else for that matter, try a fanciful fruit-forward holder for Apple AirTags, made by the Australian luxury leather company Maison de Sabré. Its Sabrémoji Fruit Charms come in a variety of shapes, but the cherry version ($75) has two zippered compartments: one for an AirTag and an extra one for pills, earrings and the like. Or if your recipient has a favorite destination such as Singapore or London, choose the red version of a City Charm ($69). Crafted from off-cuts of the brand's signature full-grain leather, these special-edition charms can clip easily to almost anything, from a gym bag to a key ring.
Got You Covered For the travel aficionado, Louis Vuitton's passport cover ($445) might be a welcome surprise. The brand's signature Monogram design on coated canvas is brightened by the so-called Sari red trim, a precursor to the red-focused interior, which has a small pocket and four slits for credit cards, hotel room keys or business cards and two larger pockets for money or papers, and, of course, a passport.
Crystal, but Not Clear Fresh flowers last a week, if you're lucky. A vase, especially a crystal one created by a French luxury house, is forever. Which prompts consideration of Baccarat's red Eye Vases, offered in an oval shape ($690) slightly less than six inches tall or a rectangular shape ($950) at almost eight inches high. The crystal's wavy, yet sharply crisp design, by Nicolas Triboulot, is created by using exterior horizontal cuts paired with interior vertical ones. The result is a handsome beveled two-toned effect of red interior and clear exterior.
Love Notes Smythson, the heritage leather goods house founded in 1887 in London, has long offered lined leather-bound notebooks in scarlet red. But they are made current by the witty or whimsical wording embossed on their covers, such as 'The Boss' ($69), 'Wonder Woman' ($160) or 'Inspirations and Ideas' ($90). Or you could go plain with the Portobello Notebook ($355), but be sure to write something memorable inside before wrapping.
Say It With Words and Warmth Win anyone over with a little warmth with a customized luxury cashmere sweater or sweatshirt in red from Lingua Franca. The brand, founded by Rachelle J. Hruska MacPherson, has become known for its brazen, feel-good quotes and passionate rallying cries, which are embroidered by hand onto sweaters ($320-$380) and sweatshirts ($150-$175) for women and men. Children's sizes and pre-embroidered versions also are available ($125-$160). Stay focused on Valentine's Day with 'Love to Love You Baby' or 'All You Need Is Love.' Custom orders also are accepted. Or you could go with a classic heart and arrow and your recipient's initial sewn inside along with your own.