February Birthday Presents That Aren't Cheesy Valentine's Day Gifts
Gift giving is tricky unto itself, but gift giving calibrated for COVID-era birthdays? Well, that adds a whole other level of difficulty to the mix — like triple axle levels of difficulty. Thoughtful go-tos like taking the birthday guy out to lunch or showing up for work with a bakery-made cake for your work wife isn’t exactly going to cut it. And since most of us can’t be together to celebrate, sending a gift to show you’re thinking of your friends becomes even more appropriate.
To help take the pressure off, we’ve scoured the Internet for the most meaningful gifts to present analytical and independent Aquarians (born January 20 - Feb 10) and artistic and compassionate Pisces (born February 19 - March 20). Whether loved ones are into cooking, adventure, creativity or video games, find 18 options, ahead, that will help you nail February gift-giving — and stick the landing.
Much like the Aquarius in your life, this finely crafted saddle bag from Coach is practical with a free-spirited flair. Fun and flirty, any air sign would be thrilled to receive this retro-inspired accessory. Bonus: Get $10 off orders $150 and more with SMS signup. SHOP: Hutton Saddle Bag In Colorblock, Was $350; Now $210, available at Coach
A true boots-to-the ground star sign, Aquarius with a never-ending to-do list will appreciate the practicality and straightforward style of these classic Sorels, which are built to keep feet dry in the deepest of snow and cozy, thanks to a sherpa lining.
SHOP: Sorel Caribou Boots, Was $160; Now $129.99, available at Madewell
A disposable paper mask just isn’t fitting of the artistic and emotionally-driven Pisces. Instead, step up your favorite Pisces’ safety game with a luxe, jewel-toned pure silk mask equipped with a sleeve that houses disposable filters (also included).
SHOP: Night Mulberry Silk Face Mask & Disposable Filters Set, Was $55, Now $37.99, available at Bloomingdale's
Anyone in search of a PS5 knows how impossible it is to find the chronically sold out gaming system, which launched in November. But '90s kids and Aquarians with a competitive streak will find just as much of a thrill in this classic console, which comes pre-loaded with 20 mid-'90s releases that include Grand Theft Auto and Resident Evil Director’s Cut.
SHOP: Sony PlayStation Classic Console, $79.98, available at Walmart
One has to be extremely careful in giving cleaning tools as a gift. There’s a very specific sector of the population for which such a present would bring joy and satisfaction. But for those orderly types who get off on making everything just so, being presented with the Rolls Royce of vacuums will be a glorious day. This cordless model, which is currently on sale, gives your resident neat freak 60-minutes run time to float around the house and suck up debris with a powerful V10 digital motor and a fully-sealed filtration system made to trap 99.99% of particles as small as 0.3 microns.
SHOP: Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute Vacuum, Was $549, Now $479.99, available at Dyson
The analytical Aquarius will love the precision that this indoor gardening kit brings to growing herbs and veggies. Its LED is automatically calibrated to give plants the light they need, while the device reminds users when to water or add plant food. Better yet, easy-to-use pods containing basil, parsley, dill, mint, and more guarantee fertile, yet no-brainer planting. The result? Even failed #plantmoms will find their green thumbs — and be rewarded with a consistent supply of fresh garnishes.
SHOP: AeroGarden Harvest Indoor Garden with Gourmet Herb Seed Pod Kit, $114.99, available at Kohl’s
For the proud Pisces who is all about his or her star sign, this groovy wall tapestry perfectly matches the Pisces free-flowing energy.
SHOP: Pisces Wall Tapestry by Berlin Michelle, $59.39, available at Society6
This pack of pencils are etched with sayings that speak to the Aquarian soul, like “Aquarians are secretly smarter,” “BFF Collector,” and “Potential Life Coach.” SHOP: Aquarius Astrology Pencils, $11, available at Macy’s
Sure, we all have camera phones to capture cool images, but the artsy Pisces in your life will love both the tactile experience that this instant camera delivers and the tangible prints it kicks out.
SHOP: Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Film Camera, $69.95, available at Adorama
You might see a plain pair of Converse when looking at black or white Chuck Taylors, but give a pair of these signature shoes to a creative Pisces or original Aquarius, and they’ll find a way to customize and style the classic kicks in a way you’ve never seen before.
SHOP: Converse Women's Converse Chuck Taylor High Top Casual Shoes, $55, available at Finish Line
There’s a reason this multi-tasking hair tool earns rave reviews: It compresses everything you need for a perfect blowout — a blow dryer, round brush, swivel cord and ceramic barrel — into one device that takes your hair from drowned rat out of the shower to a bouncy blowout worthy of a supermodel in a matter of minutes.
SHOP: Revlon Pro Collection Salon One Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer Brush, Was $59.99, Now $41.99, available at Bed Bath & Beyond
SHOP: MORE FEBRUARY BIRTHDAY PRESENTS
This new gender-fluid fragrance calls upon sandalwood, cedar, cypress, and coriander to recall incense burned in temples, for a scent that’s creamy, woody and warm.
SHOP: Diptyque Tam Dao Eau De Parfum, $188, available at Diptyque
Streamlined dressing doesn’t have to mean uninspired dressing. Case in point: This jumpsuit, which is made in sizes XXS to 3X and can be comfortably worn around the house for WFH days or dressed up with heels, a stack of necklaces, and red lipstick (because at some point, we will be going out again).
SHOP: Loup Tan Slate Coveralls, $194, available at Loup
For those on the “everyday basics but make it cashmere” tip, this knit beanie, made in perfect shades of pink, red, navy and olive, is a cozy upgrade on a winter staple.
SHOP: L.F. Markey Cashmere Ribbed Beanie, $58, available at L.F. Markey
If staying at home has your favorite matcha junkie missing his or her barista, deliver a much-needed shot of caffeine via this starter kit. Inside, find Matcha Matsu green tea powder, a lightweight matcha bowl, and bamboo matcha spoon and whisk — everything you need to whip up a fancy drink in the confines of your own kitchen.
SHOP: DavidsTea Matcha Essentials Kit, $39.50, available at DavidsTea
If you haven't heard, quintessential '90s brand Guess is back (thanks in part to celeb spokepeople) — and so is Y2K fashion. This cropped velour hoodie covers all the bases by looking retro (on top of the turn-of-the-century velour, we swear that logoed pattern is ripped from the ‘70s) and of-the-moment all at once.
SHOP: Guess Velour Logo Cropped Hoodie, $79, available at Guess
For the romantic Pisces who loves flowers, this garden rose-filled ceramic vase will make a perfect addition to a dressing room, boudoir, or vanity. The rose inside is real, but preserved to last a year while still emitting its original scent.
SHOP: Venus Et Fleur Le Mini Aura Vase, $99, available at Venus Et Fleur