Yes, we realise that Valentine’s Day can often feel like an overly commercialised circus of a day, littered with fluffy things bought on a time-pressured whim. But with some thoughtful, stylish and finely crafted items, it can be a different story. Here, we picked out a few things we “heart” – each unique and lovingly made, to put you in the mood for romance.

We think Alison Lou’s red hearts ring is a royal flush. From a collection inspired by playing cards, the 14-karat gold band with polished red enamel hearts is perfect for stacking, or else given on its own as a token of affection for BFF’s and SO’s.  

This adorable soap, milled with natural and organic ingredients including rose, ylang ylang and camomile, is modelled after heart-shaped pebbles found on the beach. The subtle citrus scent gives a slightly zingy finish – ideal for a little pick-me-up shower before Valentine’s Day dinner.

A hand-drawn motif of a heart struck by cupid’s arrow, and an onomatopoeic 'pop'  – this is hallmark Bella Freud, and we’re in love. In a mélange grey knit with an intarsia motif, this cuddly cashmere jumper is warming our hearts in more ways than one. 

Christian Louboutin’s classic Doracora flat is updated with a timely twist that puts the iconic red sole into a romantic context. While also available in stiletto form, we love the cutesy combination of the pastel pink leather and the girlishness of the flat.

This figure-flattering red crepe dress from Christopher Kane’s Resort 2016 collection let’s you be literal without being silly. The pretty guipure lace heart pattern at the centre reveals a titillating amount of skin – an elegant yet playful detail that’s signature Kane.  

In collaboration with quirky Brit Olympia Le-Tan, Diptyque has released a sweet and sentimental fragrance collection, Rosaviola. We love the collection’s candle: romantic wafts of rose and violet are contained in a frosted pink glass, with an embroidered reimagining of the Diptyque oval that has Le-Tan’s hand all over it – and hopefully ours soon, too.

What’s sweeter than Ladurée macarons? Heart-shaped Ladurée macarons in time for Valentine’s Day, of course. These delicate morsels are filled with Morello cherry jam and bitter almond.

Matisse’s cut-outs were the inspiration behind Paul Smith’s special wine labels for the famed wine company, Berry Bros. & Rudd. The limited edition wines, including Good Ordinary Claret and Good Ordinary White, are now available from www.bbr.com.