With Valentine’s Day just ten days away, we found lots of Strategist-vetted gifts for loved ones (or yourself) in our end-of-week sales-bin sweep. There’s a celebrity-favorite throw blanket for the Valentine who’s always cold, a rare discount on our beauty writer’s favorite hair mask, and an expert-recommended smart garden for fresh greens grown at home. (If you want even more deals sent straight to your inbox, sign up for our email newsletter.)
When we did a roundup of the best indoor-gardening kits, this compact self-watering system from Click and Grow came recommended by Sera Rogue, the owner of Brooklyn gardening company Red Fern. She says it’s pretty much foolproof with the built-in grow light and likes that it has “cool Keurig-style plant pods featuring ‘NASA-inspired smart soil,’ so you can watch your specimens grow from seeds.” Now through February 11, it’s 25 percent off with code VDAY25.
This “supersoft” Barefoot Dreams blanket is a favorite among celebrities, Strategist writers, and tween girls alike — and would make a very cozy Valentine’s Day gift.
Pretty much everything from New York–based, gender-free brand Phluid Project is on sale over at Nordstrom, including this cotton quilted tote bag …
… But if the last thing you need is another tote, the company also designs pillows and jackets. We love this pillow’s not-too-twee floral print.
Worth it for that acetate comb alone, this three-piece set from dpHUE includes the brand’s apple-cider-vinegar scalp scrub and deep-conditioning gloss — both of which come recommended to us by hairstylists. The gloss “provides incredible shine and added pigment” to color-treated hair, says one, while the scrub works to restore scalp pH and remove dead skin cells. It also ships for free with code FREESHIP.
Several reviewers say this KVD Beauty foundation brush is well worth the splurge, even at full price. “I don’t leave too many reviews, but this brush really deserves it,” one writes. “I was convinced that my foundation sucks, but it turns out it was only the way it was applied. This brush is pure magic. It gives an absolutely flawless look.”
Madewell’s Whisper Cotton fabric is a longtime Strategist favorite for its flattering drape and soft yet sturdy texture. For a limited time, the already-on-sale turtleneck version (in heather gray) is an extra 20 percent off with code FLASH.
The sale also includes this oversize trucker-style jean jacket, a springtime staple for layering over shirts and sweaters.
With a curved back and cushioned seat, this mid-century-inspired office chair will be a whole lot more comfortable than the dining chair you’ve been using.
If she doesn’t wear gold, this elegant little watch is also on sale in silver.
A little more analog than the Click and Grow planter above, this sturdy potted aloe — an excellent starter plant for budding green thumbs — only needs a half-cup of water every two weeks.
A favorite of Strategist writer Liza Corsillo, these surprisingly high-quality black-and-white disposable cameras are an easy way to capture memorable moments from weddings, graduations, scenic hikes, and cross-country road trips.
Select Bioderma products are 15 percent off at Amazon, including the cult-favorite makeup-melting cleansing water. “I don’t know what it is about this product, but not only does it take all of my makeup off, it actually does a great job of soothing my skin, especially after a night out,” resident beauty columnist Rio Viera-Newton writes. “Since I’ve incorporated this Bioderma micellar into my routine (pre-cleanser), my skin has felt even more supple and rejuvenated.”
Follow it with the brand’s under-eye serum, which Viera-Newton says is “amazing for deeply moisturizing my under eyes and prepping the skin so that my concealer glides on perfectly afterward.”
Select sets from designy wellness brand Walden are on sale over at SSENSE, including this pink cushion and mat. It’s a thoughtful gift for the Valentine who wants to elevate their meditation practice.
Not only is this Christophe Robin hair mask “simply the best moisturizing hair mask I’ve tried in my life,” says Viera-Newton, it’s also “the best at-home toner I’ve tried.” She used the Baby Blonde shade (purchased at full price) to maintain her platinum blonde hair, explaining that it “kicks out any yellow or brassy tones” and would “return my color to a bright and true blonde with a single use.” It rarely ever goes on sale — let alone for nearly half off.
“Is she wearing the–?” “The Giu Giu Pink Nonna Animal Turtleneck Collar? Yeah, she is.”
If the iPhone alarm has started to trigger your fight-or-flight response, here’s an excellent deal on a sunrise alarm clock that’ll wake you with light rather than noise. (Though if you’re a bit of a heavy sleeper, there’s an inoffensive alarm function.)
And while it may not exactly be cruiser-bike season, it’s not every day we find one for under $100. You’ll be happy to have it on hand once the weather (inevitably) warms.
The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
