7 sexy Valentine's Day essentials

A sexy designer candle
Cult-fave candles Ember by Jimmy Jane are the style cognoscenti fave for boudoir illumination. ("If you only burn one candle, make it Jimmy Jane," says Harper's Bazaar.) This special-edition version comes in black porcelain with a one-of-a-kind etching: each casing varies depending on the artisan's whim. Inside, you'll find Ember's eco-friendly soy candle in Soy Fig. Cosmetic-grade ingredients and a low melting temp make the candle suitable for more than just mood lighting ... massage, too! $65 US, jimmyjane.com for retailers.

A textile Valentine's Day card
IKEA's Hallskar cotton rag rug is a petite (doormat-size) Valentine's Day decor accent. Set it in the bathroom or by the front door as a happy, heartfelt greeting in lieu of a greeting card, or relocate it to your child's room as a year-round accent. $19.99, IKEA.ca and stores.

Sweet plates
You don't have to be a kid to love this super-cute tableware. Whimsical hearts and animals are just the thing for dessert. And, taking environmental concerns to heart, Pottery Barns Kids' dishwasher-safe Valentine's Day plates are now made from porcelain, not plastic.  $39, per set of four 9-inch plates, Pottery Barn Kids for store locations.

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