Rethinking Valentine gifts
Some of the best Valentine’s gift are neither pink nor heart-shaped. Beautiful everyday jewelry, sumptuous leather goods, heavenly skin products, luxe candles, high-fidelity sound and even a sturdy backpack top the list of most-wanted for most women. The goodies here are your what your Valentine would actually put in her cart if she were doing the shopping.
AdornMonde Rian Silver Ring
$92
If you’re going to put a ring on it, why not make it three, with this delicate crystal set from Adornmonde’s Adorn Luxe Collection. The contemporary minimalist designs—in silver, with crystal detailing, say contemporary and cool with a hint of sweet, for your sophisticated Valentine.
Compagnie de Provence Hugs and Kisses Set
$18
For soft lips and hands, especially in winter, this travel-size set of shea-butter based hand cream and lip balm will be a practical Valentine’s greatest allies. Made in France, they have nourishing vitamins and emollients and a white flower-musk flavor we can’t get enough of. Don’t miss these 14 Valentine’s Day traditions from around the world.
Vinebox Reds & Rosés
$85
Raise a toast to your Valentine with this mix of five bold reds and four rosés from some of the most romantic places on earth—France, Spain, and Italy. The fun part is tasting each of the nine varieties and naming all the luscious flavors, from white truffle and dark plum to watermelon and dark chocolate. Find out the most romantic Valentine’s Day restaurant in every state.
Bluffworks Azores Blouse
$98
Every woman needs the perfect white blouse and this one from Bluffworks is it. Made for traveling, it’s got a bit of stretch, resists wrinkles and odors, and feels silky without the hassle (or price tag) of real silk. Fans love the extra snap between the buttons at the chest to reduce gaping. Did we mention it’s machine-washable?
Shari’s Berries Gourmet Valentine Dipped Strawberries
$34.95
You don’t have to be a chocoholic to go crazy for these gourmet strawberries from Shari’s Berries. Dipped, drizzled, and smothered with white chocolate, mini chocolate chips, and mini heart sprinkles, they’re the mouthwatering treat your Valentine waits for all year long. If her sweet tooth runs more toward candy, check out the most popular Valentine’s Day candy in America.
Fallen in Love Artwork
$125
Your décor-loving Valentine will fall hard for “Fallen in Love,” a chic print on hand-stretched canvas from Oliver Gal. The black heart color explosion says “I love you” in a language all art fans will understand. It comes in five sizes and your choice of a white, black, gold, or champagne wooden frame.
Sweetheart Flower Bouquet
$24
Yes, it’s a greeting card, but when you open it, you’ll find a three-dimensional stand-alone centerpiece of paper-cut blooms that are perfect for sending to long-distance loves. Lovepop Flowers last longer than real ones, too. Here are 26 love quotes you can add to your Valentine’s Day cards.
Gigi New York Madison Crossbody
$250
Leopard print is practically a required element in the modern woman’s wardrobe, and that’s reason enough to invest in this stunning leopard calf-hair crossbody bag. Handcrafted from Italian leathers in Gigi New York’s family-run factory, it has an irresistible tassel zipper pull and is just the right size for all your Valentine’s VIP items.
High Rise Midi Legging in Black/Gray Camo
$64
Leggings have officially left the gym and become a wardrobe staple. The High Rise Midi from Onzie has a nice wide waistband that’s magically slimming and just enough stretch to keep you comfortable. The black/gray camo combo is the new go-to pattern in LA, where this female-owned and operated company is headquartered. Leggings also make our list awesome Galentine’s gifts.
Biddeford Velour Reverse to Sherpa Heated Blanket
$40.74
If your Valentine is always cold, this super-soft and cozy electric Sherpa blanket is the thoughtful gift that keeps on giving. Use it to preheat the bed or drape it over her shoulders for a more snuggle-worthy movie night. Bonus for you: Thermostat battles will end once and for all.
Benefit Cosmetics Real Big Steal Mascara Duo
$24
What’s better than a Benefit Cosmetics “They’re Real” mascara? Two of them—one full-size and one travel-size, in this gift set from Birchbox. Fans give this bestselling formula five stars for its legendary ability to lengthen, thicken and curl, and never clump or flake. Here are more amazing beauty gifts for her.
Solo Radio from Como Audio
$349
If your Valentine is still playing music off her phone, she’ll thrill to the rich, high-fidelity streaming sounds of the Solo smart speaker—in a limited edition glossy white and pink for Valentine’s Day. She can still blast her personal playlist through the speaker, or she can tune in to Spotify, FM radio, or Internet Stations around the world.
Grounds & Hounds Single Origin Explorer’s Kit
$27.99
Love is being handed a piping hot mug of caffeinated goodness first thing in the morning. You can feel extra good about brewing rich Grounds & Hounds coffee because not only are the beans fair trade and organic, hailing from iconic coffee growing regions such as Colombia and Papua New Guinea, but 20 percent of profits support life-saving animal rescue initiatives. Here are other gifts that give back.
Plush Pearl Earrings with Tourmaline
$120
Pearls may be the nation’s official jewelry trend of 2020, but these blush pink freshwater pearl earrings with green tourmaline spires are utterly unique—in fact, no two are alike. They’re hand-wired together in sterling silver by popular jewelry designer Peggy Li and ready to make an elegant style statement. Check out more of the most popular Valentine’s Day gifts on Amazon.
Laptop Sleeve in Vixen Rose
$38
Home organizer Marie Kondo says every item in your life should spark joy, which is why your Valentine will love ditching her boring office-y laptop sleeve for this plush velour case in Vixen Rose from Tagalong. It will keep her computer safe and her heart happy, for less than the price of dinner.
Calathea Dottie
$35
The calathea dottie from Bloomscape, also known as “Dottie” or a Prayer Plant, has wavy, boldly patterned dark green leaves with bright pink markings, as if nature made it for Valentine’s Day. Hailing from tropical rainforests, the pet-safe, air-cleaning calathea has the cool habit of folding up its leaves as the sun goes down at night, for a little V-day evening entertainment.
Welly Traveler
$30
No one needs to still be drinking from plastic mugs when there are beautiful, planet-friendly options that keep hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold for hours without potential health risks. The Welly Traveler has a food-grade stainless steel interior, a renewable bamboo exterior, and a removable infuser, and 3% of its sales support clean water projects around the world.
Urban Decay NAKED Cherry Eyeshadow Palette
$49
Fans of this 12-shade eyeshadow palette say it delivers a subtle “no makeup” look or a dramatic evening dazzle and everything in between. Your Valentine can try hues like of-the-moment shimmering rose gold or stick to soft neutral beige. All shades have serious staying power, blend easily, and are cruelty-free.
Gorjana 5-Disc Choker
$55
With slightly hammered mini discs, the Gorjana silver choker is both delicate and edgy and perfect for layering. The combination of style and affordability may be behind the meteoric rise of this California-based company, which is run by a husband and wife team that often co-hosts fundraising events and donates a percentage of proceeds to charitable causes. These gifts are excellent for teen girls.
Women’s Keith Haring Plus Size Sweatshirt
$24.99
Leave it to artist Keith Haring to make a big red heart cool on this gray hoodie sweatshirt from Target. It comes in regular and plus sizes to 3x. Steer clear of Valentine’s Day gifts that send the wrong message.
300 Thread Count Organic Sateen Duvet
$238
Satin bedding may seem romantic, but it doesn’t hold a candle to buttery soft and silky sateen, which looks infinitely more elegant and is also more breathable and comfortable. Fans of this organic cotton fair trade duvet set from Coyuchi say it feels “as snug as your favorite jeans,” and just get softer with every wash.
IT Cosmetics Pillow Lips Lipstick
$24
The creamy IT Cosmetics Pillow Lips lipstick in Wistful is the ultimate neutral because it looks good on everyone and also looks natural—but better, the way models are gorgeous and you just chalk it up to good genes. Collagen, aloe, and hyaluronic spheres deliver a plumping effect that’s actually comfortable and lasts hours.
Fjallraven Greenland Zip Large
$110
This is a perfect example of something your Valentine really, really wants but may not expect to get on the holiday of hearts. Surprise her with the on-trend backpack made from sturdy organic, recycled materials that has padded shoulder straps and an interior laptop sleeve. It comes in six neutral colors, but the Dahlia color, shown above, feels most Valentine-y.
Skandinavisk Lempi (Love) Scented Candle
$49
Lempi is Old Finnish for “love,” and this vegetable wax-based candle smells like love—a blend of rose, strawberries, garden peony, and oakmoss. Designed in Denmark, assembled in France, and burning brightly wherever your Valentine resides.
Illy Francis Francis X7.1 Iperespresso Machine
$250
Say bonjourno to the Italian-designed espresso maker from Illy that lets you brew full-bodied, intensely aromatic espresso as easily as coffee, thanks to a capsule system and one-touch operation. A steam wand froths milk for cappuccinos and lattes. Bonus: It will look smashing on the counter in Valentine red, black, or stainless.
Pudus Adult Chenille Knit Winter Slipper Socks with Grippers & Fleece Lining
$29.99
These thick, fluffy Sherpa-lined slipper socks are warm and cozy with anti-slip silicone gripper bottoms. One reviewer described them as like “walking on a cloud.” They have whimsical pom-pons; they’re machine-washable; they’re gender-neutral (the Regular one size fits women’s 5-11 and men’s 6-10). What’s not to love?
Nuuly
$88
Fill your Valentine’s closet with sweaters, pants, blazers, blouses, dresses and more from hundreds of iconic brands she loves, including Anthropologie, Free People, Urban Outfitters, and Paige—all for $88 a month. She can choose six pieces to wear for the month and then ship them back for free. Up to you whether you’ll splurge for a second month, but at least in February, you’re the wardrobe sugar daddy she’s been dreaming about.
Pyrrha Real Love Talisman
$114
If your Valentine is allergic to romantic clichés, consider the Real Love Talisman, inspired by the veiled eroticism of famed French painter Jean-Honoré Fragonard. Cast in 100% reclaimed silver using 18th century wax impressions, the pendant features the phrase “Heart Exchanged—not Sold” as a reminder that while love may be reciprocated, our affections are not for sale. Deep.
Wolf Gourmet High-Performance Stand Mixer
$899
Fourteen dozen cookies or eight pounds of dough—that’s how much this pro-style stand mixer can fit at a time, which means less time batching those Christmas Cookies, birthday cakes, meringues, souffles and brioches. Heavy duty capacity, infinite speed dial, two-way mixing and a pulse option will take her confections to the next level. A splash shield will keep the rest of your kitchen clean. If your Valentine is sweet on baking, be sweet on her with the ultimate countertop mixing machine from Wolf.
Porto Stoneware Heart Roaster
$65
Whether she’s serving salmon niçoise salad or mac ’n cheese, food will taste that much more delicious from a heart-shaped bowl. This one is handmade in Portugal from scratch- and chip-resistant stoneware. These are the best heart-shaped products for Valentine’s Day.
Happy Socks x Linda and Johnny Ramone Gift Box Set
$48
Do you remember rock ‘n roll radio? Ramones fans will flip for Linda Ramone’s collaboration with Happy Socks, a set of quirky psychedelic prints that honor the late guitarist Johnny Ramone. The special edition gift box features three bold designs, including a black and white Johnny caught in his signature mid-guitar strum.
Becca Cosmetics Light Shifter Brightening Concealer
$28
It’s not just a concealer; it’s the gift of a good night’s sleep—or at least the appearance of having gotten one. This hydrating illuminator brightens, blurs, and conceals dark circles with a formula so weightless, you’ll think she just woke up that way.
Capsul Jewelry Custom Signature Necklace
$220
Her name in your handwriting (or your favorite font)—in plated three-dimensional gold, silver or rose gold, is the love token she’ll be proud to wear every day.
Sunday Riley Power Couple Kit
$85
Your Valentine deserves radiant, glowing, even-toned skin, and that’s exactly what she’ll get with the clinically proven formulas in this gift pack from Birchbox. Good Genes is a lactic acid treatment that exfoliates and moisturizes, and Luna is a nighttime retinol oil that reduces pores, sun damage, flakiness and irritation. There might be some magic in there, too, because this stuff works like a charm.
Smeg Electric Tea Kettle
$199
She loves tea but finds traditional tea kettles impractical. Enter the Smeg electric tea kettle. Not only does it boil water quickly and have an auto-shut off for safety, but its iconic midcentury style means she won’t hide it in the kitchen but trot it out as a conversation piece (and a chance to brag about your great taste).
Logan RFID Tab Clutch
$68
What’s special about this leather wallet from Fossil, besides its charming shade of dusty rose, is a special lining that blocks unwelcome scanning of your credit and debit cards. It’s also compact and well-designed, with a zippered change purse and an extra snap that allows it to expand as needed.
Mixtiles
$11
Here’s the busy person’s guide to creating the perfect photo gallery: Send your favorite cell phone snaps to Mixtiles and within days, you’ll receive 8 by 8-inch photo tiles that you can stick and re-stick to your walls immediately—without nails or any damage. Talk about immediate gratification! Check out these 15 Valentine’s Day facts you never knew.
Neogen Dermalogy Real Flower Cleansing Water
$22
There’s a reason this no-rinse rose cleansing water, made with natural rose petals, hibiscus, and aloe, earns four and a half stars. One reviewer writes, “Heaven in a bottle! Smells so nice, and is super-hydrating while still able to cleanse your skin.” Another reviewer sums it up: “Love, love, love this product. Best toner ever!”
Fjallraven High Coast Wind Jacket
$170
Here’s something she hasn’t gotten around to buying but wishes she owned: a light, packable wind jacket that repels rain and dries as fast as it gets wet. An adjustable hood will keep her head dry, and a chest pocket protects her stuff. Perfect for the Valentine who dabbles in walking, hiking, cycling or paddling, or just tends to get caught in the rain.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Lip Pop
$22
This do-it-all lip product is the answer to winter’s dry cracked lips. The moisturizing watermelon balm glides on and, at the same time, deposits tiny particles of coconut flower sugar to gently scrub away dead skin. The pop of pink is a happy, natural hue. Don’t miss these 24 Valentine’s Day gifts you can buy at the drugstore.
XOXO Love Me Rose Gold Pattern Floor Pillow
$71
If your Valentine doesn’t spend time sitting on the floor, it’s probably because she doesn’t have a floor pillow from Society6. This overstuffed pillow is both firm and plush for any floor-based activity from meditating to watching TV to hanging out with the dog. The rose gold XOXO pattern reminds her of the love that came with it.
Women’s Beautifully Soft Notch Collar Pant Pajama Set
$29
As a Valentine’s Day gift, loungewear sends a wonderful message: I love you even first thing in the morning, with no makeup and bedhead. Even so, this PJ set from Target doesn’t slouch. It’s made from super-soft modal and spandex and has a handsome notch collar, chest pocket and white piping for crisp style. Check out these creative romantic gestures that perfectly say “I love you.”
Kelly Crossbody Clutch
$228
This fabulous convertible crossbody-to-clutch has Valentine’s Day written all over it. Not only was it designed by Frances Valentine, a collaboration of Kate & Andy Spade with Elyce Arons, but it has a glossy patent-finish leather in Valentine red that screams bold love and even bolder style.
Magic Chef 6 Qt. 9-in-1 Multi-Function Pressure Cooker with Sous Vide
$64.99
Dinner just got a whole lot easier: This thing is a pressure cooker, a slow cooker, a rice maker, and a steamer; it sears, sauteés and cooks sous vide. You can even bake a cake in it. And cleanup is a cinch. No wonder it’s a bestseller! Check out these other cool tech gifts you’ll want to keep for yourself.
Vanishing Edge Microfiber Hipster With Lace 5-Pack
$52
Let’s face it, cute undies are useless if they’re not also comfortable for every day, and these bestselling mid-rise hipsters from Soma are both. They’re soft and tag-free and have a secret weapon: stay-put silicone at the leg openings to keep panties in place without panty lines.
The Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health
From $399
A visit to Kripalu, voted the Best Wellness Escape in New England, is the gift of a total mind-body reset. Though it’s known for its yoga and movement classes—and your Valentine will take the best yoga classes of her life, for sure—the sprawling campus is also a place for walks and hikes along serene forest and mountain trails, paddleboarding on a pristine lake, cooking demos, meditation, journaling workshops, healing arts and other opportunities for relaxation, self-care and self-discovery. Book a full week, a weekend or just one day—and let the R&R begin.
jcoco Dark Collection Gift Box
$25
It’s not just dark chocolate—it’s globally inspired gourmet with five exotic flavors: Arabica Espresso, Noble Dark, Black Fig Pistachio, 80% Dark Chocolate Matagalpa Origin, and Boharat Middle Eastern Spice. They’re kosher, non-gmo, gluten-free, and vegan, and every purchase buys more than three servings of food for those in need. Add chocolate to our list of the 25 of the best Valentine’s Day gifts for him.
MILÈO Elixir Oud Collonges La Rouge
$295
It may be a splurge, but this face oil does it all. This luxe formula manages to plump, firm, brighten, and renew the skin without any chemicals, relying instead on flowers and plants. The star ingredient is 100 year-old Oud, extracted from agarwood trees in Southeast Asia, which as close to the fountain of youth as nature offers. These are the best Valentine’s Day gifts for every stage of a relationship.