- Every year, there’s a lot of pressure to find the best Valentine’s Day present for your partner, friend, or children.
- With these 28 thoughtful and unique ideas, we’ll help you secure the perfect gift in time for the big day.
- Some of our favorites including a cheese pairing subscription, an adorable sloth plush, and a cute beauty set inspired by a Netflix romcom.
- Looking for more gifts? Check out all of our Valentine’s Day gift guides for even more inspiration.
Valentine’s Day traditionally revolves around romantic partners, but it doesn’t have to.
This Valentine’s Day, whether you want to show your love for your partner, friends, or children, you can find a thoughtful gift idea below.
We’ve collected an assortment of ideas across a variety of price points that let your Valentine’s Day recipient know you care. Be it an indulgent treat they can enjoy themselves or a memorable activity you can experience together, the best Valentine’s Day gift is something you’ve put time and thought into.
Since Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, some of these gifts may not arrive in time with standard shipping. Many of the companies below offer expedited shipping for an extra fee, so if it comes down to the wire, take advantage of express shipping policies. Otherwise, we recommend looking at Amazon for Prime-eligible gifts.
The top 5 Valentine's Day gifts for 2020:
- A fun and educational cooking class from CozyMeal, from $50
- A tiny but thoughtful charm from Catbird, $138
- The most comfortable underwear you can buy from Tommy John, $24-$32
- A non-traditional flower bouquet from UrbanStems, $125
- Beautiful bowls to hold trinkets or snacks from Food52, $58-$170
Find the perfect Valentine's Day gift:
A 'perfect pair' of gourmet cheeses and accompaniments
Perfect Pair of the Month Club, $85, available at Murray's Cheese
Specialty cheesemaker Murray's combines two cheeses with two meats or snacks every month in this delicious monthly subscription. While it offers guidance on the best flavor pairings, your recipient is also free to experiment with their own combinations.
A cute heart-splashed romper
Mini Boden Embroidered Denim Bubble Romper, $36, available at Nordstrom
Who can resist this playful chambray romper? It doesn't scream Valentine's Day, so they'll be able to wear it other times of the year, too.
A tiny but thoughtful charm
The Smallest Love Letter Charm, $138, available at Catbird
Turn the classic love letter into something they can carry with them anywhere. You can personalize up to three lines of engraving on this 14-karat solid gold accessory. You'd have to place your order by 8 a.m. on February 10 if you want it to arrive on time, but if your recipient is fine with a belated gift, this would still be really thoughtful.
Lip masks inspired by their favorite Netflix romcom
Netflix To All the Boys Sealed With a Kiss Set, $24, available at Sephora
For anyone who can't wait to continue following the romantic adventures of Lara Jean in the "P.S. I Love You" series, give this limited-edition lip mask set. Laneige is known for its moisturizing, antioxidant-rich formulas.
An ebook reader that makes it easy to read a few books a month
Kindle Paperwhite, $94.99, available at Amazon
Whether their resolution is to read more or they're already an avid bookworm, they'll love the opportunity to carry around an endless library of books with them wherever they go. The Paperwhite has won over many readers on Insider Picks, even those who previously swore by physical paperbacks. Here's our full review.
A simple leather wallet
Scout Slim Leather Bifold Wallet, $85, available at Italic
The soft napa cow leather wallet is made in the same factories as Celine and Prada products, but it costs less than $100. It's lined with lambskin and has a simple organizational system.
Cozy slippers to pad around the house in
Women's Wicked Good Moccasins, $79, available at L.L. Bean
Men's Wicked Good Slippers, $79, available at L.L. Bean
They're one of L.L.Bean's most popular shoes for good reason. The shearling uppers and linings keep their feet warm without making them sweaty, and the memory foam insoles are always comfortable and supportive.
The most comfortable underwear you can buy
Second Skin Women's Boyshort, $24, available at Tommy John
Second Skin Square Cut Men's Underwear, $32, available at Tommy John
Tommy John's ultra-soft underwear never disappoints. It's made from stretchy micro modal fabric that doesn't pill or roll and comes in many more colors and prints in case you don't want the special Valentine's Day print.
Candles that'll make them wish it was summer
Club Med Homesick Candles, $29.95, available at Homesick
The new collection is inspired by resort escapades and empty, sandy beaches. Each candle will hold them over until they take advantage of their vacation days this summer.
Beautiful bowls to hold trinkets or snacks
Fisheye Ceramics Gold-Dipped Pinch Bowls, $58-$170, available at Food52
However your recipient decides to use these small dishes, there's no disputing their style.
A subscription to their favorite form of entertainment
Monthly subscription, $4.99 per month, available at ESPN+
If it's live sports, an ESPN+ subscription is well worth the $5. If they also love comedies, dramas, and Disney shows, there's a bundle that conveniently packages Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ for an affordable price.
A classic cashmere sweater
The Grade-A Cashmere Crew, $130, available at Everlane
The warm and lightweight cashmere sweater is about to become their favorite cold-weather staple.
A sampler of red and rosé wine
Reds & Rosés Box, $84, available at Vinebox
Vinebox's unique way of packaging and delivering its wines will make this your recipient's most memorable Valentine's Day yet. The nine-glass assortment of reds and rosés puts a twist on the classic wine gift.
A bottle of smooth, rich rum
Don Papa Small Batch Rum, $44.99, available at Wine.com
But if wine's not their thing, this spirit could also tickle their fancy.
A fun and educational cooking class
Gift Cards, from $25, available at Cozymeal
Friends, family members, and lovers alike will enjoy Cozymeal's cooking classes, which are taught by professional chefs and cover everything from vegan Indian cuisine to pasta making.
A sloth plush duo
Sloth Valentine's Date Night Plush, $9.99, available at Target
They're attached at the hip, just like you and your loved one this Valentine's Day.
Adorable, colorful socks for the active toddler in your life
Toddler Gripper Calf Sock 4-Pack, $20.90, available at Bombas
They're reinforced with grippy bottoms and cushioned footbeds so your kid can run, skip, and dance worry-free.
A cozy bathrobe
Super-Plush Robe, $98, available at Brooklinen
The robe is basically an oversized and wearable towel that they'll never want to take off. Extra-thick and made from soft and durable long-staple Turkish cotton, it'll make their bathroom feel like a private spa.
A 4-inch cake that's perfect for sharing (or not)
Mini B'day Cake, $32, available at Milk Bar
The size of this famous, fresh-baked birthday cake is just enough to get a tempting taste without succumbing to sugar overload.
A colorful water bottle that doubles as a foam roller
Mobot Firecracker 18-Ounce Foam Roller Water Bottle, $39.99, available at Nordstrom
The fitness enthusiast in your life can take both hydration and a muscle recovery tool on the go. Depending on the temperature of its contents, it turns into a chilled or hot roller.
A geeky and creative card
LovePop Star Wars BB-8 Mine Pop Up Card, $15, available at Amazon
The best thing about LovePop's cards is that they can also be displayed as decor and art.
A global coffee bean subscription
3-month Subscription, $50, available at Atlas Coffee Club
More than one area of the globe boasts amazing coffee, and around-the-world subscription Atlas Coffee Club is out to prove that by sending coffee from a different region every month. Each order includes tailored brewing recommendations and a postcard with information about the country's coffee-growing methods so they'll fully appreciate the flavor and history of each cup.
A box of exotic truffles
Vosges Exotic Truffle Collection, $54.95, available at Williams Sonoma
With all the choices out there, it seems ironic that it's all too easy to fall into a rut when it comes to chocolate. This is Valentine's Day, for goodness' sake, and there's no sense in sharing middling sweets with our special someone. Leave the regular stuff for all the other days of the year. This box is full of chocolate truffles infused with adventurous flavors, and will send them for a ride rivaled only by the one you share together.
A nontraditional flower bouquet
The Maddie Bouqet with Vase, $125, available at UrbanStems
After years of sending regular flowers, maybe it's time you tried something different. This dark and romantic dried floral arrangement lasts for months and comes ready to gift in a ceramic vase.
A heart-shaped cat scratcher
Heart-Shaped Cat Scratcher, $13.99, available at Chewy
If your recipient is a cat lover or your actual cat (we won't judge), they'll delight in this cat scratcher, complete with jingly bells, a scratching surface, and catnip.
A collectible Lego figure that might be more interesting to play with than a regular stuffed animal
Valentine's Bear, $9.99, available at LEGO
Make sure to leave enough room in your day's plans to give them time to assemble this LEGO figure. It has 150 pieces and the final result stands at more than three inches tall.
A pair of surprisingly useful towels
Makeup Towels, $40, available at Weezie
The dark towels help your recipient wipe off the day's makeup and grime without leaving behind unsightly stains. Plus, the fun embroidered patterns differentiate them from ordinary hand towels (our favorites are the wink and white heart styles).
A portable reusable straw
FinalStraw Stainless Steel Straw, $24.50, available at REI
Sustainable practices are at the forefront of everyone's minds. An easy way to cut down on plastic waste is this metal straw that folds down into its own attractive carrying case.
Find more Valentine's Day gift ideas here:
- 50 thoughtful gifts to give your wife this Valentine's Day
- 19 unique chocolate gifts for Valentine's Day that go beyond the traditional box of sweets
- 23 unexpected Valentine's Day gifts for him that he'll actually want to keep
- The best online flower delivery services to send freshly cut blooms and live plants
- 15 pieces of jewelry that she'll swoon over this Valentine's Day - no matter your budget
- 38 clever Valentine's Day gifts from Amazon - all under $50
- 24 cute Valentine's Day gift ideas for kids
- 22 thoughtful Valentine's Day gifts from Nordstrom - all with free shipping
- 24 Valentine's Day gift ideas from 'Shark Tank' that you can get from Amazon