For a day that’s all about getting personal, Valentine’s Day can be, admittedly, pretty cliché. Red roses, giant teddy bears, and chocolate boxes may be iconic symbols of the celebration, but let’s be real: You can do a lot better than a cheesy find from the drugstore. So if you’ve put off making an advance order with a florist or you’re not feeling particularly inspired by any of the candies at your local grocer, never fear. We scoured the Internet for unique Valentine’s Day gifts that are so much better than candy hearts.
A Test of Your Knowledge
If you (or your S.O.) fancy yourself a mind-reader, this game will put your abilities to the test. Armed with a dry-erase board and a marker, you’ll both answer questions like “What would our DJ-duo name be?” and “What pet name do we call each other most often?” and see if the answers you write down in secret end up matching.
A Work of Art
Nothing is quite as unique as an original (or limited-edition) work of art. Bonus points if the piece nods to Valentine’s Day in some way, like this collage inspired by a prolific Ikebana floral artist.
A Mesmerizing Hand Mirror
Maybe because it makes us think of old Disney movies, but there’s something very romantic about a hand mirror. This glass one was made in Sweden in the 1960s.
A Sourdough Starter
Novice and veteran bakers on Etsy can’t get enough of this sourdoughs starter that traces its roots back 150 years. Along with a packet of dry starter, they’ll get a printout of step-by-step instructions. Past customers claim the directions are super-clear for newbies.
A Self-Watering System
When you go on vacation with your S.O., you don’t want them stressing over how the plants are doing back home. This gift set lets greenery drink on its own for over two weeks. No shriveled up leaves. No over-watering. No root rot.
A Retro Book Stand
Whatever they’re reading at the moment—an art book, a cookbook, a novel on their Kindle—they can make it a hand-free experience with this folding stainless steel stand.
A Rotating Perfume Package
If you want to go the perfume route but aren’t sure what scent they’re loving at the moment, get them a membership for Ffern Eau de Parfum. You can sign up for up to four bottles of the limited-edition fragrances that are blended in the English countryside.
A Vintage-Looking Wallet
Odds are, they’ll assume you spent hours at your local thrift store hunting for this old-school-looking vegan leather wallet.
A Secure Spot for Their Phone
Actress and Stripes Beauty founder Naomi Watts recently tipped us off to this genius phone case, which you can personalize with their initials. “You can wear the strap and move hands-free without the stress of “Where the hell did I put my phone?!” says Watts.
A Bracelet Anyone Can Wear
Jewelry is a Valentine’s Day go-to, but what makes this bracelet special (aside from the mix of silver-plated and Murano glass beads) is that it comes in four sizes, so you can gift it to just about anyone in your life: brother, mother, friend, boss, neighbor—you name it.
A Mouth-Blown Mug
The design-obsessed person in your life will certainly appreciate any quirky, delicate piece of glassware, but especially one made in Denmark by Helle Mardahl.
A Wearable Work of Art
Whether they choose to tie this scarf around their favorite handbag or hang it on the wall, you’ll always be able to catch glimpses of the colorful swatches.
A Routine Game-Changer
Each day of the week on this chrome pill box is designated with its own hinged opening, making it easy to stay organized and on track with their medication.
A Saucy Spoon
Made in collaboration with South Louisiana-based artisan Mike Bonin, this Creole kitchen staple is shaped to reach all corners of their cookware. Say it with us: No more burnt meals.
A Serene Suitcase
Got a big trip coming up in 2025? Get them pumped for packing with these on-theme cubes that will help them neatly sort everything from clothes to shoes within their luggage.
