Valentine's Day Gift Guide

Aside from the flowers, cute little cards, and chocolate boxes so often seen on Valentine’s Day, going that extra mile will always be a perfect way to show someone how much you love them. From personal experience to items on my personal wish-list, here are some gift ideas for that special someone in your life (and maybe a gift for yourself as well)!

Let’s start out with some Valentine’s gift ideas for your boo…

A Fragrance that Encapsulates Them

What is advertised in every commercial as the most romantic, sensual gift? Fragrance. Cologne or perfume can heighten an outfit, a mood, and the evening as a whole. I would say it’s best to do some digging on top and bottom notes to pick the best scent for your significant other. If you’re a floral girl like me, I’d have to suggest Voce Viva by Valentino, and any Ralph Lauren Polo scent will be entrancing on a partner. 

A Cocktail Recipe Book

For the audience over 21, a cocktail recipe book is always a fun gift, and this one comes in a mini size! It’s perfect for bar cart decor and there's space to write thoughts on every drink, which is the perfect activity for your next date night. You and your partner can try new things and maybe find a new favorite drink together.

Initial Necklace from Adina’s Jewels

An Initial Necklace

As Taylor Swift said, their “initial on a chain ‘round my neck” is all we can ever ask for! With a wide price range and options on Amazon to Saks Fifth Avenue, initial necklaces are a personal and dainty statement piece that can work for any budget and are sure to spark a connection. If you’re feeling up to it and just can’t get enough, you can even go for the whole name. Either way, you’ll always have them on your mind (and around your neck).

Sushi Making Kit from Amazon, Pasta Maker from Walmart & Heart Mini Waffle Maker from Target (out of stock)

A Make-Your-Own Dinner Kit

For anyone planning on staying in for Valentine’s Day instead of dealing with the lovebirds crowding the restaurants, a dinner-making kit of some kind is a must! This is the perfect chance to let your inner-foodie run free while making a special dinner with your partner. No matter what your favorite cuisine is, there’s something for everyone: for the Japanese food-lover, a sushi kit, for the Italian-lover, a pasta making set, and finally for those who love breakfast for dinner, how cute is a heart shaped waffle? The best part is after potentially making a hilariously royal mess in the kitchen, you can sit down and eat food you made together from scratch. 

Fleece Throw Blanket from Urban Outfitters & Valentine’s Throw Blanket from Target

A Plush Blanket

I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t want to snuggle up on a cold February day, let’s say… maybe around the 14th? A plush blanket paired with a smile-inducing movie is the gift that just keeps on giving. I’ve gone through about four of the sherpa blankets from Urban Outfitters because the softness tears my heart out.

Hot Chocolate from Phragos

Aphrodisiac Hot Chocolate

Having a little something sweet is basically a requirement when winding down for the night, or even when you just need a little extra energy. This hot chocolate actually acts as an aphrodisiac, helping you to stay up even later celebrating the iconic day of love.

A Srapbook

Putting together a digital book or scrapbooking by hand is such a beautiful way to express your appreciation for the time you have spent with your partner. Fill this book with endless pictures, ticket stubs, love letters, and any other items you choose to depict your relationship. The effort put into this gift will go a long way.

Speaker from JBL

A Portable Speaker

A portable speaker has become a necessity over the last few years. The iconic red color of JBL speakers not only screams Valentine’s Day but is also impossible to miss, even if it falls outs of your bag. JBL has always been a reliable brand, with waterproof options, size varieties to choose from and more. Their speakers are definitely an essential for kitchen dancing and bubble bath vibes.

Custom Face Socks from Etsy

Personalized Face Socks

For the couple that loves pranking each other and is always laughing until they cry, anything plastered with your face will elicit some giggles. Fun socks are already a staple hidden gem for an outfit, so why not spice it up? There’s nothing like the wind brushing up a pant leg and revealing a gorgeous picture of you for the world to see, sported by none other than your number one.

An Instant Print Camera

I’ve always found it so sweet to have pictures of your partner on a bedside table, bathroom mirror, or tucked in a wallet. This small, instant print camera provides physical copies for you and your partner to keep with you on your adventures to come. Check out different versions of this concept and you’ll never be without a picture to pull out when bragging about your boo!

Now, onto the person you really tell everything to… gifts for your bestie!

Girl Calm the F Down Candle from Ryan Porter

A Candle

Candles, candles and more candles… that’s pretty much what my bestie and I have been obsessed with for the last few months. The Ryan Porter candle collection is not only delicious to smell, but also cute to burn! With trendy colors and wrapping, a candle that fits their aesthetic is prime for ultimate relaxation, and easy room decor.

Almond Pop-on Nails from Static Nails

A Manicure

I have two words for you: Nail Date. Having my nails done always makes me feel ten times more put together and ready to face the world. Whether you take your bestie to a salon or get yourself some artsy press-on nails, I guarantee that you two will become a force to be reckoned with bearing your new claws!

Matching Bracelets

I’m starting a new campaign — bring back the bestie bracelets 2022! Not sure why we ever stopped wearing the sparkly hearts broken in two, but thank goodness there’s a modern day twist. Plus, you can’t tell me it wouldn’t make everyone jealous in your Insta pictures together.

Cote de Roses Rosé from Wine on Sale & Girls Night Out Edition Cube from Table Topics

Rosé & Games

For the 21+ besties, whether pregaming or staying in, a pretty rosé wine and a drinking game are the recipe for a dangerous amount of fun. With this combo, you’ll be laughing, crying, telling your darkest secrets and definitely feeling the bestie love.

Butterfly Hair Clip from Altard State & Claw Clip Set from Anthropologie

Claw Clips

Claw clips are the move, period. As someone with hair that needs some assistance most days, I guarantee your bestie will appreciate some help on those mornings when we need to jazz up the hair. The butterfly clip is a need, not a want, and who doesn’t love pink on Valentine’s day? A matching pack would be perfect for a Galentine’s Day get together.

Photo credits Passionate Penny Pincher

A Starbuck Tumbler

For the caffeine dependent bestie, a Starbucks cup or tumbler is a collectible that should be filling everyone’s cabinets. While not all of these cups are available online, I encourage you to go on a hunt for the Valentine’s collection while it’s out in stores! The pinks and reds give the pop of color that will make your bestie feel the love all year.

A Small Plant

One of my favorite gifts for anyone with a green thumb is a tiny plant. How interesting is it that cute plants in our rooms can bring us so much joy? Brighten up your bestie’s day with a small succulent they can give some love to!

Heart Monster from Buildabear & Red Heart Teddy in Boxers from Buildabear

A Valentine’s Day Plushie

I’m definitely one to love some alone time yet somehow still want cuddles, so having a heart-themed Build-A-Bear would have to be a dream come true. Any bad day would be turned around by the sight of one of these buddies, but be careful! If you get one for your bestie, you might need one too. 

Buxom Lip Gloss

The lip gloss I swear by — Buxom! Their lip-plumping lip gloss provides a beautiful shine and a sexy full lip that will catch eyes when you and your bestie go out. Buxom has almost 40 colors to choose from, so have a field day!

Pink Heart Glitter Patch from Stoney Clover Lane

Patches

Patches are such a unique and fun way to accessorize everything in sight. Purses, phone cases, backpacks, water bottles and whatever else you can think of deserve to be adorned in a pretty, glittery patch — the pizzazz is unreal. This is a simple yet versatile gift for your bestie to elevate one of her everyday items. 

I hope this gift guide for boos and besties has inspired you to get creative this Valentine’s Day because everyone you love deserves to know it! I love love, and I hope this February 14th you’ll feel the love too. XOXO

Graphic by Ned Feininger

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