Flowers, chocolates and teddy bears, oh my! Those Valentine's Day gift staples are certainly tried-and-true. But sometimes you want to give a gift that has a little more imagination while staying away from the "cheesy" terrain that some overly sentimental Valentine's Day gifts can fall into.
While we won't knock you if you want to go the classic flower or chocolate route (who would?), we have rounded up a number of budget-friendly items that will up the wow factor and help you shake things up this year — without being too corny.
If you're in the market for a unique gift that stays away from being predictable, we have affordable options from fashion and tech to home and beauty, offering everything your significant other could ever want this Valentine's Day.
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Unique Valentine's Day gifts under $25
Brass Monkey You Complete Me 100-Piece Puzzle
This sweet sentiment gets a level-up thanks to a mini 100-piece puzzle. Fun ‘70s-inspired typography makes this frame-worthy once your partner completes it. Add it to the gallery wall!
MoMA Pantone Chips Journal
If they made a New Year's resolution to start a gratitude journal — or if they're in need of a new notebook for work — you can't go wrong with this colorful patchwork Pantone one. Extra credit: bundle this with some multicolored gel pens.
Etsy Personalized Song Acrylic Plaque
Whether it’s your first dance song, a favorite song of theirs or a track that has significance to the two of you, this personalized plaque is a fun way to memorialize and remember special memories. Finish it off with an accompanying photo — the plaque comes with a stand for easy displaying!
“Married AF: A Funny Marraige Guide for the Newlywed or Bride,” by Jen Marie Wiggins
Anyone who’s engaged or recently tied the knot will get a kick out of this hilarious book that gives a comedic look at life after you get married. It features funny scenarios/anecdotes and pop culture references, and some sage advice too. At the back of the book, there’s also space for friends and family to offer their best marriage advice for the happy couple, so it’s something you can treasure forever.
You Are My Superhero Gift
Fans of Marvel and D.C. films will proudly display this awesome trinket in their home or office. The pint-sized container has a tiny superhero and a little message (options include: "I Super Love You" and "You Are My Superhero") inside. You can choose from six superheroes: Captain America, The Hulk, Spider-Man, Iron Man, Super Man and Batman.
"I Didn't Know I Needed This," by Eli Rallo
Dubbed the "Carrie Bradshaw of this generation," Eli Rallo's debut novel offers sage advice on "flirting, feeling and finding yourself." Whether you're gifting this to a Galentine or yourself, you're sure to walk away with some new tips on manifesting a Valentine for next year.
Raygun "My Job is Email" T-Shirt
If their job consists of emails and meetings galore, gift them with this tee that pokes fun at the mundane. Inspired by the "Barbie" movie, there are also tees for nurses, teachers, librarians, journalists and even children, too.
Unique Valentine's Day gifts under $50
Bearaby Hugget Pillow
This knotted pillow is sustainably made and stylish to boot. It comes in three sizes, so you can choose depending on what your partner will like the most. The smallest size acts as almost a stress ball, the medium and large are lightly weighted for therapeutic sensory and stress relief. The classic colors are cotton and available year-round, but we also love the velvet limited edition colors. We could all use a little help with stress!
Create Your Own Reel Viewer
This unique gift allows you to turn photos into reels that can be looked at through a vintage-inspired viewer. Use it to make keepsakes of special moments and milestones throughout your relationship and life together. It can also be used to share special messages or surprises through photos.
Brumate MultiShaker
For the gym rat, protein shake-loving valentine in your life, gift them with this bottle that they will love so much, they won’t forget it after finishing their reps. Pair it with their favorite protein powder or shake mix to create the perfect gift — and surely one you know they’ll get good use out of.
Pickleball Paddle Earrings
If you and your partner got into pickleball this past summer, gift them with these earrings that will leave them longing for warmer weather. Made with gold and sterling silver, these earrings resemble paddles, adding a sporty yet elegant touch to any outfit.
Lash Star Heated Eyelash Curler
If you are getting a gift for a beauty maven, this heated eyelash curler helps achieve runway-worthy lift and curl for larger-than-life lashes. The small device works equally well on natural and false lashes and extensions and provides gentle heat to give hairs that va-va-voom volume. It also conveniently charges with a USB port.
Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Cast Iron Heart-Shaped Dutch Oven
Did your significant other start making sourdough and never stop? This 2-quart Dutch oven from Drew Barrymore’s Beautiful brand is just the thing they need to continue. Affordable and easy-to-use, this petite, deep red accessory will also double as V-Day decor in their kitchen.
Etsy Personalized Name Necklace
How cool is this?! This Etsy vendor turns names into logos and then hangs it on a necklace. This modern interpretation of the monogram will delight your partner, especially if they fall in the artsy camp.
Ostrich Pillow Heated Neck Wrap
If you're shopping for someone who loves the soothing effects of weighted blankets, Ostrich Pillow's innovative release will make their day. The heatable/freezable neck wrap relaxes tight, sore shoulders and is a total breeze to use. Simply toss it in the microwave for a minute or leave it in the freezer for a while then drape it over your shoulders and wait for the hot/cold therapy to offer relief.
Best of Magnolia Bakery Sampler Pack
If they’ve got a sweet tooth this sample pack from NYC’s famous Magnolia Bakery will certainly satisfy their cravings. Plus, there are two banana pudding cups (yum!) and two cupcakes so they can share with you if they’re feeling generous.
Unique Valentine's Day gifts under $75
Etsy Two State Necklace
If your love story spans two different states, gift them with this dainty necklace that doesn’t scream cheesy and instead “incredibly special,” according to one reviewer.
Sweet Succulent Heart Garden
Roses are great, but if you want something that’ll last longer than a week, this sweet succulent garden is a worthy contender. It’s housed in a heart shaped planter and comes in four sizes, including two with a plaque that reads “All things grow with love.” If you treat it right, it’ll last you for quite some time!
Long Distance Touch Bracelet
These cool bracelets are a great way to stay connected to your partner if you’re doing the long-distance thing or are just often traveling for work. When one of you is thinking about the other, you just tap the bracelet and theirs will light up and vibrate.
Custom Map Coasters
Have a special city or neighborhood that means a lot to the two of you? These custom coasters are a sweet way to remember that special spot every time you set your drink down. We love that these are artistic interpretations of maps, so they look almost vintage!
Unique Valentine’s Day gifts worth the splurge
Drowsy Sleep Mask
This sleep mask is made of 100% mulberry silk and is a truly luxe gift for the person who’s a sensitive sleeper. “I wear this mask every single night,” says former commerce writer Hannah Baker. “It’s wide so it blocks light and helps to dampen noises. Plus, it’s super soft and cushioned—I have a hard time sleeping if I forget to wear it!”
In Good Taste A Dozen Rosés
For the wine lover, this is way better than a dozen roses. Each mini bottle is filled with a mouth-watering fruit-forward blend they'll be excited to dive into at the end of a long day.
Apple HomePod Mini
Similar to Alexa-enabled devices, the Apple HomePod mini is compatible with Siri and helps you complete simple everyday tasks without ever lifting a finger. It can control your smart home and acts as a topnotch speaker (you can also pair it with a few mini speakers for more intense sound). The best part? The brand says it’s designed to keep your data private.
Frieling French Press
If your partner is a caffeine lover, they’ll fall in love with this double-walled French press that’s suitable for coffee or loose-leaf tea. Plus, these Food52-exclusive array of hues will add a little color to their kitchen — and they’re pretty enough to be left out on the counter.
Catbird Gift Card
Get zapped with your Galentine or Valentine with this gift that lasts far longer than a heart-shaped box of chocolates. Catbird has multiple locations across the US, where you both can choose to get matching bracelets complete with different finishes, designs and charms.
Sun Basket Gift Card
Meal kit services are one of our go-to gift options because they're perfect for the busy guy or gal and take the guesswork out of the question, "What's for dinner?" Sun Basket offers everything from Fresh & Ready "heat and eat" meals to Classic Meal Kits and the service has something for every appetite and diet. You can also get delicious breakfast, lunch and snack options!
How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best and most unique products that would make touching Valentine's Day gifts. We use our own personal experiences with products and brands to make shopping easier for our readers.
Don’t forget to check out Shop TODAY’s other gift guides to find the perfect Valentine’s Day gifts on Amazon, for long-distance relationships, for Galentine's, for new couples and more.
