The best Valentine's Day gifts: 34 thoughtful ideas they'll actually want
Not everyone embraces Valentine's Day. It is, at worst, a commercial free-for-all crammed with out-of-season roses and overpriced, throwaway gifts and, at best, a day that sees you dashing to a supermarket at 6pm trying to find something that doesn't scream 'after-thought'.
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But if you are going to embrace it, there are some great, thoughtful gifts out there. We've put together a list of more unusual, long-lasting ideas: from Lego flowers to a digital mix tape, a refurbished games console to an affordable fragrance. Whether you're looking for a present to bring you closer as a couple – half-and-half duvet, anyone? – or to attract someone new, our guide will help you ace Valentine's Day this year. And not an (out-of-season) red rose in sight.
Lego wildflower bouquet
£54.99 at Lego£40 at Argos
Better than a hot-housed bouquet, Lego flowers are not only beautiful but also they'll last forever. This wildflower set comes as 939 pieces, so you can build them together for a wholesome night in. There's a whole range of botanical Lego from which you can pick a bunch to suit their taste. If flowers aren't their thing, these tiny plants are also really cute.
Mixed radicchio box
£35 at Natoora
This beautiful box of seasonal radicchio is a wonderful alternative to a bunch of out-of-season roses, as suggested by Natoora's 'radicchio not roses' campaign. Display their beautiful pink leaves in a bowl on your table, and then eat them.
Slumberdown Made For You Two duvet 4.5/10.5 Tog
From £24.99 at DebenhamsFrom £25.99 at Amazon
If you find yourself shivering in bed while your partner's sweating, this one's for you. This dual-tog duvet has a 4.5 thickness on one half and 10.5 on the other, so you can both get a perfect sleep.
If your bed setup is in need of more than just a new duvet, read our test of the best mattresses to help you sleep better
Dior Sauvage deodorant spray, 150ml
£34 at Boots£40 at the Perfume Shop
Chanel Coco Mademoiselle moisture mist, 100ml
£39.10 at John Lewis£39.10 at Boots
Perfumes and aftershaves can be so expensive, so when Anita Bhagwandas recommended buying the more affordable body spray version of your favourite scent, I was sold. Most high-end fragrances have them, including Chanel Coco Mademoiselle, Davidoff Cool Water and Jo Malone Pear & Freesia. My personal favourite, Glossier You, even comes in a body butter. Buy one to match the scent they already wear for a fail-safe gift.
Sterling silver round curb chain bracelet
£145 at Missoma
Simple chains are perfect for no-frills people. If your partner's style is more understated, get them a classic piece of jewellery from an affordable but cool brand such as Missoma.
Signature signet ring
£88 at Monica Vinader
Get jewellery engraved for a more personal gift. This 18k gold vermeil signet ring from Monica Vinader – a Filter favourite – can be etched with the initials of your loved one to make them feel extra special.
Personalised Spotify code keyring
From £9.49 at Etsy
Did you know every song, artist and playlist on Spotify has its own unique code? Create a playlist of songs you know your partner will love and get the code printed on a keyring for a simple but deeply personal gift. Think of it as a modern-day mix tape.
Sony PlayStation classic console
£119.57 at Amazon
If your partner is into gaming, chances are they used to have the original PlayStation or Nintendo 64. Both Sony and Nintendo sell versions of their classic consoles preloaded with the original games – I borrowed my boyfriend's Super Nintendo recently and Donkey Kong had me hooked for hours. They're a perfect gift for those with a penchant for nostalgia. You could also buy a refurbished model at a more affordable price.
Build your own hot sauce box
£26.50 at Not on the High Street
From smoky to fruity, tailor this hot sauce selection box to them by selecting the flavours you know they'll love.
Raspberry and scarlet lace underwear
£35 for a bralette at Stripe & Stare£18 for the original knicker at Stripe & Stare
Comfy doesn't have to mean frumpy. Stripe & Stare underwear is known for being cute and comfortable. This set in quintessential Valentine's Day colours is perfect.
Low rise trunks, three pack
£42 at Calvin Klein£42 at Asos
Calvin Kleins are a classic for a reason. If you want to buy them boxers but are unsure about where to start, these are a safe bet.
Red and white striped classic unisex boxer shorts
£35 at Speltham
For something more distinctive, how about unisex underwear? These boxers are designed to be worn by everyone.
Open padel racket
£29.99 at Decathlon
Looking for a new hobby? Padel has become one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide. If you still haven't given it a go, buy a pair of rackets so you can take it up together.
Slow Sex full body massage oil
£17.99 at Harmony£20 at Lelo
Made to be used on the entire body, this massage oil has a delicious coconut scent and is compatible with latex condoms, meaning it can double up as a lubricant.
Lobster shaped bottle opener
£9.99 at the House of Bloc
Lobsters have become an enigmatic symbol of love, thanks to that episode of Friends. You'll find all manner of tacky lobster trinkets around Valentine's Day, but this bottle opener is a fun and useful choice.
Personalised Monopoly
£54.12 at Etsy
Perfect for board game fanatics, this personalised version of Monopoly can be customised with all your in jokes.
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Ottolenghi Comfort
£25.50 at the Guardian Bookshop£15 at Amazon
If your partner is a whiz in the kitchen – or needs to up their game – get them a cookbook from their favourite chef or restaurant. If you're looking for comfort dishes to get you through the last leg of winter, try Ottolenghi's latest book for classics with a twist. Let's be honest, it's as much a gift for you as it is for them.
Monthly coffee subscription
From £7.95 a month at Pact Coffee
If your partner is a coffee aficionado, give them a monthly subscription to show them how much you care. Pact offers the choice of regular or decaf in whole bean, ground coffee or machine pod form, so you can tailor it to how they like their morning brew.
For more inspiration, check out our guide to the best subscriptions
Rick and Morty inspired personalised cartoon
From £13.64 at Etsy
For an original take on a couple's caricature, turn you and your partner into characters from their favourite cartoon. This one in the style of Rick and Morty is particularly fun, but Etsy has dozens of different options, including The Simpsons, Family Guy and Adventure Time.
The Adventure Challenge couples edition
£24.99 at the Adventure Challenge
If you're fresh out of date ideas and could use some inspiration, this is for you. The Adventure Challenge books are full of activities that remain a mystery until you scratch to reveal each one. They're all designed to make you try new things and create memories together.
The Tennis Pro G spot vibrator
£49.95 at Smile Makers£49.95 at Cult Beauty
A popular choice from our self-care gift guide, Smile Makers' vibrators are named after sexual fantasies, such as the Poet and the French Lover. They're waterproof and vegan: probably one for someone already in your life …
Alyssa pink and green photo frame
£28 at Oliver Bonas
Buy a nice frame – or thrift a secondhand one (Vinted is a good source) – and fill it with a picture of you both for a simple but sentimental gift.
From £42 at Dishpatch
Restaurant-quality food in the comfort of your own home? Sign me up. Dishpatch offers meal kits by top chefs such as Rick Stein and Andi Oliver delivered straight to your door.
Unisex Kaws + Warhol UT Joggers
£19.90 at Uniqlo
These Uniqlo joggers are from a collection inspired by Andy Warhol and Kaws. They are super comfortable, perfect for evenings in together, and you could absolutely get away with wearing them on emergency snack runs.
Women's souffle Heattech socks
£7.90 at Uniqlo
The best complement to any snug outfit is Uniqlo's Heattech socks. This pair looks particularly cosy.
Men's Heattech heather soft pile socks
£7.90 at Uniqlo
And for men, these thermal slipper socks will keep your toes toasty while preventing odours with their special deodorising thread.
Beurer Wake Up Light WL50
£79.99 at John Lewis£69.99 at Amazon
If your loved one isn't a morning person, then a sunrise alarm clock could be a gamechanger. Designed to emulate the rising sun and gently wake you up with light, it's the perfect antidote to dark winter mornings. Our expert reviewer Pete Wise chose this model from Beurer as the best one for couples, as you can set two separate alarms.
Check out the Filter's recent guide to the best sunrise alarm clocks
Gritin 9 LED clip on book light
£14.59 at Gritin£8.15 at Amazon
Different bedtime preferences can be a contentious issue for couples, but a reading light could be the answer. The ideal present for night owls who want to stay up reading without disturbing their partner.
Wavelength board game
£29.99 at John Lewis
Can you finish each other's sentences? Do you know what your partner is thinking just by looking at them? Prove it. Wavelength is a board game that requires you to get into your opponent's head to guess their answer.
Talking Hearts conversation cards
£12.49 at Amazon
Discover more about each other with 200 unique question cards intended to start amusing and insightful conversations.
7.5kg dumbbell
£29.99 at Decathlon
They say that couples who train together stay together, so a dumbbell for home workouts makes a perfect Valentine's gift. Or buy one each in a bundle for £45.
For more exercise gear, read what personal trainers say is the best home exercise kit
DIY date night kit
£38 at Biscuiteers
A delicious treat and cute activity in one, this box of heart-shaped biscuits comes with everything you need to decorate them at home.
Cherry and chocolate panettone
£10 at Waitrose
If cake is more their thing, this heart-shaped panettone is studded with dark chocolate chips and has a jammy cherry filling. It also comes in a very sweet tin.
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