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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 drugstore find. So if you’ve put off making an order with a florist or you’re simply not feeling particularly inspired, 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 as unique as an original or limited-edition work of art. Bonus points if the piece subtly nods to Valentine’s Day in some way, like this collage inspired by a prolific Ikebana floral artist.
A Mesmerizing Hand Mirror
Maybe it’s because it makes us think of old Disney movies, but there’s something inherently 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
There’s nothing worse for a green thumb than coming home from a vacation to sad, thirsty plants. This gift set lets greenery drink on its own for more than 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 tome, 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 limited-edition fragrances 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 extra-special (aside from the mix of silver-plated and Murano glass beads) is that it comes in four sizes, so you can tailor 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 appreciate any quirky, delicate piece of glassware, but especially one made in Denmark by Helle Mardahl.
A Wearable Work of Art
They might choose to tie this swatch-covered scarf around their favorite handbag, but we love the idea of hanging it on the wall.
A Routine Game-Changer
Each compartment on this chic chrome pill box is designated with its own hinged door, so they won’t have to deal with future days’ medications and supplements accidentally flying everywhere whenever they open it.
A Saucy Spoon
Made in collaboration with South Louisiana-based artisan Mike Bonin, this Creole kitchen staple is shaped to reach all corners of the pot or pan. 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 color-blocked cubes for neatly sorting everything from clothes to shoes within their luggage.