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We’ve heard that the best things in life are free, but we also fully understand the specific joy of presenting a gift to someone you love, whether it’s a partner, roommate, or family member. So with Valentine’s Day right around the corner, we’ve rounded up 17 of our favorites—all for $20 or less—that are so much cuter than anything you’ll find last minute in the CVS aisles. 

And because each of these cheap thrills is so affordable, from a $13 vase (to pair with a fragrant bouquet, of course) to a $4 matchbox from our favorite New York City boutique, you can stock up and give them to everyone on your list whom you heart.

Love Letters

Love Don’t Cost a Thing—But $20-or-Less Valentine’s Day Gifts Are Nice, Too
Brass Alphabet Coasters, Jayson Home ($12)
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Pro tip: A monogram automatically makes a gift personal. And whether they use it as a desk catchall or bedside coaster, everyone has room for a sweet patinaed object. 

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A Perfect Match

Love Don’t Cost a Thing—But $20-or-Less Valentine’s Day Gifts Are Nice, Too
Bee, Pansy, Honeysuckle, Morning Glory, John Derian ($4)
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A latte is consumed in minutes, and for the same price you can buy an impossibly charming John Derian matchbox. Opting for the floral print basically means it’s a bouquet, too. 

Some Like It French

Love Don’t Cost a Thing—But $20-or-Less Valentine’s Day Gifts Are Nice, Too
French Press Coffee Maker, Bodum ($15)
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Breakfast just got a makeover. Might we recommend pairing this tomato red French press with the Sunday paper?

Fun Puzzle Pieces

Love Don’t Cost a Thing—But $20-or-Less Valentine’s Day Gifts Are Nice, Too
A Fruity Fiasco Puzzle, Le Puzz ($18)
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The best gifts offer an activity to enjoy together, and what better pastime than a cheeky petite puzzle?

Sweet Thing

Love Don’t Cost a Thing—But $20-or-Less Valentine’s Day Gifts Are Nice, Too
Pink Peppercorn Chocolate, Casa Bosques Chocolates ($13)
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Valentine’s Day chocolate can get cheesy fast. But not when it’s Casa Bosques, serving up unexpected flavors with artsy packaging. 

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Slow Burn

Love Don’t Cost a Thing—But $20-or-Less Valentine’s Day Gifts Are Nice, Too
Mini Stack Candle by Yod and Co, Nordstorm ($20)
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Anyone who loves design would be stoked to receive a pastel totem-shaped candle. As painful as it would be to burn, nothing sets the Valentine’s Day mood like candlelight. 

Warm Up

Love Don’t Cost a Thing—But $20-or-Less Valentine’s Day Gifts Are Nice, Too
Glass Butter & Syrup Warmer, MoMA Design Store ($13)
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Is there anything sweeter than a milk warmer for your sweetie? Ideal for the coffee-obsessed buddy who doesn’t mind doing things the slow way.

Real Love

Love Don’t Cost a Thing—But $20-or-Less Valentine’s Day Gifts Are Nice, Too
Cooking for Jeffrey, Amazon ($18)
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Name a more dynamic duo. And as far as we’re concerned, making Ina Garten’s recipes for your S.O. is the definition of romance. 

Hot Stuff

Love Don’t Cost a Thing—But $20-or-Less Valentine’s Day Gifts Are Nice, Too
8″ Cast Iron Skillet, Barebones Living ($20)
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An 8-inch skillet is as adorable as cookware gets. Plus sometimes your person just needs to fry one egg.

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Set the Vibe

Love Don’t Cost a Thing—But $20-or-Less Valentine’s Day Gifts Are Nice, Too
Hinoki Forest Incense, Good Friend ($20)
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It’s hard to believe that this incense kit, hinoki box and all, is only $20. A forest scent makes it perfect for nature lovers and indoorsy folks alike.

Dream Cream

Love Don’t Cost a Thing—But $20-or-Less Valentine’s Day Gifts Are Nice, Too
Musgo Real Classic Scent Shaving Cream by Claus Porto, Ssense ($17 was $25)
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You can’t buy this hydrating Portuguese shaving cream at CVS, but the price isn’t much higher than Gillette’s. Plus an avocado-hued tube will look way better in a medicine cabinet. 

Serve It Up

Love Don’t Cost a Thing—But $20-or-Less Valentine’s Day Gifts Are Nice, Too
Dash Heart Mini Waffle Maker, Target ($10)
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Homemade waffles are pretty sweet as is; make them heart-shaped and you’ve got the most lovable meal of all time.

Bookshelf Bonus

Love Don’t Cost a Thing—But $20-or-Less Valentine’s Day Gifts Are Nice, Too
All About Love by bell hooks, Amazon ($12)
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As much as we love a box of chocolates, the avid reader in your life will appreciate a Valentine’s Day gift that expands their mind. This seminal read from author bell hooks will do just that.

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Sealed With a Kiss

Love Don’t Cost a Thing—But $20-or-Less Valentine’s Day Gifts Are Nice, Too
Initials Embosser Stamp, Etsy ($7)
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An old-school monogrammed stamp will get you one step closer to romantic love letters. 

Quick Pick-me-up

Love Don’t Cost a Thing—But $20-or-Less Valentine’s Day Gifts Are Nice, Too
Aura Multi-Stick by Vapour, Ssense ($18)
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Perfect for a BFF, this multipurpose stick will bring some much needed rouge to a post-lockdown world.  

Earthly Delight  

Love Don’t Cost a Thing—But $20-or-Less Valentine’s Day Gifts Are Nice, Too
Beige Mug, Hasami Porcelain ($19 was $30)
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There’s not enough unglazed pottery. Understated yet refined, a modern Japanese mug will bring a bit of zen to their morning routine.

Flower Power

Love Don’t Cost a Thing—But $20-or-Less Valentine’s Day Gifts Are Nice, Too
Glass Ikebana Vase, H&M ($13)
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Flowers are the real star of the show on Valentine’s Day, and an ikebana vase is the perfect nod to petal play while also encouraging a new creative hobby. 

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