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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 35 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 $10 waffle iron (to pair with breakfast in bed, of course) to a $4 matchbox decorated with a bouquet, you can stock up and give them to everyone on your list whom you heart.
Life of the (Dinner) Party
Bobby Berk Multi Stripe Cloth Napkins (Set of 6), QVC
Currently on sale for $14, these vibrant napkins are just over $2 each. Designed by Bobby Berk, shades of electric blue and lime green bring instant festivity to a table.
A Perfect Match
Decorative Variegated Tulips & Swift Matchbox, Amazon
A fancy latte is consumed in minutes, and for the nearly same price you can buy an impossibly charming matchbox to leave on their coffee table. Opting for the floral print basically means it’s a bouquet, too.
Some Like It French
French Press Coffee Maker, Bodum
Breakfast just got a makeover. Might we recommend pairing this tomato red French press with the Sunday paper?
Fun Puzzle Pieces
A Fruity Fiasco Puzzle
Le Puzz
The best gifts offer an activity to enjoy together, and what better pastime than a cheeky petite puzzle?
Sweet Thing
Deux Cranes Chocolate, Big Night
Valentine’s Day chocolate can get cheesy fast. But not when it’s Deux Cranes, serving up unexpected flavors like crème brûlée and matcha with caramelized sesame.
Slow Burn
Dipped Blue Taper Candles, Set of 2, Crate & Barrel
Nothing sets the Valentine’s Day mood like candlelight. Pair this gift with a romantic home-cooked dinner for two.
Real Love
Cooking for Jeffrey
Amazon
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
Lodge Seasoned Cast-Iron Skillet, Williams Sonoma
An 8-inch skillet is as adorable as cookware gets. Plus sometimes your person just needs to fry one egg.
Two for One
Hinoki Forest Incense
Good Friend
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
Hand Cream, Salt & Stone
You can’t buy this hydrating hand cream at CVS, but the price isn’t much higher than Eucerin. Plus the tube will look way better on their nightstand.
Heart Throb
Dash Red Heart Mini Waffle Maker, Target
Homemade waffles are pretty sweet as is; make them heart-shaped and you’ve got the most lovable meal of all time. Plus you can’t argue with that 5-star rating.
Bookshelf Bonus
All About Love by bell hooks
Amazon
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 book from author bell hooks will do just that.
On-the-Go Pro
Nesting Cutlery 3-Piece Stainless Steel Compact Travel Cutlery Set, Black + Blum
For the partner who’s always dining on the go, this stainless steel travel set beats disposable plastic every time.
Clean Slate
Hinoki Aromatherapy Soap, Jinen
Transform their shower into a Japanese forest with hinoki cypress oil. Talk about starting the day on the right note.
Dynamic Duo
Bodum Chambord Creamer & Sugar Bowl Set, MoMA Design Store
A modernist Bodum creamer and sugar bowl set for only $16? We’re just as shocked as you are.
Chic Stir
Hand-Carved Cocktail Stirrer, Hawkins New York
Perfect for the aesthetically driven mixologist, this hand-carved walnut spoon is nearly a foot long. Pair it with a bottle of their favorite spirit.
Power Pony
Out From Under Organza Jumbo Scrunchie, Urban Outfitters
From flouncy bows to claw clips, hair accessories of all kind are trending. Snagging a few of these $5 scrunchies for friends will show your love without breaking the bank.
Game Changer
Chessboard, Hay
Less screen time, more quality time. Leaving this design-forward chessboard out can turn scrolling on the couch into a heated game night.
Happiest Hour Yet
Scallop-Trim Cocktail Napkins (Set of 4), Schoolhouse
If your partner’s New Year’s resolutions included entertaining more, a set of scalloped cocktail napkins will give them just the encouragement they need.
Spicy Stuff
Southern Chili Crisp, Red Clay
This isn’t your average chili crisp; peanuts, garlic, and shallot give it an unexpected Southern flair.
Joy Ride
Roma Heirloom Tomato Car Fragrance, Flamingo Estate
This may seem like a small gift, but its Roma tomato scent will spark joy every time they get in their car. It’s a gift that keeps on giving.
Soft Touch
Color-Blocked Stripe Trouser Socks, Madewell
Stripes and an on-theme hue make these discounted socks as easy as gifting gets.
Hydration Station
Water Bottle, Kinto
Japanese drinkware brand Kinto offers excellent quality in a surprisingly affordable price range, like this simple tinted copolyester water bottle.
Taper Topper
Glass Bowl, Hawkins New York
Who wouldn’t be charmed by this little recycled glass bowl? Ideal for olives, nuts, or their morning yogurt, the little bubbles give it a handmade feel.
Skin Saver
Origins Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay, Sephora
We’d love to gift our special someone a luxurious facial, but that would unfortunately cost a lot more than $20. This retexturizing mask includes Mediterranean rose clay, making it all the more appropriate for Valentine’s Day.
Nice Play
A Big Deal Giant Playing Cards , Brass Monkey
This may look like an average deck, but each card is 4.5-by-7 inches. That’s Big Poker Energy, if you ask us.
Something Fishy
Milk Chocolate Candy Sardines, Amazon
Gifting a can of sardines might be a tad odd, but don’t be fooled; this box actually includes foil-wrapped fish-shaped milk chocolates.
Morning Ritual
Japanese Sencha Green Tea by Harney & Sons, Amazon
For the partner who chooses tea over coffee, Japanese sencha in a reusable tin will surely upgrade their morning routine.
Home-Chef Hero
Trudy Oven Mitt, Anthropologie
Oven mitts aren’t meant to last forever, and if your partner is active in the kitchen, they would probably appreciate a refresh. Anthropologie’s is double-sided and comes in three bright colorways.
Shower Power
Exfoliating Shower Towel, Goshi
Exfoliation is key, and this specialty Japanese towel gets deep. Plus think about how soft their skin will be after this enters their routine.
Rockin’ Roller
Tapered French Rolling Pin by JK Adams, Food52
This French rolling pin is a beautiful object on its own, but just think about the even more beautiful pies it will encourage.
Pantry Pick-me-up
Strawberry Rosé Living Vinegar, Acid League
For the experimental chef, this strawberry rosé vinegar can add zing to salads, cocktails, dessert, and more.
Sweet Sip
Hot Cocoa Mix, Fine & Raw
Giving chocolate on Valentine’s Day is a classic move, but hot chocolate is unexpected. We’re eyeing the Ceremonial Mix, with nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and cinnamon.
Nature’s Best
The Jonsteen Company California Poppy Flower Seed Grow Kit , Amazon
Calling all green thumbs. Each kit includes nearly 30,000 seeds, enough to plant an entire field of poppies.
Daring Drizzle
Partanna Mission Spicy Chili Oil
Fancy olive oil is usually more than $20, but Partanna’s collab with Mission Chinese is hiding on Amazon for $18. Fun packaging aside, the spicy oil blends red pepper and extra virgin olive oil.