Call Me Cupid: 30 Unexpected Valentine's Day Gifts I'd Give Instead of Flowers

Valentine's Day Gifts

Photo:

Courtesy of Saks; Courtesy of Urban Outfitters; Original Illustration by Ally Quirk

One of the things I love about living in NYC is the way it celebrates every holiday, and there's nothing sweeter than Valentine's Day in the city. Walk on any given street, and you'll find heart-shaped banners in windows, bakeries with red and pink treats, and local flower vendors with even more roses than usual. These special touches serve as a reminder to celebrate the many different types of love in your life—and I've got the gifts that will help you do that. Below, you'll find my curation of Valentine's Day gifts, including designer accessories, dog sweaters, a Jane Austen book set, and the best hand creams you will ever smell. And while I adore traditional presents like flowers and chocolates, I think these unexpected items are just what you need. Keep scrolling to shop my top 30 Valentine's Day gifts for 2024.

A little something for the hopeless romantics and literarature lovers. 

A photo album disguised as a coffee table book is pure genius.  

Because I know not everyone loves pink as much as I do. 

I'm headed to a Galentine's Day gift exchange and will be bringing this chic little nail polish. 

It's the season of charm jewelry, and I can't get enough of this dainty heart. 

For your pickleball-obsessed friend. (We all have at least one.) 

The perfect gift for the person who already has it all. 

Handbag lovers would shed tears of joy unwrapping this one. 

Trust me when I say these fragrances are heaven-sent. 

Your stack is already sorted with this double-banded ring. 

It wouldn't be V-Day without a sweet treat. 

Fragrance can be a tough one, but this is the perfect unisex candle with the most intoxicating scent.

This shimmering favorite from Blue Nile will arrive just in time thanks to the brand's three-day shipping.

Okay, okay—I admit this may be another gift I threw in for myself. Can you blame me? 

2023 was the year of Barbie, and I don't see that slowing down in 2024. 

Nothing screams, "I love you, my fashion friend!" quite like the gift of Miu Miu sunglasses.

The less corny way of saying, "You're the salt to my pepper." 

Because it's still winter, and we're still cold. 

The perfect size for a Polaroid pic. 

Madewell's men's section has been popping off lately and inspired me to gift an entire 'fit. This checkered sweater is the perfect starting point. 

Style the sweater with these dark-wash jeans. 

And then finish with this unisex loafer if you're feeling generous. 

For the friend who loves quality time (and adorable vintage board games). 

Don't worry—I have your card covered, too. 

If you thought I was going to forget about the real loves of our lives, think again. 

Lingerie is cool and all, but if I'm honest, I just want pajamas. 

There's a reason these are a classic choice. They're certified crowd-pleasers for even the pickiest recipient. 

Practical gifts are indeed the best, especially when they're from Anine Bing.