valentine's day

34 Nontraditional Valentine’s Day Gifts for Your Loved Ones

Photo-Illustration: by The Cut; Photos: Retailers

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Although we’re always happy for the opportunity to eat candy and swap presents, Valentine’s Day’s more traditional trappings can very quickly fall into the realm of cliché and banal if you’re not careful. So if your partner is indeed the type to roll their eyes at stuffed teddy bears or heart-shaped boxes of chocolate (and whether or not they steal your beauty products), plan accordingly.

Below, we’ve compiled a list of the best unexpected Valentine’s Day presents for your loved ones.

For the Friend Who Has Everything

A designer water bottle screams “luxury”; gift this wool Pucci one to your stylish friend who has everything.

The Designer Gift

Another luxury gift that has a much smaller price tag? This Louis Vuitton bandeau. It’s made from 100 percent silk and can be styled several different ways, including tied to their favorite bag or wrapped around the neck or wrist.

If They Want to Spice Things Up

$49

With three different speeds and 1.5 hours of battery life, plus a discreet and easy-to-use design, this Maude vibrator is a Valentine’s Day essential. Don’t believe us? Read the reviews!

Because Balletcore Is Trending

If they’re leaning into the balletcore aesthetic, surprise them with these sparkly satin Tory Burch flats, which are a combination of the classic pointe shoe and the traditional slipper.

For the Accessories Lover

Heart-shaped earrings are an obvious choice for Valentine’s Day, but the structural element makes this pair by Bottega Veneta perfect for year-round wear.

If They Like Games

This limited-edition deck includes 50 conversation cards designed to take your relationship (romantic or platonic) to the next level. Whether you decide to drink or not, this card game will make for a great time.

If They Like Subtle Surprises

While jewelry is certainly considered a common Valentine’s Day gift idea, these Splash earrings by Aupen are anything but traditional. The unique two-piece design can be worn not one, not two, but three different ways (plus, they’re Emma Stone approved).

The Customizable Fragrance

Gift your partner the sweet smell of Jo Malone with an added personal touch. Purchase their favorite fragrance and customize the bottle with their name, initials, or a sweet message.

For Capturing Special Moments

Upgrade their dresser with this modern Lucite design by Tizo. The transparent magnetic frame comes in a bold blue shade or this soft pink color that is perfect for Valentine’s Day.

If They Frequently Misplace Their Keys

That special someone will be reminded of you every time they head out the door (and the vibrant red leather will also make it harder for them to misplace their keys).

For the Lip Oil Lover

Maintaining hydrated lips is always a challenge, especially in the winter months. So if they’re going to be locking lips on Valentine’s Day, gift them this best-selling Ami Colé product that will make even the driest of lips feel soft, supple, and moisturized.

For Stylish Mom-to-Be

Elevate her basic maternity looks with a soft and stylish dress that can transition from loungewear to an everyday staple. And the best part of the four-way-stretch fabric dress? It can be worn before, during, and after pregnancy, making it the ideal slip-on dress for all moms and non-moms alike!

If They’re Obsessed With Their Pet

Nothing says “I love you” — or “I love how much you love your pet” — quite like this customizable Staud handbag.

For the Movie Buff

An excellent gift for the movie fan in your life, this subscription gives them access to an incredible collection of acclaimed films from around the world.

For the Lover and Wellness Guru

For a sexual wellness boost in the form of sweet edible goodness, indulge in these Alice mushroom chocolates. The “Happy Ending” chocolates, made with dark chocolate and organic Cordyceps, as well as natural elements like cayenne pepper and ceylon cinnamon, work to boost arousal and pleasure and help to improve long-term sexual health.

For the Workout Fanatic

Bala Bangles are a popular workout accessory for those who are dedicated to their virtual workout classes.

For the Person With Too Many Design Magazines

These elegant glasses are the perfect gift for anyone trying to give their dinner parties a bit of an upgrade.

If They’re Looking to Take the Edge Off

There are few things better than a delicious cocktail, so give the gift of an at-home bar set. It’s an exciting experience with an even more exciting reward.

If They’re All About Hygiene

Give them the love of that extra-clean feeling this holiday with the Tushy Bidet. The ever-popular bidet attachment, which fits 95 percent of toilet seats, is a unique and practical way to show your love from the bottom of your heart.

For the Bookworm

From $60

Each month, you are offered a curated selection of five books. You just choose your favorite and it’s sent to you (or your loved one) to enjoy!

For the Person Who Can’t Wait to Travel Again

The travel bug has bitten plenty of people during these months stuck indoors — sometimes to no avail. A new Away travel bag may be enough to hold them over until they can actually get on a plane.

For the Tea Lover

This handsome electric kettle will not only satisfy the tea drinkers in your life but will also act as a beautiful accessory in their kitchen.

If They Miss Getting Professional Blowouts

The perfect gift for all the people who are missing their shiny professional blowouts. With this Drybar dryer brush, they’ll be able to do it themselves.

If They Just Learned How to Cook

The Always Pan is a no-brainer for anyone who dedicated their quarantine to improving their cooking skills.

For the Fashion Bestie

Sure, a heart-shaped purse is a bit on the nose, but odds are they don’t already have one.

If They Love Sustainable Sparkles

Lab-grown diamonds are all the rage these days as an alternative option to mined diamonds. So if your partner is lusting after some Valentine’s Day jewels but is looking for a diamond alternative, try these moissanite stud enhancers. The four-piece design simply attaches to the back of any earring stud and lines the bottom of the ear with an extra bit of sparkle.

If They Weren’t Expecting Anything

From $25

They’ll be in for a surprise with this one. Market editor Roberto Johnson kept getting an ad for these on Instagram and loved the idea of a card that explodes in your face. Talk about a plot twist!

For the Music Lover

If they have a dedicated vinyl corner in their home or are working on growing their collection, this turntable with a built-in Bluetooth speaker is ideal for all the future intimate dance parties you’ll have together.

For Your Favorite Francophile

Experience the City of Lights through the lens of 20 different women who offer a glimpse into their everyday Paris lives. Through food, fashion, art, and scenery, readers can venture to one of the world’s most romantic and majestic cities through realistic portraits of the book’s diverse Parisienne subjects.

If They Have a Sensitive Sense of Smell

Gift them a diffuser, and they can pick their own oils and have their place smelling like … whatever they want it to smell like.

If They Want to Have More Experiences

Maybe they don’t want more stuff. This year, consider an experience you can do together, like a ceramics class.

If They Are a Minimalist

This LGBTQ+-owned jewelry brand offers rings up to size 16. It’s perfect for the person who appreciates minimalist design.

If They Have a Sweet Tooth

For the Beatles-Obsessed

Fall in love with Eton’s latest collaboration with the Beatles featuring five artistic, one-of-a-kind pocket squares. Crafted from 100 percent fine silk, each of the special-collaboration pocket squares features original artwork inspired by various interpretations of the band’s hit song “All You Need Is Love.” An understated yet festive option for the stylish and creative man in your life.

34 Nontraditional Valentine’s Day Gifts for Your Loved Ones