This Not That: 12 Unexpected Valentine’s Day Gifts They’re Sure to Remember

Love is in the air! Or is it? February 14—that heart-laden day with a fanciful origin tale—can magnify the full spectrum of emotions in any relationship. But whether or not Valentine’s Day envelops your own heart in a rose-colored veil, symbols of love are inescapable this time of year. 

Introduction

While there’s hardly a need to go all out on a gift, small tokens of affection are always appreciated—no matter how long your love has been blooming. For those with a strong feel for the holiday, our Valentine’s Day gift guide has small and grand gestures alike to pin down their love. For those looking for inspiration beyond the beribboned drugstore chocolates and hard-to-nab dinner reservations, our edit here is filled with ideas that are equal parts cheeky wink and wonderfully charming. Let’s jump right in.

Instead of an Overpriced Pre-fixe Dinner…

• Roscioli signature pasta kit – $120 GOLDBELLY
• Misette set-of-four linen placemats – $220 MODA OPERANDI
• Sophie Lou Jacobsen Totem glasses – $110 MODA OPERANDI

Instead of Grocery Store Flowers…

• Urbanstems The Grower’s choice – $88 URBANSTEMS
• BloomsyBox pink peony tulips – $100 BLOOMSYBOX
• Flowerbx roses and chocolate gift set – $105 FLOWERBX

Instead of Borrowing Theirs…

• Comme Si La Boxer Alta – $170 COMMESI
• Birkenstock x Tekla striped shorts – $145 NET-A-PORTER

Instead of Another Candle…

• Buly 1803 scented matches – $15 BULY1803
• Ginori 1735 scented incense – $145 GINORI 1735
• Loewe Ivy room spray – $125 NEIMAN MARCUS

Instead of Second-guessing Your Relationship Status…

• Chefanie Relationship Status cocktail napkins – $48 GOOP
• Georg Jensen heart keyring – $49 GEORG JENSEN

Instead of an Awkward Couple’s Massage…

• Kate McLeod heart-shaped body stone – $38 GOOP
• Damask rose and bergamot body oil – $60 FLAMINGO ESTATE

Instead of a Birkin…

• Sonic Editions Birkin Paris 1970 print – $279 GOOP
• Birkenstock Boston shearling clogs – $195 NORDSTROM

Instead of a Coffee Date…

• Anissa Kermiche set of two coffee cups – $199 FWRD
• Partners Coffee Elevate espresso – $19 PARTNERS COFFEE

Instead of Drugstore Chocolates…

• Lavoratti 1938 Library box chocolates – $140 BERGDORF GOODMAN
• MarieBelle chocolate-covered cherries box – $35 MARIE BELLE

Instead of a Trail of Red Roses on the Floor…

• L’Objet Rose Noire gift set – $130 BERGDORF GOODMAN
• Diptyque roses scented candle – $220 NORDSTROM

Instead of Playing Games…

• Compartes Grandmaster chocolate chess set – $300 COMPARTES
• Bottega Veneta playing cards – $620 BOTTEGA VENETA

Instead of Heart-shaped Jewelry…

• Dorsey Sabine lab-grown white sapphire drop earrings – $275 DORSEY
• David Yurman sculpted cable stud earrings – $375 DAVID YURMAN

Conclusion

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be about following the crowd with flowers, chocolates, and dinners. It’s about creating memories and showing your love in unique ways that resonate with your partner. This Valentine’s Day, think outside the box and choose a gift that’s sure to be remembered for years to come.