18 Valentine’s Day Gifts I’m Buying My Friends, Parents, and Myself—Starting at $20 (2024)

As a shopping writer, I spend my days scouring the internet for the best beauty, home, and fashion finds, and this expertise always comes in handy when picking out gifts for loved ones. While I don’t have a significant other this Valentine's Day, many of my friends and family members deserve something thoughtful, too.

Keep scrolling to see what I’m eyeing to give my Mom, Dad, besties, and of course, myself this Valentine’s Day from brands like Fossil, Kiehl’s, and Casper. Items like heart-shaped jewelry, personalized toiletry bags, flower bouquets, and sweets baskets are on my must-gift list this year, and they start at $20.

Top Valentine’s Day Gifts

Williams Sonoma Valentine’s Day Ceramic Measuring Spoon Set from Replacements LTD.

18 Valentine’s Day Gifts I’m Buying My Friends, Parents, and Myself—Starting at $20 (1)

I’m partial to anything covered in hearts year-round—not just for Valentine’s Day, and this four-piece ceramic measuring spoon set is too cute not to keep on my countertop. This set from Replacements LTD., paired with some baking essentials and cookie mix, will be my go-to gift for my food-loving friends this holiday. The spoons are also microwave- and dishwasher-safe.

Fossil Two-Hand Gold Tone Stainless Steel Watch Ring

18 Valentine’s Day Gifts I’m Buying My Friends, Parents, and Myself—Starting at $20 (2)

While jewelry is a classic Valentine’s Day gift, this year, I’m opting for something elegant yet practical like Fossil’s Stainless Steel Watch Ring. It’s such a unique piece to have in my collection that I’m grabbing it for myself in the name of self-love. One shopper called it a great conversation starter that warrants “tons of compliments.”

Bouqs We Belong Together Bouquet

18 Valentine’s Day Gifts I’m Buying My Friends, Parents, and Myself—Starting at $20 (3)

Even though flowers may seem like an overdone present, they’re popular for a reason. It’s super easy to brighten someone’s day with a colorful bouquet (especially in the thick of winter) alongside a thoughtful card. My siblings and I are going to ship one of the grand versions to our parents since we no longer live nearby. They love to display vibrant decor on their kitchen counter, and this arrangement checks that box.

Paula's Choice Water-Infusing Electrolyte Moisturizer

18 Valentine’s Day Gifts I’m Buying My Friends, Parents, and Myself—Starting at $20 (4)

When I’m stumped on what to get for friends, my go-to is always something that promotes self-care, like silky moisturizers for a cozy night in. This water-infused electrolyte moisturizer from Paula’s Choice plumps and makes “skin so soft,” according to one reviewer, and is also suitable for oily skin types. If I’m feeling extra generous, I’ll curate a basket with several products for a full routine.

Personalization Mall Tan Leather Toiletry Bag

For someone who’s often on-the-go, this toiletry bag is lovely to send solo or with a handful of grooming tools. I’m customizing a bag for my dad and both of my brothers so they can keep their essentials stored in style during travel. It features a main compartment for larger items, a side pocket, and a side handle for easy transport.

Vitamix Four-Piece Immersion Blender Bundle

18 Valentine’s Day Gifts I’m Buying My Friends, Parents, and Myself—Starting at $20 (6)

Anyone who’s an avid cook or consumer of smoothies needs this immersion blender that works in tandem with any container. My brother is always whipping up something new in the kitchen, so this would get plenty of use in his apartment. It features a whisk attachment for batters, meringues, and eggs, plus the main attachment can blend through tough ingredients like frozen fruit and whole foods.

Ann Taylor Metal Heart Bracelet

18 Valentine’s Day Gifts I’m Buying My Friends, Parents, and Myself—Starting at $20 (7)

My mom always borrows my jewelry, so when I find a piece I’d happily wear, I’m confident she’d love it just as much. This metal heart bracelet will play well with her other gold jewelry, and for a sweet sentiment, I’d also get myself one to match. Instead of a solo heart charm, this one has five, which is perfect since it would be representative of our family of five.

Talbots Shaker Stitch Mockneck Heart Sweater

18 Valentine’s Day Gifts I’m Buying My Friends, Parents, and Myself—Starting at $20 (8)

I gravitate toward just about anything with a heart motif, so this mockneck sweater is a must for my own closet. It’s designed with a cotton blend that’s “well made, soft, and so comfortable,” according to one shopper. The three shades of pink hearts make me love it even more since it’s not a predictable red and can be layered over a collared button-down for extra warmth.

Lancôme Idôle Valentine’s Day Gift Set

18 Valentine’s Day Gifts I’m Buying My Friends, Parents, and Myself—Starting at $20 (9)

My mom deserves the world, and when I can splurge on something like a luxurious perfume set, I don’t hesitate. This Idôle Eau de Parfum incorporates some of her favorite notes like citrus, rose, and white musk with a hint of sweet vanilla that one person described as “beautifully romantic.” Another reviewer called it the “best perfume” for receiving compliments.

Kiehl’s The Night Is Young Value Bundle

18 Valentine’s Day Gifts I’m Buying My Friends, Parents, and Myself—Starting at $20 (10)

To promote a full night of beauty sleep, this value bundle that’s worth $185 combines Kiehl’s midnight recovery eye cream, retinol micro-dose, super multi-corrective eye zone treatment, a sleeping mask, and a canvas pouch. One reviewer specifically praised the eye cream, saying it made their “eyelids much smoother” and their “under-eye bags less noticeable.” A second shopper noticed that it minimized their pores, and their “complexion has evened out.”

1-800-Flowers Valentine’s Night In Gift Set

18 Valentine’s Day Gifts I’m Buying My Friends, Parents, and Myself—Starting at $20 (11)

I’m a fan of gift sets that can be shipped to friends around the country who I don’t get to see all that often. This Valentine’s Night In Set includes sweet treats like chocolate truffles, popcorn, gummy candy, and cookies. If your recipient has a significant other, it also features a set of date night cards and a ‘tokens of love’ coupon book they can use together.

Pura Vida Tiny Heart Choker

18 Valentine’s Day Gifts I’m Buying My Friends, Parents, and Myself—Starting at $20 (12)

I own several Pura Vida pieces from its demi-fine collection, and they’ve held up beautifully with zero reduction in shine since I received them. For a jewelry piece that’s reasonably priced and won’t tarnish quickly, I’m eyeing this tiny heart choker for my close friends. It’s my solution to getting them a nice piece of jewelry without an overwhelming price tag.

Charles Tyrwhitt Merino Quarter-Zip Sweater

18 Valentine’s Day Gifts I’m Buying My Friends, Parents, and Myself—Starting at $20 (13)

My dad is extremely tough to shop for (like many are). A gift he’s always happy to receive is a wardrobe piece that can be dressed up or down like a wool sweater for golf outings, dinners, and work events. This Charles Tyrwhitt quarter-zip is available in four of his most-worn colors: green, blue, black, and ivory, and it will serve as a substantial winter layering piece that’s warm without the bulk.

Victoria's Secret Modal Short Pajama Set

18 Valentine’s Day Gifts I’m Buying My Friends, Parents, and Myself—Starting at $20 (14)

In 2023, I started adding matching pajama sets to my wardrobe, and it has noticeably improved my mood and quality of sleep. Fun sets like this short version come in four colors and patterns, including a heart print. Made from buttery-soft modal, the set is numerous shoppers' favorite loungewear, including one reviewer who deemed it the “most comfortable thing [they’ve] ever worn.”

Otterbox Airtag Case Figura Series

18 Valentine’s Day Gifts I’m Buying My Friends, Parents, and Myself—Starting at $20 (15)

After getting my luggage stolen on a trip back in 2022, I was the biggest advocate for AirTags to help keep track of my belongings. I’ve also gotten so many of my family and friends on board, and for those who have yet to jump on the AirTag train, I’ll definitely be gifting them one, plus this Otterbox AirTag Case keychain. It’s practical and ideal for everyone because there’s no better gift than keeping your valuables safe.

Wine Insiders World of Rosé Trio

18 Valentine’s Day Gifts I’m Buying My Friends, Parents, and Myself—Starting at $20 (16)

Between my mom, my future sister-in-law, and my best friends, catching up over a glass of wine is one of our favorite activities. This rosé set features three bottles of wine that end up being $17 apiece with blends from France, Italy, and the U.S. I’m thinking of snagging this set for myself to keep handy for future gatherings or sending to my friends across the country who I can’t be with in person.

Casper Weighted Blanket

18 Valentine’s Day Gifts I’m Buying My Friends, Parents, and Myself—Starting at $20 (17)

My weighted blanket is one of my most prized possessions since it helps me feel better when I’m having a down day. One of my closest friends, who’s always giving me the best advice, will appreciate the blanket’s comforting feel. It’s available in three different weights and three colors to suit their style and space. One shopper even said it helped them improve their sleep.

Banana Republic Factory Cashmere Bell-Sleeve Sweater

18 Valentine’s Day Gifts I’m Buying My Friends, Parents, and Myself—Starting at $20 (18)

A classic cashmere sweater is a timeless wardrobe piece that’s perfect for cold weather. This bell sleeve style is “soft and comfortable,” per one shopper, and earned another reviewer “so many compliments” when they wore it. I’ll be grabbing it in the pinot noir color for my Valentine’s Day ensemble.

18 Valentine’s Day Gifts I’m Buying My Friends, Parents, and Myself—Starting at $20 (2024)

FAQs

Do you get a Valentines gift for someone you just started dating? ›

Keep gift giving simple, or skip it altogether

This year, focus on getting to know each other instead of worrying about what to buy or how much to spend. This is one of those things you should talk about in advance, deciding together if giving gifts is actually what you want.

What are the three most common gifts during Valentine's Day? ›

If you're unsure about what to get your special someone for Valentine's Day, the survey says that the most traditional gifts are the most desired: 48% want a nice dinner at a restaurant. 34% want chocolates. 31% want flowers.

Can a 13 year old celebrate Valentine's Day? ›

"It's a day that should be celebrated regardless of whether the individuals are seniors or teenagers," Sehat tells Yahoo Life. "The holiday is perfectly OK as it's a celebration of love. Valentine's Day is an all-inclusive day that doesn't differentiate between the gender of partners."

Can I buy myself a Valentines gift? ›

You don't need to wait for a holiday to show yourself some well-deserved love and appreciation, but Valentine's Day is the perfect opportunity to treat yourself. No matter your budget or relationship status, consider pampering yourself with something special this year.

How do you say Happy Valentine's Day to someone you just started dating? ›

The new relationship
  1. I love that you're my Valentine!
  2. Muah! Happy Valentine's Day!
  3. I was never a fan of this holiday until meeting you, my sweet Valentine.
  4. I've loved getting to know you and spending time with you. Happy Valentine's Day!
Jan 25, 2023

What if your boyfriend doesn t get you anything for Valentines Day? ›

Not getting a gift hurts, but try not to let it ruin your whole day. Treat yourself to a V-Day present, or try to pretend it isn't Valentine's Day at all. Ask yourself if you and your partner are on the same page about Valentine's Day. If you didn't say you wanted to celebrate, your expectations may be mismatched.

What is the number 1 Valentines Day gift? ›

1. Valentine's Day cards. Although cards are usually given in combination with other gifts like flowers or chocolates, more than 52% of consumers will present their loved ones with a Valentine's Day card. You can score some extra points by personalizing your card with a photo or heartfelt poem.

What is the most sold Valentine's Day gift? ›

52% of Valentine's Day gift-givers buy candy, making it the most gifted item. 36% of people gift flowers on Valentine's Day. Jewelry is the second most popular gift, with 21% of people opting for it. About a third of people plan a special dinner for the holiday.

Do kids give parents valentines? ›

To many, Valentine's Day is no longer about celebrating your significant other – if you have one – but your relationship with just about anyone, whether platonic or familial. In some families, it's now standard procedure to exchange Valentine's Day cards between parents and children.

What should a 14 year old do on valentine's day? ›

Valentine's Day Date Ideas For Teens
  • Movie. Watching a movie together with your love is one of the best first Valentine's date ideas. ...
  • Go for a picnic. ...
  • Go for a sporting event. ...
  • Theme party. ...
  • Dinner date. ...
  • Coffee. ...
  • Visit a concert. ...
  • Indoor plan.

Is valentine's day a rare birthday? ›

Actually, a Valentine's Day Birthday is fairly common!

Is it OK to buy yourself a gift? ›

Treating yourself to a gift is a form of recognition and appreciation, which is one of the many ways you can practice self-love. Rewarding yourself can lower stress and create feelings of happiness, and in turn, this becomes self-care, as once we love ourselves we take better care of ourselves, too.

What to do if you don't have a valentine gift? ›

Relax with activities you love.
  1. Draw or paint. Find things that help you heal from feeling bad or lonesome.
  2. Build something. If you're a handy person, get to work on some project that makes you feel good and productive.
  3. Write. Write in a journal. ...
  4. Do those things that you always enjoy doing.
Mar 2, 2024

How to make a simple valentine gift? ›

Your take on homemade Valentine's gifts might mean an easy craft (anything heart-shaped will do), a sweet treat (think chocolates, pink candies or homemade donuts) or a DIY Valentine's Day card. Whatever your style, this roundup proves it's easier than expected to make your own presents.

Should I get him a gift if we just started dating? ›

“There's no buying your way into someone's heart. So it's got to feel real and reciprocal,” she said. To successfully navigate the relationship milestone, Winter suggests covering your bases by “getting your new partner something,” whether it is a card or a small well-thought-out gift such as a book they'd like.

What to get the guy you just started dating for Valentines Day? ›

If you've never celebrated V-Day before and you want to make it as perf as possible, have no fear. Something simple and useful like this room diffuser is an unfailing gift. You also can't go wrong with a relaxing self-care tool, a nice leather accessory, or a new gadget—and we found the best ones out there for ya.

What to get your boyfriend for Valentines Day if you just started dating? ›

What to Buy the Person For Valentine's Day That You've Only Recently Started Dating
  • Topix Conversation Cards & Date Night Ice Breaker. ...
  • The Sill Hoya Heart Plant. ...
  • Monogram Name Passport Holder. ...
  • Milk Bar B'Day Truffle Dozen Box. ...
  • Bucket List Tin Bucket. ...
  • Godiva Valentine's Day Goldmark Assorted Chocolate Heart Box.
Jan 31, 2022

What do you get a guy for Valentine's Day that you just started seeing? ›

You can never go wrong with getting your date snacks they like, a nice six-pack or takeout from their favorite Thai place. If you know they love to read or garden, a book they've mentioned or a small house plant can be a great, non-superimposing option.

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