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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.
If They’re Anti-Valentine’s Day
Roses are expected. Black roses? Not so much. Gift these to the gothic lover in your life.
The Cute but Practical Gift
“Not only are these heart-covered undies festive, they’re super comfortable. I own a few pair including these classic ones and the high-rise knickers and they are currently my favorite underwear in my lingerie drawer. They fit my curves with such a soft stretch I truly forget I have them on. And you can complete the set with a matching bralette,” Cut staffer Morgan Evans says.
If They’re Adventurous
From 75K points at Marriott Bonvoy, gift a moments package that can include a stay at the Moxy London Stratford and a suite that’s just as luxurious as a Sabrina Carpenter concert. If you’ve been saving up those points, this is the perfect time to redeem.
If They Want to Spice Things Up
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 They’re All About Aesthetics
Sure, hardshell luggage is great (we even have some on this list), but if they’re capturing every travel moment with their camera, gift them something Instagram-worthy that is still as practical.
For the Beauty Lover
Dyson regularly drops new and counter-worthy shades of its all-in-one hair tool. If they’re repeatedly making salon appointments, splurge on this limited edition red Airwrap.
For the Fashion Lover
Skip the boxes of chocolates and gift something that’s just as sweet. Coach’s cherry print is available in several silhouettes, but we’re partial to this cute shoulder bag.
If You Want to Set the Mood
Add some mood lighting with the brand’s cult-favorite duo. With fruity and floral notes it’s just as good as the bouquet you’d usually gift.
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 Love Customization
If they enjoy the fancier things in life this moisturizing balm is ideal. You can even customize it with their initials.
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
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 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 Dainty Jewelry
Heart-shaped jewelry gets a bad rap this time of year, but this tiny heart charm and delicate chain is subtle, not gaudy.
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.
If They Like to Stay Warm
We’re not expecting spring weather for quite some time, so they’ll get plenty of use out of this crewneck sweater. It’s a nice way to upgrade their gym hoodies.
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
