Wirecutter’s handpicked Valentine’s Day gifts

Hi! I’m Hannah Morrill, Wirecutter’s gifts editor.

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Valentine’s Day gets a bad rap. It’s a Hallmark holiday, they say. It exists to shame the unpartnered. It’s fuel for the post-Christmas fires of capitalism. I don’t see it that way, though, thanks in part to simple instructions from my daughter’s preschool: “Please, make valentines for everyone, or for no one.”

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I’m going with everyone: my far-flung high school besties, a promising new friend, and the angelic social worker at my dad’s assisted-living facility. And I’d encourage you to do the same, whether you’ve already got a boo or you’re consciously uncoupled, celibate by choice, or somewhere in the middle. As I see it, romantic status really isn’t the point.

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Yes, there are lots of reasons to feel “bah humbug” about Instagram holidays. (Pinch me when I start celebrating Take Your Houseplant for a Walk Day.)

Valentine’s Day—a pure and simple celebration of the many forms love takes—just isn’t one of them.

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Our ultimate Valentine’s Day gift guide

Below, we’ve broken down some of our gift picks for everyone in your life—and you can check out every last one of our expert-approved recs here.

Gifts for your partner

An array of our gift recommendations for Valentine's Day.

Rozette Rago

Whether you’re celebrating a long-term romance or just a flirtation, we’ve pulled together the best Valentine’s Day gifts for her and him, to show your girlfriend, boyfriend, or promising Hinge match just how much you care.

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We’re especially into this pair of thick, triple-pocketed Uniqlo sweatpants—the most comfortable we’ve ever tested. Or consider these Flower Power Bamboo Socks. Each pair is hand-dyed, so the socks are vibrant and one of a kind, just like real flower arrangements.

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New flings can be particularly tricky to shop for. These 15 ideas—from a hard-to-kill snake plant to a box of luxurious face masks—are great if you want to celebrate your romance but don’t want to appear overly ooey-gooey.

Gifts for the other loves of your life

Two heart-shaped cutters and two heart-shaped pancakes on a pan.

Norpro

Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating love—and that includes the kind you share with your parents, kids, best friends, and self. Surprise your treasured friend with a murder-proof bouquet of Lego flowers. Or make your kid’s day with an adorable heart-shaped pancake breakfast.

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Check out our other gift ideas for kids, mom and dad, and your grandparents.

Gifts on a budget

A potted succulent, a bouquet of flowers, and a fanny pack.

Sarah Kobos

It’s corny but true: You don’t have to spend a lot to get a charming, high-quality present. Here are our favorite under-$25 Valentine’s Day gifts.

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Not sure where to start? A favorite in our guide to the best women’s underwear, the Hanky Panky Signature Lace Boyshort looks and feels like lingerie, but it's comfortable enough to wear on a regular old Tuesday, too. Or a garlic crusher could be a lovely gift for a partner who prefers a home-cooked dinner to a fancy night out.

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If you need even more on-the-cheap inspo, here are the 7 best Valentine’s Day deals we’ve seen.

The best can’t-go-wrong gifts

Several boxes of chocolates in various shapes, sizes, and colors situated near each other.

Connie Park

If you’re truly stumped, here are some guaranteed-to-please Valentine’s Day classics:

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Flowers: An online flower delivery service can make a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers appear on your valentine’s doorstep. (Good news: There’s a sale on our top pick, below.)‌

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Chocolates: Our top boxed-chocolate picks include luxurious, seductive sweets for every type of palette. ‌

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Gift baskets: We’ve also recently updated our guide to the best gift baskets with a chocolate lover’s dream.

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Although you absolutely can’t go wrong with the classics, you might also consider thinking more pragmatically. Surprise your sweetheart with something truly practical, and they’ll think of you every time they reach for it. Consider everyday essentials, such as kitchen gadgets, tech gear, and great stationery. Romantic? Eh. Useful and thoughtful? Absolutely.

Good luck, and happy (almost) Valentine’s Day.