33 Unique Valentine’s Day Gifts 2023
Think Outside the Heart-Shaped Box With These Unique V-Day Gift Ideas
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Oh, Valentine’s Day. It has a knack for creeping up on us every year, and 2023 is certainly no exception. But if you’re here, that means you’ve committed yourself to making this “day of love” special for your significant other. And, with a little guidance from us, we know your partner will appreciate the effort when they unwrap their Valentines gift this February 14.
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Whether your significant other underplays the occasion or has high expectations when it comes to gifts for Valentine’s Day, you’d be well off having a little something special ready when the day of love rolls around. That said, typical Valentine’s Day gifts for her tend to be really predictable: flowers, chocolates, and a boring piece of jewelry again? And hardly anyone is even paying attention to the market for Valentine’s Day gifts for him, which is really unfortunate.
But in the effort to show your affection for that special someone, it seems there’s an increasing amount of pressure to give the “perfect” gift. On the one hand, you could go too small and risk facing disappointment. On the other, you could go too big and wind up spending your rent money on fancy jewelry that may totally miss the mark. And that’s definitely not in the spirit of Cupid’s holiday.
So what’s the solution? Well, readjusting that arrow and aiming for something that’s thoughtful and unique is sure to go a long way. And with that in mind, we’ve put together a list of the best unique Valentine’s Day gifts. Whether you’ve been together for years or you just started dating and haven’t yet taken the relationship plunge, there’s bound to be a cool Valentine’s gift below that they’re going to love.
Unique Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas
Firstleaf Subscription
Whether they’re a wine connoisseur or simply have an appreciation for a good glass of pinot noir, a gift from Firstleaf is sure to make ’em cheer(s). A personalized subscription service based on members’ “wineprint” (individual taste preferences based on your answers to a quick quiz), Firstleaf offers access to under-the-radar, high-quality wines sourced from around the world. For the most romantic day of the year, subscribers can take advantage of their limited edition Valentine’s Day bundle: a 12-bottle ($129.95) set of reds, whites, roses and sparkling or 6-bottle ($119.95) reserve set, available for purchase from from January 24 to February 6.
Find out more at Firstleaf.club
Custom Couple Portrait
Possibly the most thoughtful gift on the list, this custom couple portrait is hand-drawn using photos you provide to capture the unique characteristics of you and your significant other (and pets, if you want). Once completed, the high-resolution digital file will be sent to your email so you can print it at home — or someplace like Staples — and present it in a special frame.
From $53.43 at Etsy.com
The Kissing Mugs
What better way to start your morning than with a kiss? Maybe a hot cup of coffee sipped in bed from this affectionate pair would step things up a notch. Separately, each porcelain mug looks like a friendly face, but they just so happen to fit together perfectly, like you and your love.
$65.00 at UncommonGoods.com
Herschel Chapter Toiletry Kit
Planning a weekend getaway for your Valentine? Make the big reveal by slipping tickets or reservation details into this attractive travel pouch that can stash all their necessities when you whisk them away. The gender-neutral design is available in a ton of colors and prints to suit their style, and it could also serve as a not-so-subtle invitation if you’d like them to spend some more “overnights” (wink, wink) at your place.
$25.00 at Amazon.com
Total Recline Shiatsu Massage Cushion
With many of us spending our days hunched over desks (or still working from home via the couch), it’s no wonder our backs are feeling a little sore. But this incredibly versatile shiatsu massage cushion is here to save the day with its deep-kneading nodes and soothing heat. Your partner (OK, and you, too) can use it while seated in a chair, reclining on the couch or bed, or lying flat on the floor. It can even detect height to deliver the perfect neck and shoulder massage for folks up to 6’7″.
$349.99 at HoMedics.com
Venus et Fleur Ela Marble Vase
If your significant other is an aesthete, it’s hard to go wrong with a dose of white marble. Venus et Fleur capitalizes on the material’s iconic and lasting beauty by using it as a vase for their roses — which are chemically treated to last for years without withering, so you don’t have to throw them out a few weeks later. This gift is beautiful, romantic and long-lasting, just like the best relationships.
$245.00 at VenusEtFleur.com
Partake Confetti Pancake & Waffle Mix, 3-Pack
If you’re looking for the perfect companion gift to go along with that heart-shaped waffle maker, might we suggest this brand new confetti-cake inspired waffle mix? (Seriously, who doesn’t love some funfetti?) From Partake, the beloved WOC-owned brand, this mix is gluten-free, vegan, and allergen-friendly while remaining a deliciously decadent choice for your Valentine’s breakfast in bed.
$23.99 at PartakeFoods.com
Intelex Microwavable Slippers
Anyone with chronically cold feet knows the struggle, especially during those cold winter nights. These cozy, lavender-scented slippers can be popped right in the microwave to warm up their toes in a hurry. What’s more, the soothing scent will lull them into a state of bliss after a long, stressful day.
$29.98 at Amazon.com
The Adventure Challenge Couples Edition
We get it. It’s hard to come up with new and interesting stuff to do these days. So if your relationship could use an infusion of spontaneity and romance, this interactive book is packed with 50 creative dates to keep that spark alive — no matter your age or how long you’ve been dating. The dates are categorized by time commitment, how much they might cost, and other pertinent factors, like whether it can be done at home or if it requires supplies. Once you pick an option with your desired factors, you’ll scratch off the challenge and find out what it actually entails. (Yes, it’s a secret until then, and once revealed, you have to do it; that’s the fun of it!)
$54.99 at Amazon.com
Mates For Life Print
If you’re coupled up with an animal lover, they’re sure to appreciate this print featuring a selection of species that mate for life, drawn by artist Jacqueline Schmidt. From gray wolves to swans, and yes, even termites, the animal kingdom boasts its fair share of probably not-so-cuddly creatures that are not afraid of commitment. It may be an unconventional way to show off the sanctity of soulmates, but it’s perfect for the wild at heart.
From $30.00 at UncommonGoods.com
Personalized Custom Engraved Wood Guitar Pick
If your partner is a guitarist, this personalized pick is a sweet and simple gift to show your love. You can have it engraved with their initials or a loving message like “I pick you,” and you can add a significant date or even the coordinates of where you met (or “picked”) each other. Feel free to make it as sentimental as you want.
From $9.50 at Etsy.com
Cheese of the World Sampler
You might think this one’s a little cheesy, but anyone who loves a good charcuterie board will certainly find this gift to be a welcome surprise (especially if you pair it with a great bottle of red). You can also opt for the Cheese of the Month subscription, which will curate and deliver a new selection of cheese to their door on a monthly basis.
$79.00 at MurraysCheese.com
Rent the Runway
While a designer handbag or dress might be way outside of your Valentine’s Day budget, you can still give them the gift of luxury with a subscription to Rent the Runway. After your partner sets up their profile, they can browse through the thousands of designer products and select items to rent for a limited period of time. It’s especially thoughtful if there’s a special event coming up or a milestone birthday celebration, or maybe even fancy dinner plans that you’d be keen to arrange.
Find out more at RentTheRunway.com
Sur La Table Cooking Classes
You can’t go wrong with the gift of quality time together… or food. (After all, everyone has to eat, right?) Whether you two are dedicated foodies or novices in the kitchen, you’re sure to have a blast whipping up a new dish in one of Sur la Table’s interactive cooking classes taught by experienced chefs and teachers. From sushi to Sicilian cuisine, breakfast to dessert, there are a number of classes to choose from both in-store and online.
From $29.00 at SurLaTable.com
Book of the Month Club Subscription
Instead of wracking your brain trying to remember whether or not they’ve already read the book or seen its movie, sign ’em up for a Book of the Month Club subscription. Each month, your partner will be able to pick one read from five options (they put an emphasis on picking fresh perspectives and new releases), and they can opt to skip a month at any time.
Find out more at BookOfTheMonth.com
Quility Weighted Blanket
Is your partner a restless sleeper? Or perpetually cold? Help them ease into a peaceful slumber with a weighted blanket. Designed to provide comfort and support without overheating, this piece mimics the feeling of a hug against the body. (This is an especially sweet choice if you can’t always be there to provide the real deal.) For best results, select a weight that is 10 to 12 percent of their body weight.
From $79.99 at Amazon.com
Kodak Projector
At-home movie nights just got better. This pocket-sized projector comes packed with 4K Picture Quality, vibrant color quality, and bright LED lighting. Whether he’s trying to play something from a phone (iOS or Android), tablet, laptop, HDMI, or USB, this projector will connect effortlessly, and it’s built-in speakers will take care of the sound.
$299.99 at Amazon.com
Where Should We Begin Card Game
If you’re a couple who likes to play games — board games, we mean, not mind games — then podcaster and author Esther Perel’s card game might be just the ticket this V-Day. It’s a means of helping romantic partners open up with each other, with 30 prompt cards and 250 story cards to get the words (and possibly the juices) flowing.
$40.00 at EstherPerel.com
Simple Modern Vacuum Insulated Wine Set
Your partner may already have a decent set of wine glasses, but this vacuum-insulated wine glass set offers some key advantages. Crafted from coated stainless steel, this set allows wine lovers to bring an entire bottle (and two wine tumblers) out on the patio or to the park for a picnic without having to worry about any broken glass. What’s more, the insulated bottle will help keep white wines or chillable reds cold, even on hot days.
$44.99 at Amazon.com
MasterClass All-Access Pass
If one of their New Year’s resolutions was to learn something new, the gift of an all-access pass to MasterClass will be welcomed with open arms. From cooking with Gordon Ramsay to basketball techniques with Steph Curry to movies with Martin Scorsese, there is a class to suit all hobbies and interests.
Find out more at MasterClass.com
Tinggly Experiences
What’s better than a great Valentine’s Day gift? A great Valentine’s Day memory. Surprise your special someone with an experience of your choosing through Tinggly, which lets you pick from a smorgasbord of different options (for couples or for your partner) to explore, like hotels, city getaways, and more.
Find out more at Tinggly.com
Bouqs Succulents
Skip the standard bouquet and get your special someone something that will last for years to come. Bouqs offers a range of romantic succulents for you to choose from, so you can pick the perfect plant for your partner. Best of all, they require very little maintenance, so no worries if your love happens to lack a green thumb.
From $44.00 at Bouqs.com
Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash
Step into any trendy restaurant bathroom and you’ll probably notice they all have the same apothecary-style hand wash: Aesop. This Australian hand wash is well-loved for its earthy scent and luxurious ingredients that lock in moisture, even through the dry winter months. The best part? If the two of you live together, you’ll get the benefit of super soft hands as well.
$39.00 at Nordstrom.com
Our Moments Conversation Card Game
Whether you’ve been together for years or you’re still getting to know each other, this fun, conversation-sparking card game is a great way to spend quality time together. Expect questions that range from lighthearted and cheeky (“What did you want to be when you were 10 years old?”) to more thought-provoking, intimate inquiries (“What did you learn a little too late?”) — all of which will leave the two of you feeling that much closer to each other.
$19.95 at Amazon.com
RELATED: Valentine’s Day Gifts for Him
Bespoke Post Subscription
Featuring monthly themed boxes stuffed with unique products collected from local and international hot spots, the men’s lifestyle membership grants access to limited-edition goodies (think cocktail and cooking sets) at a discounted rate and advanced previews of new releases. Members can pause or opt out at any time, and shipping is always free.
$45.00 at BespokePost.com
Couple’s Adventure Experience
If your partner is the type who can’t sit still for too long, take them out on a couple ‘s adventure this Valentine’s Day. From indoor rock climbing to kayaking, there is a vast selection of experience gifts available for purchase from Bed Bath & Beyond (yes, really!), set in locations across the country. The outdoor adventures, in particular, are a great way to forget your stresses and reconnect to nature.
From $27.99 at BedBathandBeyond.com
Brooklyn Brew Shop Craft Beer Making Kit
Like making wine at home, brewing your own beer isn’t as easy as it looks — at least not if you’re going for quality. This kit, however, makes it as simple as possible with easy-to-follow videos and step-by-step instructions. The brand also focuses on real ingredients (malted barley, hops, and yeast — no sugary malt extracts), so it’s basically a health food, right?
$69.99 at Amazon.com
Custom Starry Maps Print
It’s been said that we’re all under the same sky, but that’s not quite true — every place on Earth gets a different view of the stars. So why not celebrate your love together with a custom map of the night sky from one of your special nights together? It’s a beautiful and poetic way of marking your relationship’s place in the vastness of the universe.
From $60.00 at StarryMaps.com
Aeropress Coffee Maker
While it looks like a detailed process, an Aeropress is a surprisingly low-maintenance way to brew espresso or regular coffee. The microfiltered immersion process makes completely bitter-free, flavorful coffee, so it’s perfect for the man or woman who just can’t start their day without a great cup o’ Joe.
$29.95 at Amazon.com
Upko F*ck Me Leather Handcuffs
Have you been meaning to get into the rough stuff a little in the bedroom? Make good on your promise in a way that’s both classy and also sexy with this gorgeous pair of leather cuffs from Upko. They’re chic, they’re expensive, and they’re begging to be put on someone’s wrists after they’ve been naughty.
$149.99 at UpkoUSA.com
INFMETRY Capsule Letters
This may look like a doctor’s prescription on the outside, but it’s actually a prescription for love. (OK, we admit, that was even cheesier than the Cheese of the World Sampler.) But seriously, this sweet and sentimental collection of capsules allows you to write micro-sized love letters in each one. So, whenever they’re feeling down, all they have to do is pull one out for a reminder of how much they’re loved.
$12.99 at Amazon.com
Saje Aroma Om Diffuser
Essential oil diffusers are a subtle, beautiful way to seriously enhance your life by adding a dose of olfactory beauty to your day. This one from Saje is not only easy to use and capable of adding a little je-ne-sais-quoi to the mood but it also looks beautiful — like a little modern art sculpture.
$98.00 at Saje.com
