’Tis the season for love—and digging deep for unique gifts under $50 that say “I love you.” Friendly on the wallet, these gifts are also personal: They can touch on your shared inside jokes, celebrate what you adore in the other person, and feel high-quality because they’re deeply aligned with your loved one’s interests. We’ve rounded up what we consider great gifts for whoever you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day with this year. After all, a thoughtful gift always beats snagging a last-minute bodega bouquet on the commute home.
Golde Cacao Turmeric Latte Blend
Golde Cacao Turmeric Latte Blend
Warming and perfect for colder months, this mix can become your shared wind-down ritual.
The Cora at UrbanStems
UrbanStems The Cora
Flowers on Valentine’s Day are classic, if not a little trite. Try mixing things up with a low-maintenance plant, which makes the perfect gift for those aspiring to green thumb status in 2023.
3-in-1 Stainless Steel Bento Box
3-in-1 Stainless Steel Bento Box
Foodies and well-meaning lunch packers, this one’s for you. Eschew the season’s fun colors for something that’s both utilitarian and noble. A stainless steel bento box is just the accessory for picnics in the park or fresh road trip snacks.
Esther Perel Where Should We Begin—A Game of Stories
Esther Perel Where Should We Begin - A Game of Stories
This is not your typical board game. Instead, this deck of cards designed by best-selling author and couples therapist Esther Perel takes gift-giving in a connective direction. Using the power of storytelling, this deck prompts conversations that leave you feeling warm and fuzzy.
Lexon Mino+ Wireless Charging Speaker
Lexon Mino+ Wireless Charging Speaker
Earbuds aren’t romantic. Embrace the soundtrack of your life together with a bluetooth speaker available in different colors in a compact design. Bonus points for picking their favorite shade.
Anecdote Candles Orange and Ginger Flower Candle
Anecdote Candles Orange & Ginger Flower
Sometimes the best gift ideas are the ones with a solid track record, like candles. Are they completely original? Maybe not. But this universal scent sure beats a gift card.
Dr. Zion x Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Masks
Dr. Zion x Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Masks
Beauty gifts are for more giftees than you might think. These eye masks from Murad are self-care anyone can get behind. Plus, the five-pack was made to be split between a pair. Expect rapid results that are still gentle on the skin.
Maude Vibe
Maude Vibe
If you’re looking to gift a different kind of self-care, Maude is your HQ for all things sexual wellness. Made of 100% platinum-grade silicone, this discreet and chic three-speed gadget is one of the brand’s bestsellers for a reason.
Ottolenghi Test Kitchen: Shelf Love Cookbook
Ottolenghi Test Kitchen: Shelf Love
There’s something cozy about giving a cookbook for Valentine’s Day. Instead of turning to TikTok for trending recipes, you and a loved one can flip through this recipe collection when the inevitable “What’s for dinner?” question arises.
Selfmade Self Disclosure Intimacy Serum
Selfmade Disclosure Intimacy Serum
It wouldn’t be a Valentine’s gift guide without some high-quality intimacy serum. This particular offering from Selfmade does more than soothe your skin; it also acts as an aphrodisiac.
Reis The Gym Set
Ries The Gym Set
Gift sets are always winners. This set from Reis is perfect for the Valentine on-the-go. Silicone-Free, TSA-compliant, and easy to refill, these darling travel containers make maintaining your self-care routine simple.
Great Jones Holy Sheet
Great Jones Holy Sheet
Give something a little more romantic than a cast iron.
Dedcool Room + Linen Spray 01 “TAUNT”
DedCool Room + Linen Spray 01 "Taunt"
Especially for Valentines who call New York home, a fabulous room and linen spray is non-negotiable.
bkr Doe 1L (32 oz) Bottle
bkr DOE 1L (32 oz)
In a sea of Hydroflasks, be a Bkr.
Kinfield Big Chill Bundle
Kinfield Big Chill Bundle
If your giftee is the outdoorsy type, look no further than this gift set.
Dripless Earthy Color Beeswax Taper Candles
Dripless Earthy Color Beeswax Taper Candles
While candlesticks might feel like a traditionally holiday gift, they’re actually the perfect gift for Valentine’s Day when you consider the instant ambiance they set—from takeout dinners to grab-the-nice-wine-glasses soirees.
Aplós Calme Non-Alcoholic Spirit Infused with Hemp
Aplós Calme
Non-alcoholic beverages are trending, and this one from Aplós is bound to become a favorite.
Modal 10' Lightning-to-USB Charge-and-Sync Cable
Modal 10' Lightning-to-USB Charge-and-Sync Cable - Pink
An extra-long charger cord is the tech gift that almost any giftee would be delighted to receive—especially in a pink lemonade hue.
Maison Margiela ‘REPLICA’ Lazy Sunday Morning Shower Gel
Maison Margiela 'REPLICA' Lazy Sunday Morning Shower Gel
This is the perfect gift for the person who refuses to upgrade their shower situation.
Baggu Recycled Nylon Storage Cubes
Baggu Recycled Nylon Storage Cubes - Set of 2
If a shared closet is part of your arrangement with your Valentine, these storage cubes from Baggu might be the best gift.
AeroPress Original Coffee Maker
Aeropress Coffee and Espresso Maker
Try a coffee maker for high-quality energy, even on the go.
East Fork The Mug
East Fork The Mug
Available in different colors, this mug is a safe bet for a much-loved gift.
Piecework 500 Piece Puzzle Champagne Problems
Piecework 500 Piece Puzzle Champagne Problems
Sometimes, the most thoughtful gift you can give is time together. All it takes is a puzzle, a glass of wine, and leaving phones in the other room.
Jones Road Lip and Cheek Stick
Jones Road Lip and Cheek Stick
If your giftee is less into skin care and more into a beauty gift, then this versatile stick from Jones Road Beauty is just the thing.
Dusen Dusen Fruit Stripe Towels
Dusen Dusen Fruit Stripe Towels
Spruce up an otherwise drab corner of your home with the perfect intersection of gift-giving and practicality.
Graza “Drizzle” & “Sizzle” Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Graza “Drizzle” & “Sizzle” Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Gift the foodie in your life with what just might be the buzziest olive oil on the planet.
A Little Color Frying Pan
A Little Color Frying Pan
If you’re in the market for home gifts, then Etsy is your best friend. This colorful enamel frying pan is a unique gift.
Lego Note Brick
LEGO® Note Brick (Blue-Green)
A truly thoughtful gift takes into consideration the interests of a loved one. If they’re into Legos (which we certainly are), this note brick is a home run.
Shinola Designer’s Memo Pad
Shinola Designer's Memo Pad
Last but not least in our gifts-under-$50 list, for the giftee who prefers something a little less high-tech, go old-school with a notepad or bullet journal to help them organize their thoughts. Pro tip: Fill out the first page with a love note straight from the heart.