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

Those first few weeks or months, it is so hard to gauge what type of gifts are appropriate for the maturity of the relationship. If your relationship goes the distance, there will be plenty of time to shower each other with well-thought-out presents.

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

Highlights: Most Popular Valentines Day Gifts Statistics

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.

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."

What can I buy for my friend on Valentine's Day? ›

Friend Gift Box

They'll be so impressed when they open up this box and find a pair of socks, a candle, tumbler, bath bomb and wine stopper. "If you want your friend or loved one to feel special and not sure what to buy them and the person loves to pamper or need to be pampered ...

What to do for Valentine's Day when you've just started dating? ›

You can suggest keeping it low-key since you're new to the relationship, as well as make a plan for a nice dinner or an outing if you'd like. For instance, you could say, "Our relationship is still pretty new. Why don't we keep Valentine's Day low-key? We could say no gifts, though cards are fine.

What to do for Valentine's Day if you're not official? ›

Go Out With A Group. If a one-on-one date feels too pressure-packed for you, do something with a larger group, such as pub trivia, board games with friends, or a double date. The group dynamic will ease tension and help you feel more relaxed and confident.

What is the number one gift given on Valentine's Day? ›

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 one with a Valentine's Day card.

What is the number one gift given on Valentines 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.

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.

Do 4th graders do valentine's day? ›

The in-between years can be an opportunity to use Valentine's Day for fun, learning, and kindness! Students in fourth grade generally still like to exchange valentines and I'm all in.

What is the right age to have a valentine? ›

There's no “right” age to have a Valentine. If you never want one, don't get one. If one comes around, it'll be the right time for you, whether its age 20 or 50. It doesn't matter.

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