Gift IdeasValentine's Day gift ideas
A day for couples. The gift can be small. The attention cannot.
A handwritten letter
Say three specific things you are grateful for. It is kept longer than any object.
A framed photograph of the two of you
Choose a photo they have not seen for years. Print it larger than you think.
A bunch of fresh flowers
Ask the florist what came in today. Fresh and simple beats large and tired.
A bar of fine chocolate or a small chocolate box
A safe choice when you do not know someone well.
A keychain with a name or a small photo
Useful every day and impossible to have too many of.
Breakfast in bed and a day without chores
Costs nothing and is remembered. Do the dishes too.
A playlist of songs that mean something to you both
Write a line about each song. Share it on the day.
A scrapbook of your time together
Tickets, photos, notes. It takes evenings to make and is never thrown away.
A meal you cook yourself
Their favourite dish, a set table, phones away.
A jar of notes
Fifty small slips, each with a memory or a reason you are glad of them.
A day out together
A film, lunch and a walk. Put the phone away for the day.
A grooming kit
A good razor, trimmer or a set of skin care basics.
A makeup or skin care set
Buy what she already uses. Shades and skin types are personal.
Earrings or a bracelet
Easier than a ring, because no size is needed.
A handbag or wallet
Look at the one in use now, and choose the same style in better quality.
Perfume or attar
Buy the one they already wear, or go together to choose.
Dinner at the place they keep mentioning
Book the table, arrange the travel, and pay before the bill arrives.
Tickets to a concert, play or match
For the fan of a band, a team or the theatre. Go with them.
Headphones or earphones
Find out whether they prefer wired or wireless, and what they listen on.
No idea matches these choices. Set one of the boxes back to "Any".
Your shortlist
Choosing a Valentine's Day gift
- Plan the evening yourself: a meal, a walk, a film at home with their favourite snacks.
- Something handmade or handwritten stands out when every shop sells the same red hearts.
- Match the gift to how long you have been together.
About the spending levels
This site does not quote prices, because prices change with the city, the shop and the year. Each idea is marked with one of four levels instead:
- Token: A small gesture: the cost of a snack or a few cups of tea.
- Modest: An everyday gift for friends and family.
- Generous: A special gift for someone close or a big occasion.
- Grand: A once-in-years gift, often given by a family together.
Questions people ask
What is a good Valentine's Day gift?
Plan the evening yourself: a meal, a walk, a film at home with their favourite snacks. Two ideas from this page: "A framed photograph of the two of you" and "A jar of notes".
Is it fine to give money?
In India, money in an envelope is a normal and welcome gift on most family occasions, especially weddings and festivals. Add a line of blessing and your name. See our page on shagun.
Other occasions
Guides
- Shagun: giving moneyThe envelope, the extra rupee and how to decide the amount.
- Gifting etiquetteGiving, receiving, regifting and gifts to avoid.
- Return giftsIdeas for birthdays, weddings, pujas and housewarmings.
- Gift wrappingWrap a box neatly, or wrap without paper at all.
- Gift messagesShort lines to write on a tag or card, to copy.
- Secret Santa name drawerPair everyone for a gift exchange on one phone.