Call Me Cupid: 30 Unexpected Valentine's Day Gifts I'd Give Instead of Flowers (2024)

By Natalie Gray Herder

last updated

Call Me Cupid: 30 Unexpected Valentine's Day Gifts I'd Give Instead of Flowers (1)

(Image credit: Courtesy of Saks;Courtesy of Urban Outfitters; Original Illustration by Ally Quirk)

One of the things I love about living in NYC is the way it celebrates every holiday, and there's nothing sweeter than Valentine's Day in the city. Walk on any given street, and you'll find heart-shaped banners in windows, bakeries with red and pink treats, and local flower vendors with even more roses than usual. These special touches serve as a reminder to celebrate the many different types of love in your life—and I've got the gifts that will help you do that. Below, you'll find my curation of Valentine's Day gifts, including designer accessories, dog sweaters, a Jane Austen book set, and the best hand creams you will ever smell. And while I adore traditional presents like flowers and chocolates, I think these unexpected items are just what you need. Keep scrolling to shop my top 30 Valentine's Day gifts for 2024.

Call Me Cupid: 30 Unexpected Valentine's Day Gifts I'd Give Instead of Flowers (2)

Juniper

Jane Austen Book Set

A little something forthe hopeless romantics and literarature lovers.

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Printworks

Moments That Matter the Most Photo Album

A photo album disguised as a coffee table book is pure genius.

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Bottega Veneta

Intrecciato Leather Card Case

To me, from me.

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Tom Ford

Leather Card Holder

Because I know not everyone loves pink as much as I do.

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Chanel

Le Vernis

I'm headed to a Galentine's Day gift exchange and will be bringing this chic little nail polish.

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Ochre Objects

Rosaline Charm

It's the season of charm jewelry, and I can't get enough of this dainty heart.

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For your pickleball-obsessed friend. (We all have at least one.)

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Ossa

Wooden Beaded Crossbody Strap & Case Set

The perfect gift for the person who already has it all.

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Jacquemus

Le Petit Calino Leather Top-Handle Bag

Handbag lovers would shed tears of joy unwrapping this one.

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Chanel

Chance Perfumed Hand Creams

Trust me when I say thesefragrances are heaven-sent.

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Blue Nile

Two Row Round and Marquise Diamond Stacking Ring

Your stack is already sorted with this double-banded ring.

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Sugarfina

Sweethearts Candy Tasting Set

It wouldn't be V-Day without a sweet treat.

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Le Labo

Santal 26 Candle

Fragrance can be a tough one, but this is the perfect unisex candle with the most intoxicating scent.

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Blue Nile

S-Link Tennis Bracelet

This shimmering favorite from Blue Nile will arrive just in time thanks to the brand's three-day shipping.

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Tory Burch

Eleanor Goldtone Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch

Okay, okay—I admit this may be another gift I threw in for myself. Can you blame me?

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Assouline

Barbie

2023 was the year of Barbie, and I don't see that slowing down in 2024.

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Miu Miu

Oval Sunglasses

Nothing screams, "I love you, my fashion friend!" quite like the gift of Miu Miu sunglasses.

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Le Creuset

Figural Heart Stoneware Salt & Pepper Shaker Set

The less corny way of saying, "You're the salt to my pepper."

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Acne Studios

Veda Check Wool Logo Scarf

Because it's still winter, and we're still cold.

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Anthropologie

Philippa Frame

The perfect size for a Polaroid pic.

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Madewell

Checkerboard Sweater

Madewell's men's section has been popping off lately and inspired me to gift an entire 'fit. This checkered sweater is the perfect starting point.

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Madewell

The 1991 Loose Straight Jeans

Stylethe sweater with these dark-wash jeans.

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Saint Laurent

Le Loafer Monogram Penny Slippers in Smooth Leather

And thenfinish with this unisex loafer if you're feeling generous.

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Urban Outfitters

Bow Elastic Hair Tie Set

What I call "just a little something."

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Urban Outfitters

Mystery Date Nostalgia Edition Board Game

For the friend who loves quality time (andadorable vintage board games).

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Red Cap Cards

Little Cupids Love Greeting Card

Don't worry—I have your card covered, too.

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Little Beast

The Love Pet Sweater

If you thought I was going to forget about the real loves ofour lives, think again.

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Polo Ralph Lauren

Striped Cotton Two-Piece Short Sleep Set

Lingerie is cool and all, but if I'm honest, I just want pajamas.

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Blue Nile

Diamond Stud Earrings

There's a reason theseare a classic choice. They're certified crowd-pleasers for even the pickiest recipient.

Call Me Cupid: 30 Unexpected Valentine's Day Gifts I'd Give Instead of Flowers (31)

Anine Bing

Signature Link Leather Belt

Practical gifts are indeed the best, especially when they're from Anine Bing.

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Natalie Gray Herder

Associate Editor

Natalie Gray Herder is an associate editor on the branded content team at Who What Wear. Originally from Los Angeles, Natalie decided to make the move to NYC after graduating from Loyola Marymount University in 2019. She had plans of applying to law school until doing a 180 to follow her more creative passions: writing and fashion. As a former collector of Vogue magazines, she should have known her true calling was in editorial but is grateful for the journey that led her to Who What Wear. She began her career at the NYC-based publication The Select 7, where she wrote about fashion, beauty, food, travel, and interiors. In pursuit of her next role, Natalie knew she wanted to hone in on women's fashion. She is an avid researcher, reader, and explorer in and out of the office. She is inspired by the street style of her fellow New Yorkers and her laid-back roots in California. In her free time, you can find her trying new restaurants, visiting museums, reading in the park, and updating her personal blog, nataliegrayherder.com.

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Call Me Cupid: 30 Unexpected Valentine's Day Gifts I'd Give Instead of Flowers (2024)
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