Flowers and chocolates are great, sure, but when it comes to Valentine’s Day and Galentine’s Day (that’s February 13) gift-giving, personality-filled picks always wins. Whether your loved one has a soft spot for gorgeous glassware, swoons over gorgeous treats, or secretly loves a handwritten note, we’ve found 13 gift ideas that are just as thoughtful as they are affordable. And the best part? They all clock in under $50—because as we were all taught in the early 2000s, love don’t cost a thing.
From heart-shaped pasta to an everlasting candle (literally!), these picks are just about perfect on their own. But they also happen to pair well with a little something extra—like a handmade card, a home-cooked meal, or even a cozy night in. However you gift them, they’re guaranteed to bring the love.
1. Handmade Felt Flower Stems
Flowers that are as everlasting as your love. (Awww.) Plus, there’s no watering required—perfect for someone who appreciates aesthetics, but doesn’t have a green thumb (yet).
2. Mosser Bathing Beauty Dish
Fill this glass dish—a Food52 favorite—with their favorite candy or a piece of jewelry. It may set you over the $50 threshold, but we think it’s worth it.
3. Letter Writing Kit
For love letters, sweet notes, or little reminders of how much you care. Give the scribe in your life a set of paper with vintage-inspired patterns that make even the simplest messages feel special.
4. Glow & Grow Candle Set
Let your relationship grow with a candle that keeps on giving. Once it’s done burning, use the grow kit (it’s included) to plant wild flowers or herbs.
5. Compartés Chocolate Bar
Chocolate and champagne in one? No need to choose between the two when you can have both. They also have a bunch of fitting flavors to choose from like red velvet, strawberry shortcake, and raspberry rose.
6. Fortessa Cake Stand
For the baker in your life, a cake stand is a great way for them to display all the wonderful things they whip up. Though might we suggest you present this stand with a chocolate cake you made?
7. Brightland Champagne Vinegar
If your valentine loves to cook (or appreciates a great meal), this is the Champagne they’re pining for (well, maybe the real thing too).
8. Fantasia Animal Tumblers
Don’t even think about buying a teddy bear. Tumblers with glass-blown animals on the inside are perfect for a post-dinner drink or even iced coffee the next morning.
Photo by Ty Mecham
9. Barilla Heart Shaped Pasta
Because nothing says romance like pasta in the shape of hearts. Bonus points if you cook them together.
10. Archie Glass Dessert Coupes
Serve up a dessert, or make future baking plans with these blushing pink coupes—ideal for ice cream, mousse, or something bubbly.
11. Maldon Sea Salt Bucket
Truly, we can’t think of anything that says love more than the entire bucket of Maldon. Every great dish—even dessert!—can use a little flaky salt.
Photo by MJ Kroeger
12. Hawkins Aurora Vase
Why give flowers in plastic or paper when you can give them in one of these keep-forever vases from Hawkins? They’re slim, elegant, and come in an array of pastels.
13. Red Clay Hot Honey Duo
The perfect duo—sweet, spicy, and ready to drizzle on everything from pizza to biscuits.
What’s the most meaningful Valentine’s gift you’ve ever received? Let us know in the comments how you’re showing your love this Valentine’s Day.
