This article contains affiliate links to products selected by our editors. Mental Floss may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.
Valentine’s Day is almost here, and many couples will be giving each other elaborate gifts like flowers, chocolates, and more. But if you’re looking to give your partner a thoughtful, romantic present that doesn’t break your budget, we’re here to help. Below we’ve rounded up 16 of the best Valentine’s Day gifts under $50 for you to give your significant other this year.
1. Bedsure Satin Pillowcase, Pack of 2; $10
Satin pillowcases are the gift that keeps on giving: Not only do they feel luxurious, but they have a super-smooth and nonporous texture that won’t draw vital hydration away from skin or hair the way cotton pillowcases can. This means they may also aid in preventing bedhead snarls and tangles, and they could be useful for alleviating dry skin in the winter. This affordable two-pack comes in multiple colorways and can help set a more romantic mood come February 14, too.
Buy it: Amazon
2. Geode Heart Candle; $22
This sweet little pick recreates the look of a real gemstone, and you can choose from three different options: amethyst, rose quartz, or opal. Made from paraffin wax, each of these handmade candles is unscented and offers a burn time of about six hours. If your special someone loves collecting crystals, this could be a delightful surprise for them on the holiday.
Buy it: Uncommon Goods
3. Love Lingual; $25
Turn your next date night into a game night with Love Lingual, a card game that will get you and your partner talking about topics you’ve probably never discussed before. Inside the box, there are five categories—couple, family, past and present, sex and intimacy, and individual—containing 150 conversation starters overall like, “How have you changed since we were first together?” Start engaging in new, meaningful conversations, whether you’re just starting a relationship or have been together for decades.
Buy it: Amazon
4. Japanese Hot Spring Bath Powders; $14
You don’t have to whisk your loved one away to a high-end spa to help them indulge in some self-care this Valentine’s Day. These mineral powders offer up a Japanese hot spring-like experience right from the comfort of home, and reviewers say they come in four scents and color combinations: Yakushima (green); Ginzan (pink); Tazawa (blue); and Tokachi (violet).
Buy it: Amazon
5. Hot Chocolate on a Stick; $40
For the one with a sweet tooth, consider this yummy assortment of hot chocolate varieties. Each set of eight comes with four flavors, including peanut butter cup, peppermint, salted caramel, and French truffle. All your date has to do is dip one into their mug with hot water already inside and sip to their heart’s content.
Buy it: Uncommon Goods
6. The Amaranth Vase; From $34
This unique vase offers more than meets the eye. At first glance, it’s just another pretty vase, but in fact, it offers a fun twist via its innovative design that could help prolong the lifespan of those Valentine’s Day flowers you just paid a lot of money for. Your giftee can twist the vase, which will open it up and allow old water to drain out easily. Another twist leaves the stems from those flowers exposed, but still be held in place by thanks to a holder on the bottom, but the openness of the design makes the stems easy to trim. You can choose from two sizes (small or large) and six lovely shades, to match the petals on whichever bouquet you gift.
Buy it: Amazon
7. Personalized Ticket To Love Box; $45
Treat your partner to a personalized wooden box filled with “tickets” highlighting activities you’ll do with or for them, like an “Off the Grid Day” or “A Great Adventure.” Created by Oregon artist Sandrine Froehle, each token looks like a movie ticket and has an inscription detailing what the voucher will give the user in return.
Buy it: Uncommon Goods
8. Star Wars Yoda One For Me T-Shirt; From $19
Melt your partner’s heart with an adorably sweet Star Wars T-shirt that would even make Chewbacca blush. What better way to tell someone they’re your valentine than with a cute shirt featuring a cartoon Master Yoda surrounded by hearts, along with the pun “Yoda one for me.”
Buy it: Amazon
9. 100 Dates Bucket List Scratch-Off Poster; $14
Whether you’re looking to liven up your date nights with new ideas or enjoy a challenge, this 100 Dates Bucket List scratch-off poster is bound to get some couples inspired. This poster features a wide variety of date ideas ranging from going out to brunch and visiting an aquarium to renting a pet and being a tourist for a day.
Buy it: Amazon
10. Papillon Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager; $40
If your partner looks forward to a good neck or back massage after the end of a long day, this compact massager could be just what the doctor ordered, and allow them to get them now on command (especially when you’re occupied doing other things). It offers three adjustable speeds and four massaging nodes, which recreate the experience of a Shiatsu massage. Additionally, it provides targeted heating up to 113℉, but has a built-in auto shut-off feature, which kicks in after 15 minutes.
Buy it: Amazon
11. Lovepop The Office We Go Together Like Jim and Pam Pop-Up Card; $15
When NBC’s sitcom The Office was still airing on television, Jim and Pam were the show’s "it" couple. Though it took them many seasons, some cute moments along the way brought them together. One such moment was when Jim tried to gift Pam a green teapot filled with mementos, and now Lovepop has immortalized this moment as a pop-up Valentine’s Day card that any fan would be giddy to receive (and not trade away for an iPod).
Buy it: Amazon
12. Le Creuset Petite Heart Cocotte; $32
Le Creuset enameled cast-iron pans are some of the most coveted kitchen items anyone could wish to own. So this Valentine’s Day, consider gifting your significant other one of the brand’s petite 8-ounce cocottes with a heart print around the outside. This item is perfect for making individual meals like a classic French onion soup or desserts like crème brûlée.
Buy it: Sur La Table
13. Your Personalized Star Map; From $20
Chart your journey with your partner using the stars as your guide with this personalized map that shows what the night sky looked like at any moment you desire. First, choose what time and date means the most to you as a couple, whether it’s when you met, got engaged, married, or something else. Then you can customize the background and dedication, so the map is ready for your loved one.
Buy it: CanvasDiscount
14. Heart-Shaped Tea Bags; $36
Pamper the tea lover in your life with this box of sweetly designed heart-shaped tea bags. Made by French artisan Jacqueline Aliotti, who grew up surrounded by tea, a box comes with 15 tea bags —five each of Earl Grey, English Breakfast, and White Berry—to enjoy with your loved one.
Buy it: Uncommon Goods
15. Nostalgia 6-Cup Stainless Steel Electric Fondue Pot Set; $40
Why go out for an expensive Valentine’s Day meal when you can have an intimate time just for two right at home? With this electric fondue set, dessert is covered, and you’ll be able to cozy up to your loved one over a pot of melted chocolate (or cheese, or any other sauce that strikes your fancy). It comes with six color-coded forks, and you can adjust the temperature by using the control dial, so your dip stays at the perfect temperature.
Buy it: Amazon
16. Plant Shelfie 1000-Piece Puzzle; $17
You can spend the night in working together to solve this pretty puzzle and have lots of fun along the way. Created with plant lovers in mind, it showcases shelves full of books and botanical beauties, and comes with 1000 pieces altogether.
Buy it: Amazon
A version of this article was originally published in 2022 and has been updated for 2023.
This article was originally published on www.mentalfloss.com as 16 of the Best Valentine’s Day Gifts Under $50.