Decorating & Design
20 Sweet Valentine’s Day Gifts Under $50
Author: Reiko Milley
Published on February 8, 2016
Sometimes it’s the hardest to buy for those we know best. With all the gift options out there, it can be difficult to settle on just the right gesture. So for this Valentine’s Day, we’ve rounded up a selection of 20 fresh and affordable gift ideas, perfect for loved ones that go for all things romantic — and those that err on the subtler side of things.
Want to go beyond the traditional wrapped bouquet? Pick up one or more inexpensive, yet elegant vases — like this pretty pink Sannolik vessel from Ikea — and artfully pre-arrange the blooms.
Products: Sannolik vase , $5
Gifting your loved one a luxe, floral-scented candle or body treatment is another option, letting them enjoy that fresh-cut fragrance year round.
Sweet-smelling soaps are also sure to please, especially when they’re artisanal French-made bars like these ones from Vancouver boutique Litchfield.
This garden-print throw pillow from Indigo is another fresh way to give flowers. Looking to spell it out more clearly? A graphic design does the trick.
… or you could choose to frame your sentiments. This cheerful screen-printed design is made by San Francisco-based company Honey & Bloom.
Products: Love print , $35
Kate Spade New York’s porcelain tray makes a subtler, yet equally romantic statement under a wash of juicy color.
This black soapstone bowl from Jayson Home is perfect for someone who would prefer a less literal gesture.
Products: Black Heart bowl , $18US
A framed snapshot of your favorite hideaway, or even the spot you first met, is another gift idea that’s sweet — not saccharine.
Products: Kiko frames , from $35US
Need something that skews more practical? Even the staunchest critics of Valentine’s Day would be hard pressed to deny one of these handmade journals from Shinola.
A modern catch-all is another handy gift that doesn’t scream “Valentine’s Day!”
An attractive coffee table book — like this illustrated tome from luxury publisher Assouline — makes a foolproof gift for the reader in your life.
Products: Lovers by Peynet , $25US
These heart-shaped spoons would make a charming present for your favorite foodie.
A Himalayan rock salt and grater set suits the passionate home cook.
Jonathan Adler’s stoneware shakers are ideal for a couple that flocks to the kitchen.
If mixing drinks is more your speed, consider picking up a speciality spirit, like this rose petal-infused gin from Beamsville, Ont.-based Dillon’s Small Batch Distillers.
Products: Dillon’s Rose Gin , $25/375mL bottle
These retro champagne coupes from Crate & Barrel would set a celebratory mood (and beg to be paired with a bottle of bubbly).
Tea lovers will appreciate this colorful and functional silicone infuser from Danish design house Normann Copenhagen.
Products: Burgundy tea strainer , $27US (tea sold separately)
Crafted of warm acacia wood, this is a very handsome tray, but the real gift is the breakfast that will be served along with it.
Don’t rule out chocolate — when its of exceptional quality, it’s far from tired. This gift box from Williams-Sonoma lets your partner sample ganache from four unique chocolate terroirs.
These whimsical designs from Mr. Boddington’s Studio and Rifle Paper Co. have been left blank inside — never underestimate the power of a thoughtfully worded card.