Valentine’s Day is a big event, and for others, it’s just another Monday in February (with slightly more chocolate).
Whether it’s a simple “I love you today and 365” card or a shiny splurge, we’ve covered all the basis for classmates, friends, coworkers and partners of every kind.
THE BEST VALENTINE’S DAY GIFTS FOR CHILDREN, TWEENS AND TEENS
If they are still little enough to wear a heart-print onesie without kicking up a fuss, this cozy knit is made from 100% cotton and has snap closures in the back. Available at the Gap.
Did Cupid ever stress about stocking up on enough cards for the whole class? Probably not. School Valentine’s Day card exchanges call for volume. This set of 24 cards in six different magical animal motifs (like a llamacorn) includes four pencils, which can be used to write the cards or gifted to the extra-special adults in class (like teachers). Available at Amazon.
Handing a box of chocolates over to a child is a tummy ache and sugar crash waiting to happen, so distract them with their very own treat like a heart-shaped pop bubble toy, a Shiba Inu squishmallow stuffie, a pack of 500 puffy stickers, Crayola Scentscational washable markers, or a bottle of Sweet Dream bubble bath from Hello Bello from Well.ca.
This heart-shaped neon light would make an excellent backdrop for TikTok videos. Even a tween or teen who isn’t, like, actually into a contrived day of love would plug this in. Available at Amazon.
A self-care treat, like Verb body lotion, Clinique Aloe Shaving Gel (great for face and legs) or a black Vitruvi stone diffuser for their room, is great for a teen who is all grown up (but still wants a present, obviously). Body lotion and shaving gel are available at Sephora; Vitruvi diffuser is available at Amazon.
SpongeBob SquarePants continues to delight adults and kids with its weird and optimistic crew of sea creatures. While we may not quite understand the fandom, this Patrick Star T-shirt might delight a teen who still catches Nickelodeon reruns. Ironically, of course. Available at Old Navy.
THE BEST VALENTINE’S DAY GIFTS FOR THE HOME
A mug with a heart-shaped handle is a cute keepsake that lasts beyond the one day. Available at Indigo.
Take the “home is where the heart is” cliché literally with these gooey décor options. Doormats with a heart motif are popular all year round, and there are a few designed with modern spaces in mind, like this black-and-white mat from Society6, this engraved woven mat from Simons (on sale for just $10), and this chic option from Kerrisdale Lumber.
There’s also this adorable and soft heart-shaped indoor rug from Simons, a plush heart-shaped cushion from Indigo and for those not so into pink, a heart-shaped throw pillow in grey from Amazon.
THE BEST EDIBLE VALENTINE’S GIFTS
Chocolate is a classic Valentine’s Day gift, and this Vancouver Is Awesome list covers many of BC’s finest artisan options. For local delivery, Purdys has classic heart-shaped boxes and, for the person who wants to opt-out of Valentine’s Day (but doesn’t want to opt-out of sweets), a “Nope” box hits the spot.
If a $300 Le Creuset cast iron cocotte is on the wish list (but not in the budget), Amazon has some great dupes, like the red cast iron MiaMo and the Ecolution heart-shaped frying pan for $20. Available at Amazon.
For breakfast in bed, this Dash mini waffle maker has hundreds of 5-star reviews. Don’t forget the organic waffle mix, like this made-in-Canada Anita’s multigrain mix, and a Grade A bottle of maple syrup.
THE BEST VALENTINE’S DAY GIFTS FOR A QUIET NIGHT IN
There are so many candles on the market that it’s hard to find one that feels special: this MELP cloud candle is unlike the usual jar options. With three rows of stacked beeswax and soy candle balls, it is a display piece and should be burned (for 60 minutes maximum) on a candle plate. Available at Well.ca.
Does COVID-19 have you skipping your annual couples’ massage for the second year in a row? This slightly ugly but highly effective body massager digs deep into muscle knots and has a heating option. It’s not a luxurious trip to the spa, but it does help with muscle tension after a long day. Available at Amazon.
If movie night is the perfect end to V-Day, why not do it in matching loungewear? Old Navy has adorable heart-print family pyjamas, perfect for settling in and watching Encanto for the 97th time. Available at Old Navy.
For something a little more heartfelt than a Netflix binge, a book says everything a greeting card can’t. Some on-theme options are a book of poems (sincerely by F.S. Yousaf), a new romance classic like The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory and scandalous historical fiction, like The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid.
SEND FLOWERS NEAR AND FAR
Whether it's a fragrant and classic bouquet for a partner or a colourful "thinking of you" arrangement for your mom in Ontario, Callia Flowers delivery fresh, hand-tied bouquets all over Canada and the US. Shop online at Callia Flowers.
THE BEST VALENTINE’S DAY GIFTS TO SPLURGE ON
Heart-shaped jewellery is a very specific thing people either love or… do not love. Infinity Knot rings are the shape of the season for a romantic ring style that is unique and still in line with the holiday. Available at Peoples Jewellers.
(For those who do love a heart-shaped piece, these pave diamond studs from Nordstrom are made in Canada and will last a lifetime.)
Monogram necklaces are always a coveted gift. Handmade in Vancouver, this filigree monogram necklace by Leah Yard Designs is a personal, sophisticated and delicate piece that can be worn every day. Available at Leah Yard Designs.
Choosing a scent for another person is tricky, but there’s no going wrong with a luxury Tom Ford unisex scent. The tobacco vanille is warm and confident but not overpowering. Available at Nordstrom.
Bundle them up with this classic Burberry scarf in the luxury label’s signature print. The design has been going strong for 50 years; it will always fit and never go out of style. Available at SSENSE.
Like the scarf, Ray-Bans are iconic, unisex, one-sizes-fits-all and will be something they reach for again and again over the years. Available at Clearly.
