Valentine’s Day gifts can be thoughtful without breaking the bank. Below is a curated list of presents that range from under $50 to more substantial options, each chosen for its practicality, personalization, or sheer fun.
At a Glance
- Under $50: Smart trackers, travel adapters, and DIY kits.
- Under $100: Bluetooth speakers, air-quality monitors, and subscription services.
- Over $100: Smart displays, instant cameras, and high-end audio.
- Why it matters: These picks offer value, customization, and a touch of surprise for every budget.
Introduction
Finding a present that feels personal and useful is a common challenge on Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re buying for a tech-savvy partner, a traveler, or a foodie, the right gift can show thoughtfulness and appreciation. The following guide breaks down options by price tier and highlights key features, pricing, and standout moments.
Gifts Under $50
Apple AirTags – $29 each, $99 for four
Apple AirTags attach to keys, wallets, or backpacks and use the FindMy network to help locate lost items. Apple offers free custom engravings, and a set of four is available for $99.
Epikka Universal Travel Adapter
This upgraded adapter includes USB and USB-C ports plus a laptop pass-through. It’s a major improvement over older models, making it handy for travelers and for remote workers.
Personalized Ticket to Love Box
A wooden box with 40 tickets, each offering a treat or activity-breakfast in bed, a massage, or a movie night. The box can be personalized with your partner’s name.
Striking Viking Beard Oil 4-Pack
A variety pack of beard oils-sandalwood, vanilla, cedarwood, and citrus-that softens and moisturizes facial hair. Larger 2-ounce bottles are also available.
Yeti Rambler 30-Ounce Travel Mug
An insulated stainless-steel mug that keeps drinks hot or cold for hours. It features a magnetic screw-on lid and a tapered bottom that fits most cup holders.
Make Your Own Churros Kit
A DIY kit that lets your partner whip up churros at home, complete with sugar, cinnamon, and a frying pan.
Criterion Channel Subscription – $11/month or $100/year
A subscription grants access to over 1,000 titles, including classics and indie films, plus commentary and filmmaker interviews.
Goodfellow & Co. Cologne Sampler
A four-vial sampler of fresh scents for men: Blue Sage & Tonka, Juniper & Sandalwood, Cedarwood & Geranium, and Spiced Ginger & Rum.
Wahl Lithium-Ion MultiGroom
A top-rated beard trimmer with 10 adjustable positions and four interchangeable heads. It was included on News Of Los Angeles‘s list of the best beard trimmers of 2023.
JBL Go 4
A compact Bluetooth speaker with IP67 water resistance, up to 7 hours of battery life, and a durable design. It also appeared on News Of Los Angeles‘s list of the best Bluetooth speakers.
Opinel Folding Knife – No. 8
A classic folding knife with a Beechwood handle and stainless-steel blade, unchanged since 1890.
Lego Icons Succulents
A set of nine succulent models that can be built and displayed, offering a creative and relaxing activity.
Gifts Under $100
Twelve South AirFly Pro
An audio adapter that turns a 3.5-mm port into a Bluetooth transmitter and receiver, letting you use wireless headphones on a plane.
SwitchBot Meter Pro CO2
A small indoor air-quality monitor that tracks temperature, humidity, and CO₂. It was named News Of Los Angeles‘s best smart air-quality monitor.
Earfun Wave Pro
Noise-cancelling headphones praised by David Carnoy: “You’re getting decent-sounding headphones with effective noise canceling that are comfortable to wear and have long battery life. They’re also one of the few budget headphones that come with a carrying case.”
Chemical Guys Valentine’s Clean & Maintain Gift Kit
A car-care kit featuring a limited-edition Dozen Roses air freshener, quick detailer spray, window cleaner, interior cleaner, and a hat.
Bourbon Nosing Kit
A kit with real ingredients like caramel, honey, and clove that trains the nose to detect nuances in bourbon.
Custom-Made Converse Chucks
Customizable Converse sneakers with various styles, colors, and prints, starting at $85.
SodaStream Terra Sparkling Water Maker Bundle
A sparkling water system that comes with a lime Bubly drop bottle and a CO₂ cylinder.
IceMule Jaunt Collapsible Backpack Cooler
A lightweight, leak-proof cooler that keeps food and drinks ice-cold. David Watsky called it his “favorite cooler bag” and “a perfect gift for anyone who makes regular treks to the park, beach or campground.”
Gifts Over $100
Amazon Echo Show 11
A 11-inch smart display that offers video calls, streaming, and kitchen timers. Tyler Lacoma wrote: “If you’ve been looking for a high-tech kitchen aid or all-purpose home screen and speaker combo, the Echo Show 11 is the best I’ve come across. The screen is crisper, the sound better and Alexa Plus is a fun, chatty upgrade compared to past versions.”
Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo
An instant camera that prints photos on the spot and syncs them to a phone. It features 10 lens effects and 10 film effects.
Atlas Coffee Club
A coffee subscription delivering single-origin beans from over 50 countries, each with a postcard. News Of Los Angeles rated it the best and most giftable coffee subscription. A yearly subscription costs $189.
Personalized Duffel Bag
A canvas and leather duffel with monogram options, four colors, and multiple pockets for travelers.
AirPods Pro 3
The next-gen AirPods Pro offer improved fit, sound, noise cancellation, battery life, and heart-rate monitoring. David Carnoy noted: “They’re about as close as earbuds get to being complete: excellent noise cancellation, strong voice-calling performance and sound quality that rivals the very best. Few buds excel in all three areas – and the Pro 3s manage it while packing in plenty of extra features.”
ButcherBox Monthly Subscription
A delivery of high-quality meats-grass-fed beef, organic chicken, or wild-caught seafood. Boxes start at $149.
Weber’s Original Kettle Charcoal Grill 22-inch
A classic 22-inch grill that delivers quality and value. It tops News Of Los Angeles‘s list of the best charcoal grill for 2024.
Theragun Mini (3rd Gen) Massage Gun
A portable massage gun with three speeds and 180 minutes of battery life, offering a quiet and effective way to soothe sore muscles.
Key Takeaways
- Personalization matters: From engraved AirTags to custom duffels, adding a personal touch boosts sentiment.
- Tech keeps on giving: Devices like the AirFly Pro, SwitchBot monitor, and AirPods Pro 3 blend utility with novelty.
- Experience over objects: Subscription services and DIY kits turn a gift into a lasting experience.
- Quality justifies price: High-end items like the Echo Show 11 or ButcherBox subscription provide lasting value.
Whether you’re shopping for a tech enthusiast, a traveler, or someone who loves a good brew, there’s a thoughtful option for every budget.
