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Valentine's Day is such a wonderful celebration of love and romance, yet it is also one of the most complicated holidays for gift giving. Lovers young and old are faced with all sorts of calculations when choosing a gift, such as how long they've been dating, whether to go traditional (a dozen roses or a box of chocolates) or more creative and quirky (like the Quill You Be Mine Plush Porcupine), and how best to express their feelings.
It's OK to feel overwhelmed by it all, to simply visit 1-800-Flowers.com — or dial 1-800-Flowers, if you're old school like that (there's even an app now, too!) — choose a bouquet, and call it a day. But for those who want to find that perfect token of affection, a way to say “I love you" that has added meaning, we put together a guide of gifts based on the length of the relationship. Whether you're three dates in or celebrating a lifetime together, here are eight Valentine's Day gift suggestions that will speak louder than words.
Dating for a few weeks
You're a few dates in and enjoying the spark of a newfound connection. Then, along comes Valentine's Day. So much pressure! You need to find a gift that says, “I'm liking where this is heading" without appearing too clingy or needy. In other words, play it cool with the We Go Together Like Chocolate and Pretzels Gift Box. It features 10 ounces of Belgian milk, dark, and white chocolate-covered pretzel twists and other colorful chocolate-dipped treats. Best of all: it's subtle, funny, and cute. Just like the two of you.
Dating for a year
The one-year anniversary of your first date and your first real Valentine's Day together are of near-equal importance. For the latter occasion, you need a gift that's more about romance and togetherness, such as a heart-shaped charcuterie and cheese tray. Curl up by the fire, open a bottle of wine (or a trio), and enjoy salami, cheese, and honey from Savannah Bee Company. The snacks are sexy, and the heart-shaped board will serve as a reminder of your love with each use.
Just engaged
Get ready to start nesting, filling your soon-to-be marital home with memorable items, such as a personalized pizza board. The pizza peel can be customized with three lines of text in three font options, so craft a message that showcases your love for each other — and your favorite topping! (“Olive juice" anyone?) The set includes a pizza crisper and rocker so you can make pizzeria-quality pies in your home oven.
Newlyweds
You've already scored lots of gifts from your registry, and now it's time to revel in your first Valentine's Day as a married couple. Don't overthink it. Make sure you at least pick up a dozen red roses. The savvy spouse won't stop there, though: Add an oversized 30-ounce coffee mug featuring your love's name written into the word “LOVE." And while you're in the loving mood, fill up said mug with a fine brew.
Married for 5 years
Half a decade of marriage calls for a platter full of Valentine's Day sweets. Go past the typical box of chocolates and score points with an entire bakery tray featuring an array of cakes, including a heart-shaped cheesecake with dark chocolate ganache, four types of cookies (shortbread, chocolate chip), and raspberry galettes.
Married for 10 years
Go gourmet to celebrate 10 years of married Valentine's Days with a tasty lobster pot pie dinner for two. This three-course meal includes two seven-ounce lobster pot pies, two four-ounce crab quattro formaggio on the half shell, and two chocolate molten dulce de leche soufflés for dessert. It's an easy-to-make and sure-to-be memorable meal to celebrate the day of love.
Married for 30 years
After 30 years of marriage, you have to go big or go home on Valentine's Day. The Valentine Sweets and Sparkling Wine Bar is suitably large, with an eye-popping array of treats that includes two lemon Bundt cakes, and lots of raspberry-filled treats: raspberry galettes, raspberry lemon tea cookies, white chocolate raspberry cookie bars, raspberry-filled flower-cutout shortbread cookies, and more baked goods, along with a bottle each of Harry & David 2021 Sparkling Wine and 2021 Sparkling Rosé.
Married for 50 years
Half a century of marriage calls for a subscription to the organic fruit of the month club. Tell your lifelong love that you care about them with healthy, nutritious fruit grown organically including HoneyBells (February), pineapples (April), strawberries (May), plums (September), and more. No matter where you live, you and your spouse can enjoy fresh organic fruit on Valentine's Day, and every other holiday to boot!
For more Valentine's Day gifting inspiration, check out our other gift guides:
Gifts for Her
Gifts for Him
Gifts by Couple Type
AUTHOR
Richard Martin is a writer, editor, and strategist who specializes in food, drink, and travel. He is the co-founder and editor of Appetito, the new online publication about Italian food and drink, and the co-author of the cookbook series Preserved, from publisher Hardie Grant NA.
