What Women Actually Want for Valentine’s Day
Image by: theStylo
17 joyful and thoughtful Valentine's Day gifts for her, chosen by women who know
Forget the clichés. If your grand romantic gesture swings between a stuffed bear clutching a heart and lingerie that looks like it came from the dressing room of 50 Shades, it’s time to rethink your strategy. Valentine’s Day gifting is an art form—one that requires a little more nuance and a lot less novelty.
It's meaningful treats, like a top up of her favourite perfume, or a fun variation on a lipstick she wears every day. It’s the little luxuries that land—the things she wouldn’t necessarily buy herself but would love to receive. A bottle of top-tier fizz to enjoy on the sofa or a selection of proper posh chocolates that you won't find on the shelf at the supermarket. That’s how you win at February 14th.
The classics are classics for a reason. Flowers? Absolutely. But don’t feel tethered to red roses—there’s a whole world of blooms out there (or, if you must go roses, get creative with LEGO flowers you can build together). And if lingerie is on your list, let’s set some ground rules: Buy for her, not you. Sexy should always come with a side of comfort—if it looks incredible but feels like a straightjacket, it’s not the one.
So, whether you’re playing it safe or planning a grand flourish, the key is thoughtfulness. Luckily for you, we’ve done the hard work already. Scroll through our edit of Valentine’s gifts, hand-picked by women, for women. Because this year, you’re getting it right.
Marks & Spencer
M&S Collection Set of 2 Hottie & Cutie Pillar Candles - Red Mix, Red Mix
£6.00
Tell 'em! These playful, decorative candles will make a statement addition to any space and are a fun way to deliver a compliment or two.
Harvey Nichols
Harvey Nichols The Sol De Janeiro Beauty Hamper
£104.00
Transport them to Copacabana Beach with The Sol de Janeiro Hamper. This deliciously scented selection from one of TikTok's most talked about beauty brands combines our favourite Sol de Janeiro products for a gift that’s steeped in sunshine. There’s the cult Brazilian Bum Bum Cream that’s designed to leave skin soft and summer ready, especially when used in combination with the exfoliating Bum Bum Body Scrub. You'll also find the matching Brazilian Crush Body Fragrance Mist, which is scented with Sol de Janeiro’s addictive Cheirosa 62 scent. It's the ultimate beauty indulgence.
NIO Cocktails
Build A Box - x 3 Premade Premium Cocktails
£19.50
No-one needs to be queuing at the bar for a cocktail on Valentine's Day - and now you don't have to. NIO's perfectly pre-mixed premium cocktails mean you can enjoy even the most complex concoctions at home in an instant, so all you need to do is add ice. There's something so chic and sexy about their streamlined packaging, plus it makes it a perfect choice gift to pop in the post. Pick'n'mix your box of choice, from 3 to 9 cocktails, for the perfect night in (the Tommy's Margarita is a must!)
Anthropologie
The Wren Boxer Shorts by Anthropologie
£32.00
Combine comfort and luxury with these cutesy cotton boxers - even better with the matching shirt for a sweet loungewear look.
The Essence Vault
The Essence Vault 100ml x3 Perfume Set
£49.99
The Essence Vault delivers luxury scents without the eye-watering price tag. How? They specialise in their own range of 'inspired-by' fragrances - imagine the essence of high-end perfumes like Baccarat Rouge 540 or Black Opium at a fraction of the cost. Choose any three 100ml scents from the range (including male, female and unisex) and save 38% when you bundle. It's the perfect gift to test out some best-loved scents without commitment. Each one is vegan, cruelty free and a dead ringer for the real thing and just as long lasting - honestly, you'll wonder why you were ever forking out those prices in the first place...
Harvey Nichols
Harvey Nichols – Harvey Nichols Premier Cru Rose Chocolate – Champagne - 135g - 750ml Sparkling Wine
£80.00
Raspberry kisses and Premier Cru Rosé Champagne; can you think of a more decadent way to send love than this? They'll pull the ribbon on this stylish gift box to reveal one of the most-loved Champagnes Harvey Nichols' has ever created – pink, fruity, and the perfect partner to a box of creamy, dreamy raspberry chocolate truffles, each one infused with the champagne. It’s a match made in heaven.
SELFRIDGES
ANNA + NINA I Love You ceramic breakfast plate 22cm
£20.00
What a charming way to start the day. This heartfelt crockery is perfect for serving up breakfast in bed or adding a playful touch to the table.
Farm Rio
Handmade Hearts Knit Jumper
£265.00
Featuring vibrant, handcrafted heart details, this sweet and chic knit is a playful yet stylish way to wear your heart on your sleeve—literally. Just add denim.
Lounge
Amoura Intimates Set
£95.00
Sexy meets comfort is what Lounge do best, making it the perfect brand if you're looking to please both parties. Unlike lingerie that’s more about you than them, this corset set nips and supports in all the right places for a look that is as empowering as it is elegant.
Charlotte Tilbury
Pillow Talk Big Lip Plumpgasm - Fair Medium
£27.00
The hydrating comfort of a balm with the amplifying power of a lip plumper, combined with the iconic Pillow Talk lipstick shade. Kissable, date-worthy lips incoming...
& Other Stories
Ruched Drawstring Top
£47.00
Perfect for date nights or dressed-down days, this is one of those wardrobe staples that feels both romantic and wearable.
Fortnum and Mason
Sacred Heart Rhubarb Everyday Pouch
£32.00
Designed to help them organise, it can store your daily essentials, your make-up, fit in your handbag or even be used as a clutch.
Etsy
Vampire Love Card
£4.75
Sometimes just a card will do - provided it feels fun and thoughtful. Etsy is a treasure-trove for handmade cards like this that put the supermarkets to shame.
LEGO
Bouquet of Roses
£54.99
A fresh take on the classic Valentine's gift—confusingly. This buildable LEGO bouquet lets you create everlasting roses, making it a fun and thoughtful alternative to the real thing. Perfect for a partner who loves a creative twist, it’s a romantic gesture that won’t wilt after a week.
Missoma
Message In A Bottle Pendant
£169.00
A modern love letter in jewellery form. Featuring a delicate glass vial encased in gold vermeil, it holds a tiny scroll where you can write a personal note—sentimental, stylish, and totally unique. Shakespeare could never!
ASOS
ASOS DESIGN suede bowler tote bag in burgundy
£70.00
The bag that has been all over the 'gram - bags don't have to always be designer to have impact. This will get endless wear all season long.
Glossier
Glossier You Rêve - Eau de Parfum 50 ml
£62.00
An elevated take on the cult favourite You fragrance, Rêve adds dreamy floral and warm amber-y notes. It’s soft, sensual, and effortlessly wearable - designed to melt into your skin and smell uniquely you.