If you've ever been stumped while shopping for a Valentine's Day gift, we get it. Sure, there are some traditional standbys — like flowers and candy — but knowing what to get for each stage of a relationship can be super confusing.
Whether you're just getting to know each other or you've been together for decades, there are plenty of ways to show your partner a token of your affection.
Not sure where to start? We've curated a list of gifts for every stage of a relationship. We also consulted the expertise of etiquette expert Alison M. Cheperdak to get some help navigating gift giving in the early days of a budding romance.
For brand new relationships$undefined$7.99
For 6 months$undefined$33.00
Valentine's Day gifts if you just started dating
Those early days of a new romance are full of potential, but things can get a bit awkward if you just started dating someone shortly before Valentine's Day.
Cheperdak says the holiday should be "less about making a grand statement" and more about "acknowledging the moment thoughtfully" in the very early stages of dating someone.
"The goal is to avoid putting pressure on the relationship while still showing consideration," she says. Gifts should be small, intentional and low-stakes, with the budget being $50 or less.
Below, we've rounded up a few gifts in the categories that Cheperdak says are ideal for budding relationships.
A handwritten card is a sweet way to express your feelings for someone, even if you haven’t defined the relationship quite yet. This adorable pop-up card takes the pressure out of things and keeps things casual with a cheeky message that reads, “I only have fries for you.”
Just because you're keeping things light doesn't mean you can't go with the theme of the day: love. This heart-shaped box is full of creamy milk chocolate truffles that will melt in your mouth and warm your date's heart.
Roses have always been associated with Valentine's Day, but a floral bouquet with several types of flowers can help you keep things more casual if you just started getting to know each other. This lovely arrangement includes a mix of baby's breath, white roses and carnations and lavender Peruvian lilies and stock.
Roses are red, violets are blue and we found the perfect candle just for you. Featuring notes of berries, blue violets and musk, this three-wick candle is a sweet alternative to actual flowers and burns for up to 45 hours, according to the brand.
Valentine's Day gifts if you've been together for 6 months
When you hit the six-month mark, you start to feel more committed to your significant other. Still, Cheperdak says your gift should "reflect balance rather than obligation."
"This is a great stage for gifts that show you’ve been paying attention: a meaningful book, a piece of jewelry that’s simple rather than sentimental, a framed photo, tickets to something you can enjoy together or a planned experience like a weekend getaway or special dinner," she says.
As for budget, $75-$150 is typical, but Cheperdak notes that it's less about the cost than the consideration you put into a gift.
"This is a stage where it’s perfectly appropriate to say something in advance like, 'Do we want to keep Valentine’s Day low-key this year?' Clarity prevents mismatched expectations," she says.
Sometimes, the simplest gifts are also the sweetest, like printing out a photo of one of your favorite moments together thus far. You'll score bonus points if you opt for a heart-shaped frame like this cutie.
Taking a class together helps you both learn a new skill while bonding. This interactive online class teaches participants how to whip up several quick dishes, such as poached eggs, cucumber canapés, sautéed cucumbers and even chocolate mousse. Along the way, you'll also learn how to pair dishes with different wines.
Why settle for just one necklace when you can have three in one? This triple strand necklace is made up of three distinct chains and a pendant in the middle. It's available in three colors, but we're partial to the pretty pink option!
Associate editor Kamari Stewart-Jackson is also a fan of this necklace. "I opted to get married with a very low-key ceremony at city hall a few months back, and as soon as I saw it, I had to have it. It was perfect and I still wear it all the time."
Whether you're into concerts, musicals or sports, attending an event together is a special way to form a core memory. If you're not sure what your honey wants to do, get them a StubHub gift card and tell them to pick whatever their heart desires.
Valentine's Day gifts if you've been together for 1 year
When you've been together for a year, you settle into a rhythm and start to make plans for the future.
"More personal and lasting gifts feel appropriate here — thoughtful jewelry, a meaningful keepsake, a shared trip or something that supports a partner’s interests or routines," Cheperdak says. "For some couples, acts of service or planned experiences carry more weight than traditional gifts."
As for the budget, Cheperdak says there's no "right" amount to spend.
"What matters most is that the gift feels aligned with how you show care in everyday life. Overspending isn’t romantic if it causes stress or resentment," she says.
If your better half loves music, show them you've been paying attention and pick up a new pair of wireless earbuds to treat them this Valentine's Day. This pair from Skullcandy offers a battery life of up to 36 hours and rapid charge technology that gives you two hours of battery life after a 10-minute charge, according to the brand.
Dating someone who loves to host parties? This drink shaker can step up their hosting game. Double-wall vacuum insulation ensures that drinks stay cool and a leakproof design keeps things clean.
Personalized jewelry is always a sign that things are starting to get serious. After a year together, an initial necklace is a romantic gesture to show your growing affection. This one is made with sterling silver and 14K rose gold with diamond accents and a tiny heart.
Want to really surprise your sweetie? Give them an Airbnb gift card along with a list of the locations you're dreaming of visiting together. After using the service in our own travels, we loved the fact that you can book flights, hotels, attractions and car rentals.
Valentine's Day gifts if you've been together for 5 years
Whether you've been dating five years or you're celebrating your fifth wedding anniversary this year, you might be looking for a special gift that keeps with the theme of fifth anniversaries.
Traditionally, wood is the symbol that's most commonly associated with five years of marriage and is meant to signify the roots and foundation you're creating as a couple. Silverware, sapphires and daisies are also common.
If you want to go the traditional route, you can opt for a gift that falls into one of these themes. Five years is pretty significant, so a romantic getaway is also a great way to celebrate your commitment to each other.
Avid gamers will appreciate this wooden stand that can hold several controllers and headphones. It can even be personalized with your sweetie's name or initial in multiple areas.
After five years together, a relationship is a lot like a cozy pair of pajamas: incredibly comfortable. This soft and stretchy pair is made of a lightweight fabric that keeps you cool overnight. It also comes in three adorable prints.
This one’s for the romantic at heart. The heart-shaped skillet is available in two sizes and seven colors, including two pretty pink hues, purple, red, blue, white and peach. The enameled cast iron helps distribute heat evenly and can be used on the stovetop or in the oven. Plus, it has an ergonomic handle and is safe to toss in the dishwasher, according to the brand.
Five years together is a major milestone that’s worthy of an epic getaway. Dreaming of romance? We’re fans of the Canopy by Hilton Paris Eiffel Tower hotel, where you can book a room with views of the Eiffel Tower. Craving a city adventure? Treat yourself to a room at the Waldorf Astoria New York, which offers three unique food and beverage experiences. You can book these and many more stays around the world with a gift card to Hotels.com.
Valentine's Day gifts if you've been together for 10 years
A decade together is a major milestone. Naturally, you want to honor your enduring love with a special token of your affection.
Traditionally, aluminum and tin gifts are associated with 10 years of marriage since they're durable materials and signify that you've been going strong for many years.
The themes are equally appropriate if you've been dating 10 years and want to get a bit symbolic this year. Diamonds, silver and daffodils are also associated with 10 years of love and partnership.
No matter how long you’ve been together, sweet treats are always an appropriate Valentine’s Day gift. This festive pack comes with 25 mini cupcakes in six limited-edition flavors, including dark chocolate, strawberry and dulce de leche.
Building a home together is one of the most satisfying parts of being in a relationship. Commemorate your humble abode and celebrate 10 years together with this aluminum house plaque that can be personalized with your name and the date you moved in.
Still in the honeymoon phase, even after 10 years? Show your sweetheart how much you love them with this heart print leather wallet that has plenty of compartments for all of your daily essentials.
You've seen each other through quite a bit at this point in your relationship, so you know that maintaining your cool helps you navigate life's challenges. That's why a Calm subscription is the perfect gift for 10 years. The app offers users access to guided meditations, music and more to help them fall asleep and stay calm throughout the day.
Valentine's Day gifts if you've been together for 15 years
Crystal is the theme that's most commonly associated with 15 years of marriage. The translucent material symbolizes the transparency a couple has in their relationship.
Several other symbols also hold special meaning when you've been together for 15 years, including roses, rubies and the color red. Even if you're not married but you've been together 15 years, the themes are still relevant.
Red symbolizes passion, courage and strength after 15 years together. Your favorite lady will look ravishing in this ribbed sweater jacket that features oversized buttons and a pointed collar.
Photo gifts are always a sentimental option for Valentine's Day. If you're hoping to hone in on the crystal theme, consider this crystal that can be customized with a photo of you and your partner. As you turn it, an optical illusion appears that makes it seem like the image is moving.
Flowers are romantic, but preserved roses are even better since you don't have to water them. This heart-shaped box is full of six preserved roses that are available in nine colors. The best part? The brand says they last around three years.
Give the gift of comfort with a cozy pair of Uggs. This mini pair is part of the Valentine's Day collection and features a soft sheepskin insole, a pretty pink hue and a sweet embroidered heart on the back.
Valentine's Day gifts if you've been together for 20 years
Two decades of marriage is a pretty big deal. Most often, china (aka porcelain) is the theme associated with a 20th wedding anniversary since it's fragile, yet durable — similar to a long marriage.
Emeralds and platinum are also appropriate for 20th wedding anniversaries. These themes can also apply if you've been committed, but not married, for 20 years.
Little keepsakes can hold special meaning, especially when you've been together for such a long time. If you're keeping with the porcelain theme, this figurine is a good option. It depicts a couple embracing each other and is inscribed with the phrase, "Love is an adventure made for two."
Sailing away together is always a good idea. Whether you want to stay in the U.S. or travel abroad, the world is your oyster with this gift card that lets you book a cruise wherever you and your better half desire. After 20 years together, you deserve it.
A fresh set of sheets is a gift for both of you. This one uses special technology to keep you cool and a SmartFit design to keep sheets in place. Available in six colors, the sheets can fit any mattress up to 15 inches, according to the brand.
When you reach the 20-year mark, practical gifts become a lot more desirable. Take this massager, for instance. It can be worn around your back and features three levels of heat and vibration to relieve any aches and pains you encounter.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY team works hard to find the best Valentine's Day gifts for every stage of your relationship. We use our own personal experiences with brands and shopping to find the best gifts for your long-distance partner.
Meet the experts
- Alison M. Cheperdak, JD, is an attorney, internationally-certified etiquette expert and the author of “Was it Something I Said?”
Don’t forget to check out Shop TODAY’s other gift guides to find the perfect Valentine’s Day gifts on Amazon, for long-distance relationships, for Galentine’s, for new couples and more.
