20 Best Valentine's Day Gifts

Erica Johnson, co-founder of the nonalcoholic beverage brand Casamara Club, calls this beer glass from Kinto her new favorite for everything from water to soda to cocktails. The heat-resistant glass is microwave- and dishwasher-safe. (But take care not to pour hot water into an ice-cold glass or vice versa.) “It strikes the perfect balance between delicate and durable, elegant and utilitarian, and is really a pleasure to drink from,” she says.

All the other devices we tried couldn’t hold a candle (no pun intended) to this lamp. This sleek, simple-looking model has a dimmer for customizing its throw, and it fills a large space with fragrance quickly.

Curl up with your loved ones or best pals under a cozy electric blanket this winter. The Sunbeam Royal Ultra Heated Throw is a lightweight blanket that’s easy to use and produces even warmth. The Sunbeam has only four settings, but the differences among them are distinct. At its lowest level, the blanket feels just slightly warm, as if it had been sitting in the sun. At its highest, it feels like it just came out of the dryer a minute ago. 

In lieu of date night at the movies, curl up on the couch instead after making your own medley of snacks. Load up on sweets with a candy salad and whip up freshly popped popcorn right from the comfort of your kitchen. This model was a standout in an evaluation of the best popcorn machines because it delivered a lighter, toastier flavor with a pleasant snap in each piece. It takes roughly 2 minutes to pop a whole bowl and has a capacity of 16 cups.

If your Valentine’s view on florals is nontraditional, look no further than this build-it-yourself wildflower bouquet. Lego’s botanical collection is something out of a dream. Potted orchids, cherry blossoms, and roses are just a few of the creative options you’ll find. But we’re partial to this wildflower set, which is whimsical and artful. Once it’s complete, go ahead and display it in a vase. Why not?

Printworks reimagines classic games in bold, bright colors and streamlined packaging, which I’d say makes them exponentially more enjoyable. Snag this dominoes set for game night and let the good times roll.

Treat the traveler on your list with a beautifully illustrated book that’s bound to inspire a getaway. Assouline’s Mykonos Muse depicts inspired scenes from the Cyclades and beautifully curated passages from various tastemakers around the world.

If you’re ordering through Assouline, spring for its signature gift wrapping (it’s an extra $8), which has a white matte gift wrap and red wax seal.

Here’s a gift perfect for the outdoor enthusiast. This 1,000-piece puzzle depicts various scenes from iconic national parks across the country. Pair it with a plush throw and a mug for the ultimate evening kit.

What’s better for wellness than a great night’s sleep? This headband is particularly soft for sleeping, but it won’t drown out all sound, making it ideal for those who need to be more aware of their surroundings or like to, say, listen to music to fall asleep (while a partner prefers silence).

Replenish the beauty enthusiast’s must-haves and present the haul in this travel-friendly carrier. The Béis Dopp Kit is made of cotton and vegan leather and comes in a variety of colors. It’s a bag that you’ll enjoy holding because of how comfortable the material feels. It can be opened wide enough that every item inside is in full view and easy to access. The bag is divided into a top and bottom compartment, and there are two side pockets in the top compartment.

Give your Valentine a gift that’ll brighten up their space. The tropical Monstera deliciosa, aka the Swiss cheese plant, is great for beginners and those who prefer a low-maintenance option. Monstera can be happy with indirect light and can survive through short periods of drought. Bonus: The Sill allows you to customize this plant with various types of pots that come in seven colorways.

The Papillon Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager Pillow checks a lot of the boxes for being the perfect massager. It’s effective and lightweight. In fact, it’s the lightest of all the electric massagers we tried, according to our measurements. It’s also fairly inexpensive. You can use the massager on different body parts, such as your back, neck, shoulders, legs, and feet. It also offers a good amount of heat.

Give the gift of a better vessel for a morning brew. According to Bernie Deitrick, a CR test engineer, compact mugs for multiple small servings (rather than one big pour) can optimize the flavor and retain the heat of coffee. Jiyoon Han, a founder of Bean & Bean Coffee Roasters, recommends this mug from NotNeutral. “Made from high-quality porcelain, it has a wide mouth to enhance aroma, a comfortable handle for a secure grip, and a modern design,” she says. Choose from a range of vibrant and pastel hues or, better yet, mix and match to your heart’s content.

Cafe Grumpy founder Caroline Bell loves this 16-ounce Created Cold Cup. Available in six subdued colors, the stainless steel cup is suitable for hot and cold beverages. “It’s a practical and stylish option for enjoying your favorite iced coffee creations,” she says.

“I know it’s not as trendy as Stanley tumblers, but I love my blue Yeti 30-ounce tumbler,” says Daniel Wroclawski, who has reported extensively on topics such as the best coffee makers and how to make a great latte at home for CR. “It keeps my iced coffee cold for hours and looks good while doing it.” 

Wroclawski also purchased the Yeti straw lid for the tumbler so that he can get the perfect sip. “I’m of the opinion that straws are the best delivery method for iced coffee and cold-brew,” he says

The Aerolatte To-Go is a nifty little handheld frother that’s capable of frothing up a variety of milks both hot and cold, including plant-based milks. Using it requires a bit of a learning curve, but we were able to get the hang of it in just a few minutes. This Aerolatte is also a cinch to clean: You simply run it in a cup of soapy water for a bit, then run it out of the cup to dry.

For more options: Best Milk Frothers