February 14th is just around the corner, and many of you may find yourselves scrambling to find last-minute Valentine’s Day gifts to suit those special people in your lives. Perhaps you’re second-guessing the first item you purchased, or you were only recently struck by Cupid’s arrows. Of course, some of you might just be last-minute shoppers, and that’s okay! We know life can get crazy sometimes!
Finding the perfect present can be a little stressful, so we’ve put together a list of Valentine’s Day gift ideas for surprises that are sure to woo your significant other and can be purchased with very little time on the clock!
Last-minute Valentine’s Day Gifts
Below, you’ll find a list of some great last-minute Valentine’s Day gifts that suit just about any type of person and relationship! While we hope that this is helpful, we also want to remind you to remember what Valentine’s Day is—the opportunity for you to celebrate the love that you share with another person. You don’t always have to make some grand gesture! Sometimes, the most memorable gifts are the ones you can’t put a price tag on.
1. Scratch-Off Adventure Books
A scratch-off adventure book is a unique Valentine’s Day gift and the perfect way to add a little excitement to your relationship. Featuring outdoor challenges, in-home discoveries, and tear-out surprises, each activity is specifically designed to get you to do something out of the ordinary.
Adventures From Scratch: Date Edition provides a way to learn more about your partner and yourself! With more than 50 hidden date ideas that you can uncover as you go, you’ll never know where the day may take you until you scratch the surface.
Psst … If you want to get the kiddos involved, there’s also a family edition!
2. Essential Oils
Essential oils have been used as a form of therapy for thousands of years. Derived from plants, they are a healthy, non-invasive way to treat a myriad of health issues and can be absorbed directly into the skin via a relaxing bath or inhaled using diffusers. They are the perfect gift for loved ones who love to try natural remedies or are interested in holistic health.
If you’re unsure what to buy, you can always put together a basket of “classics” like peppermint, lavender, and jasmine which can be used for relaxation, as well as tea tree oil which is kind of like the jack of all trades of the essential oils world and has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antiviral properties and is a must-have for everyone’s medicine cabinet.
Note: If you or your partner has pets, be sure to do some research before buying. Many oils are toxic to dogs, cats, bunnies, birds, and other animals!
3. Bluetooth Speakers
Bluetooth speakers burst into the scene about 15 years ago and changed the way that we listen to music. With no more wires to contend with, any outdoor setting can become your own private dance party or movie theater. There are even some that are completely waterproof so you can take them to the beach, swimming pool, or shower.
When choosing speakers, a good rule of thumb is to skip on the cheapest model and buy something a bit more mid-range. This will help to ensure that the battery life and connectivity are functional and that the speaker won’t cut off mid-song.
You can find plenty of options at your local tech shop, or at online retailers. If you opt to shop at Amazon, you can take advantage of Amazon Prime and get two-day shipping!
4. Scavenger Hunt
We adore trying new things and going on endless adventures, and we think that some of the best experiences are the ones that happen in your backyard! Just imagine hunting through your house or roaming the streets of your closest city as you search for your next location on a destination-themed scavenger hunt!
Discover new things (even when you thought you knew everything there is to know about a place!) and have a great time doing it. In the end, one of you can claim the ultimate prize—bragging rights! With more than 400 choices that include sightseeing hunts, art walks, pub crawls, and ghost tours, there’s sure to be one perfect for you this Valentine’s Day!
5. Date Night
This holiday has long been considered one of the most important date days of the year. This is THE occasion to plan something super special for your loved one! Valentine’s Day dates can consist of pretty much anything you want, depending on what you and your partner enjoy doing together.
While it’s easy to get carried away and make a reservation at a Michelin-starred restaurant, if this isn’t something important to either of you (and trust me, not all of us are foodies!), it may not be the best fit. Instead, think about what you love doing together.
Ideas can range from a romantic picnic in the park with a chilled bottle of white wine to dancing the night away at the hottest club before sliding in between the sheets at an upscale hotel. The choice is yours and, as long as you put a little thought into it, we’re sure that you’ll choose the right date!
6. National Parks Pass
If you and your partner love nothing more than a day out on the trails, the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass is a gift that will keep you moving all year round. Passes are only $80 and give you unlimited access to more than 2,000 different national parks and recreational sites, including some of the country’s most beautiful sights.
Explore Bryce Canyon, Olympic National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, and so much more!. If you’re not sure where to start, choose one close to home or read up on the best national parks in the U.S. Discover some of the hidden treasures this country has to offer!
7. Wine or Beer Subscription Box
If you’re trying to find a last-minute Valentine’s Day gift for the beer or wine lover in your life, a subscription box could be the perfect solution! Many different vendors offer a wide variety of craft beers from microbreweries or the latest vintages available from boutique wineries across the country. Subscriptions offer a fantastic way to try new cultivars or brews on a monthly or quarterly basis, and, as a bonus, you’ll be supporting up-and-coming producers.
When you initially sign up, you should be able to list your preferences. This helps ensure that you get something that is right for you. Don’t be afraid to go a little crazy and change things up a bit as time goes on—you never know what you might like until you try it!
8. Earbuds and Wireless Headphones
Wireless headphones and earbuds have been all the rage lately and, given their ease of use and the quality of the sound they produce, it’s no surprise. These nifty little gadgets connect with your phone or laptop through Bluetooth and allow you to listen to music, hear a favorite show, or chat hands-free with family and friends.
Depending on the model, the wireless connection can extend pretty far, allowing you to wander around while still being connected. Apple’s Airpods are a popular choice, but plenty of other companies are now making versions that can connect to iPhones, Android models, and most PCs. When you’re choosing earbuds or wireless headphones as a gift, try to buy a mid-range option, and make sure to keep the receipt so that they can be exchanged in case they don’t work or aren’t the right fit.
9. Coffee Gift Set
If you have someone in your life that simply can’t start the day with a rich cup of coffee, a gift set full of favorite blends, a personalized coffee mug, and other coffee-themed goodies may just be the perfect gift. You can even throw in a gift card to their favorite cafe! Not only will it show how much you want them to be happy, but it also gives you a toolbox to tackle even the grumpiest of mornings.
10. Valentine’s Day Getaway
While it may be a bit expensive to book last-minute flights as a gift for Valentine’s Day, there’s no stopping you from jumping in the car for a weekend road trip! The U.S. is full of charming towns, mesmerizing scenery, and fun attractions. There’s bound to be something nearby that you can visit on a weekend road trip or short excursion.
If you want to expand your horizons, check out these 21 Romantic Valentine’s Day Getaways, covering spots across the United States, Europe, Asia, and Africa! The world is yours for the taking, and what better way is there to bond with your significant other than to explore it together?
11. A Surprise Vacation
As the name suggests, a surprise vacation is one that’s a mystery to everyone involved—even you! Expertly planned by a special surprise travel agency, these trips can take you to places you may not ever have considered going and can include places in Europe, Latin America, and even Asia.
While most surprise travel agencies ask for at least a few weeks of lead time, you can always give your love a travel-themed greeting card that “announces” your upcoming vacation and a few small gifts that will get them in the vacation mood! Then, the two of you can both work with the travel agent to ensure that the perfect vacation is planned for you. It’s the perfect way to show that you’re committed to your future together and looking forward to fun times ahead!
12. High-Quality Sheets
When I was young, my mom always told me to invest in high-quality sheets and purses, and that’s proven to be great advice! High-end sheets are one of the easiest ways to convert your bedroom into a sleep wonderland. They allow you and your significant other to get the best night of sleep possible.
While high-thread counts seem to represent the creme de la creme of bedding, it’s a good idea to get something that’s pretty durable but can still get thrown in the washing machine and dryer. Hotel-quality sheets are usually perfect, and retailers like TJ Maxx and Macy’s generally have a pretty good selection of reasonable bedding packages. You might also try your luck at Nordstrom’s.
13. Waffle Maker
While a waffle maker may not seem like one of the most romantic gifts, it’s the ideal way to set yourselves up for many lazy Sundays spent lounging around the house together eating perfectly prepared waffles—even better if they’re covered in your favorite condiments! A waffle maker is easy to use and quick to clean, and, unlike many other kitchen appliances, it won’t take up much space on your countertop or in your cupboards.
14. Air Fryer
Another great kitchen gadget for your favorite homebody is an air fryer. By replacing oil with heated air, they can help significantly reduce fat and calories while allowing you and your loved one to indulge in your favorite “fried” foods. You can cook a surprising array of food in air fryers, which makes them perfect for even the pickiest of eaters.
15. Weighted Blankets
Although weighted blankets have been available for a while now and therapists have long known their benefits, they’ve only begun to increase in popularity over the past few years. The blankets are believed to increase serotonin through deep-pressure therapy and allow people who suffer from sleep disorders or sleep interruption to have a better night’s sleep.
You can buy these blankets in a wide variety of weights and fabrics, and many die-hard fans say that it’s almost like being hugged while you sleep. And honestly, I can’t think of anything that says “I love you” more than trying to help your loved one catch some much-needed zzzzzzs.
16. The Perfect Playlist
While it’s nice to get presents, we may not always have the space to enjoy them. For people who have very little space or are frequently on the move (we see you, digital nomads!), creating a customized music or movie playlist may just be the last word in romance!
Curating a list of shows, songs, films that you think your partner will enjoy shows that you are paying attention to the things that they’re interested in. With that in mind, you can create something that you both can enjoy together. Heck, you can even plan the perfect Valentine’s Day date night around a binge-worthy Netflix playlist!
17. Scrapbook
A scrapbook is a meaningful gift that you can give your significant other—or even your best friend as a thoughtful gift for Galentine’s Day. You can buy ready-made scrapbooks that include prompts for different things to write or, if you’re feeling creative, you can make a DIY scrapbook using a beautiful notebook. The most important thing about choosing a scrapbook is that it has a binding that allows the pages to expand as you and the recipient add favorite keepsakes like ticket stubs, receipts, or dried flowers.
You can gift an empty scrapbook or start the book for your loved one. Even if you decide to fill the book with mementos, make sure to leave some extra pages at the back that you can both add to later, as you create more memories together.
18. Gourmet Gift Box
If your significant other is a major foodie, why not put together a gourmet gift box filled with all of their favorite goodies from the gourmet shops near you? This could include everything like his or her favorite hot sauce, delicate dark chocolate squares, rich truffles hand-made at your local chocolatier, thick and creamy sauces, freshly-grounds pestos, homemade pasta, and more—bonus points if you can collect all the ingredients needed for a romantic meal for two!
If you have a little extra time before V-Day and love to travel, it’s not a bad idea to squirrel away the different things that you have tried and loved while you are on vacation to create the ultimate gourmet gift box. Not only will it tickle their taste buds, but it will also take them on a walk down memory lane as they remember the first time they tried that mouth-watering cheese or oh-so-sweet liqueur.
19. Home Decor Items
If your significant other loves decorating his or her abode, a personalized picture frame, scented candles, comfy throws, or even a potted plant could be just the thing that’s missing. If you live together, there are tons of unique and adorable things you can get at Etsy or Uncommon Goods, and many can be personalized! This is a great way to add your custom touch.
20. Photo Books
At a time when most of us take the majority of our photos on our phones rather than with cameras, photo books provide a thoughtful way to organize and showcase some of our favorite pics. For an extra romantic last-minute Valentine’s Day gift, these photos can focus on all of the firsts in your relationship—your first date, your first kiss, your first apartment, and so on. Your loved one can then easily look back on the life that you have created together and remember everything that made them fall in love with you. Don’t forget to personalize the book with a heartfelt message!
It’s possible to order photo books online but, if you’re really pressed for time, you may just want to head over to your local photo printing shop that can help you create and print your photobook much faster. If you can’t find a photo shop, some CVS and department stores still have photo departments.
21. Cupcakes
We all know that the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach, and cupcakes basically come with their own little highway. Ranging from softball-sized mounds loaded with frosting and sprinkles to bite-sized morsels that seem to have come directly from heaven, cupcakes come in all sizes and flavors, making it easy to find something perfect for your significant other.
In the Mood for Love?
We hope that this list of last-minute Valentine’s Day gifts has left you inspired to find something wonderful for your mate! If you still need more ideas, check out our other gift guides full of Valentine’s Day gifts for her or for him.
As always, we would love to hear your feedback, so use the comment section to let us know what you chose, or if there are any great gifts we forgot to mention!
While you’re here, take a peek at our other ideas for couples and holiday-related posts! Check back regularly to see the most recent blog articles and stay tuned for more adventure books from Let’s Roam!
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re running out of time to find the perfect present, consider a couple’s adventure book. No time to order? A surprise scavenger hunt makes a thoughtful last-minute Valentine’s Day gift!
If you need a last-minute Valentine’s Day gift for your wife or girlfriend, how about planning an in-home scavenger hunt, a weekend road trip, or a surprise adventure for her?
If you’re in a new relationship and February 14th is coming up fast, try planning a mystery date using Adventures From Scratch. This scratch-off adventure book makes a great Valentine’s Day gift!