You didn’t forget that Valentine’s Day is coming up soon, did you? While there are always last-minute flowers and chocolates available, we suggest choosing one of these thoughtful and unique Valentine’s Day gift ideas for your sweetheart.
(All prices, details and availability are subject to change.)
Glass Coin of Ephesos Brooch
$78 from the Getty Museum Store
Go classical for Valentine’s Day with this handcrafted glass and 24-karat gold-planted bronze brooch, made exclusively in the USA for the Getty Museum Store. The brooch features a motif from a coin in the museum’s antiquities collection and measures 1 ½ inches in diameter.
La Sirena Robe – Garibaldi Fish
This women’s La Sirena robe from California Cowboy features a unique print starring bright orange garibaldi, the official state marine fish of California. The robe’s design and materials are unique as well — ultra soft, breathable and water-absorbent cotton-modal terry cloth with towel lining. The robe has a dry pocket for safe tech storage, a champagne pocket for a bottle of bubbly, a sunglasses loop and a belt with interior ties. California Cowboy says its robes represent “Our take on the lost art of vintage poolside luxury.” Men’s and women’s robes in various prints are also available.
The Ungame
The Ungame is a non-competitive communication game designed to inspire emotional connection and listening, so it’s an intriguing option for a Valentine’s Day gift. The game involves thought-provoking questions — some lighthearted, some serious — suitable for couples, groups and players of all ages. The Ungame also has an interesting California history. It was invented by Garden Grove mother Rhea Kakich in 1972. Kakich temporarily lost her voice due to illness and started writing down questions for her family, which she creatively turned into a game.
Happy Hour Gift Box
Give your Valentine a gourmet gift box filled with made-in-California savory treats. This gift box includes two Journeyman salumi chubs, a local cheese, Rustic Bakery crackers and either rosemary spiced cashews or a local toffee. Journeyman Meat Co. is located in Healdsburg, Sonoma County, and uses traditional Italian techniques and recipes passed down through generations to founder Peter Seghesio.
Heart Hand Pie Molds
(On sale!) for $13.99 from Williams Sonoma
If your Valentine loves to bake, gift them these adorable heart-shaped hand pie molds from Williams Sonoma. They’re budget-friendly, so consider pairing the pie molds with a jar of fancy pie filling or fruit basket, a recipe book or some other nice cooking utensils. Even better, schedule some time to bake and eat pies together.
White Marbled Rectangle Phone Stand
$35 from The Hampshire Lane Co via Etsy.com
San Diego-based makers The Hampshire Lane Co. designed and built these unique and aesthetically pleasing phone stands with engineering software, 3D printing with wood-infused PLA, and a resin filling. The stands fit any phone with a charging cable at center-bottom. Different designs and colors are available, but we think this white marbled rectangle version is an especially good choice for a Valentine’s Day gift.
Scientific Metal Gyroscope
Is this gold-finish gyroscope a child’s toy or a scientific instrument? It’s both, but also a great gift idea for your significant other. Delight your Valentine with this scientific gyroscope made from a single piece of metal, which demonstrates the science of angular momentum in action. Start the gyroscope spinning with a ring connected to a solid wire. It’s a great desk toy, fidget toy, and display piece in one.
Find even more ideas in our Gift Guide archives.