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42 First Valentine's Day Gifts That'll Bring the Romance
If it's your very first V-Day as a couple, these affordable-yet-thoughtful gifts will hit the right tone.
For any couple, no matter how long they've been together, Valentine's Day is the perfect excuse to celebrate your love. But for new couples, the holiday can involve some extra pressure: You want to be romantic without overwhelming your significant other with any cheesy or overwhelming gestures, especially if you're still getting to know each other and haven't dropped the L-bomb yet. That means you're going to need a Valentine's Day gift that's sweet but also inexpensive and not too sappy. To help you out, we've rounded up a list of the best first Valentine's Day gifts that'll keep the pressure off if you're recently coupled.
Of course, flower deliveries and chocolate are always a hit, but we guarantee you can find something even more unique that's sure to impress. To find the perfect affordable V-Day present, think about what brought you together or what you enjoy doing as a couple. Maybe your new boyfriend or girlfriend enjoys cooking? Try a make-your-own truffles kit. Still getting to know each other? A set of conversation starters can help! Newly linked but still long distance? A pair of bracelets that lights up for your S.O. whenever you tap your own is just the ticket.
And if you're not yet ready to say "I love you," just yet, don't worry — we've got plenty of gifts here that say "I really, really like you!" Plus, don't forget to check out our list of the best last-minute Valentine's Day gifts in case the holiday completely slipped your mind this year.
Ivvy & Co. 100 Dates Scratch-Off Poster
Ivvy & Co. 100 Dates Scratch-Off Poster
You'll never fall into a rut with this scratch-off poster! It comes filled with dozens of fun date ideas, from visiting a farmers market to going on a bike ride.
Uncommon Goods Long Distance Touch Bracelet Set
Uncommon Goods Long Distance Touch Bracelet Set
If you're in a long distance relationship, these touch bracelets are a fun way to stay connected. To let your love know you're thinking about them, just tap your own bracelet and both will light up at the same time.
Infmetry Capsule Letters
Inside each one of these pills is a blank piece of paper — write down a sweet and thoughtful note on each one, so that they can be reminded of how much they're loved each time they open one. So much better than a text, right?!
NOWWISH "You Are The Best Thing I've Found on the Internet" Mug
NOWWISH "You Are The Best Thing I've Found on the Internet" Mug
With more and more people meeting on dating apps these days, this mug is both funny and sweet. "Gave this to my man, he laughed and loved it," one Amazon reviewer said.
Luna Bean Hand-Casting Kit
Luna Bean Hand-Casting Kit
Solidify your relationship with this DIY hand-casting kit that allows you to make a work of art out of your relationship. It's a gift and a fun date-night activity in one!
Christian Art Gifts 101 Conversation Starters for Couples
Christian Art Gifts 101 Conversation Starters for Couples
You'll never be stumped for conversation with this pack of cards. Written by the author of The 5 Love Languages, it'll give new couples the chance to learn even more about each other.
Chronicle Books Ticket Stub Diary
Chronicle Books Ticket Stub Diary
Keep memories of every concert you attend together with this ticket stub scrapbook. It's a great way to hold on to your memories from concerts, sporting events, museum trips and more.
The Sill Hoya Heart
This adorable heart-shaped succulent will be the perfect addition to her plant collection. Just remind her not to overwater it and give it lots of sunlight!
DASH Mini Waffle Maker Machine
Score major points and cook them breakfast on Valentine's Day. Our Good Housekeeping Institute testers found that this nonstick heart-shaped appliance cooked up four-inch waffles that were consistently fluffy, yet crispy.
RELATED: 6 Best Heart-Shaped Waffle Makers
Vesper Massager Necklace
Vesper Massager Necklace
Keep a sexy secret between the two of you with this massager necklace. It'll rev her up any time she's in the mood, without being obvious.
Man Crates Beef Jerky Heart
They say food is a way to a man's stomach, and this jerky heart will make a perfect surprise gift. It looks like a traditional box of chocolates, but actually contains something he'll probably like a lot more!
Childom Light Up Rose
Everyone knows roses mean love, and this beautiful LED light up rose will never die. "My girlfriend absolutely loves this product," one Amazon reviewer said.
Crate and Barrel Glass and Ceramic Fondue Set
Crate and Barrel Glass and Ceramic Fondue Set
Spend quality time together with this two-person fondue set. This pick is minimalist and romantic — not to mention affordable! It comes with two bamboo forks, and the bowl is actually microwave-safe to keep things simple and speedy.
Chronicle Books Spark Romance: 50 Ways to Deepen Your Connection
Chronicle Books Spark Romance: 50 Ways to Deepen Your Connection
Perfect for couples in any stage of their relationship, this is a gift that can be enjoyed for years to come with its conversation starters and date night ideas.
Uncommon Goods Birth Month Flower Heart Necklace
Uncommon Goods Birth Month Flower Heart Necklace
Beautiful without being sappy, this birth month flower necklace is a sweet idea for your new beau. It'll give her the warm fuzzies without overwhelming her with romance.
UncommonGoods Make Your Own Chocolate Truffles Kit
UncommonGoods Make Your Own Chocolate Truffles Kit
Heart-shaped box of chocolate? Been there, done that. This chocolate truffle-making kit is a way to bond and enjoy delicious candy at the same time.
ZOOULAI Wireless Charging Station
If their devices are always dying, this wireless charging station is a gift they're sure to appreciate. It'll keep everything charged and organized on their nightstand.
Get Maude Burn No. 0 Candle
Set the mood with this soy massage candle. It's a sexy gift that's easy to use: Simply light the candle for 10-15 minutes until the oil is ready.
RELATED: 28 Best Valentine's Day Candles That Make Great Gifts
Uncommon Goods Melt My Heart Valentine's Day Gift Set
Uncommon Goods Melt My Heart Valentine's Day Gift Set
Help them enjoy a personal moment with this Valentine's Day gift set. It comes with heart-shaped tea bags, heart-shaped sugar cubes, edible rose petals and a vegan chocolate bar.
Shashi Mon Cherie Stud
These cute studs can be worn all year long — not just on Valentine's Day! Made of sterling silver with a gold finish, they'll match any outfit she wears.
Cailey Lindberg (she/her) is a writer and editor with over a decade of experience covering products, lifestyle, entertainment and food. Before joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, she was a staff writer at USA Today's shopping network, Reviewed.com.
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