26 Last-Minute Valentine's Day Gifts That Beat Store-Bought Chocolates
They said, "What are we doing for Valentine's Day?" You said, "When is Valentine's Day?" They got upset. You tried to play it off as a joke, and now you're here, desperately searching for an easy date idea and a last-minute Valentine's Day gift. We've all been there—February 14th sneaks up on every couple regardless of how long they've celebrated the holiday together. Luckily, heart-shaped candies and plush teddy bears from the grocery store aren't your only options for last-minute Valentine's Day gifts for her, him or them. We've found the best last-minute Valentine's Day gift ideas that are so thoughtful, they'll totally corroborate your earlier lie. These cute gifts for your valentine offer express shipping and even instant delivery, so they'll have no idea you were browsing at the eleventh hour. There's no time to spare—get shopping below!
1. Digital Date Night Experience
When you surprise your S.O. with one of Uncommon Goods' virtual classes, they'll be so impressed that they'll never question when or why you planned it. Choose from a selection of date night-worthy digital tutorials, from chocolate tasting to a valentine's tarot reading. If there are any materials included with the class, they typically ship within 24 hours. If you're on a tighter deadline, you can choose a class that takes place a little after Valentine's Day or that doesn't require shipping. Our suggestion? The site's aphrodisiac cooking class just requires a quick trip to the store for ingredients.
2. Same-Day Flower Delivery
Flowers will never not be a romantic gift—and thankfully, they're pretty easy to have delivered on short notice. 1-800-Flowers.com offers same-day delivery on some of their best-selling bouquets and extras, like chocolate-dipped strawberries. This particular arrangement overflows with pink and red roses, lilies and daisies for a stunning arrangement fit for this special occasion.
3. Monthly Coffee Subscription
A subscription is an easy last-minute gift idea because they often offer instant delivery right to the recipient's email or phone number. Atlas Coffee Club will send them a bag of fresh coffee (either as whole or ground beans or pods) from a new country like Peru, Guatemala or Indonesia every month. They'll also receive a picturesque postcard that gives them brewing tips and flavor notes on the delicious and exotic coffee. Choose between a three, six or 12-month duration, then email the confirmation to your love with a note on when their first shipment will arrive.
4. Online Cooking Class
Whether they're already a whiz in the kitchen or just love watching The Great British Baking Show, a follow-along cooking class they can do at home is a fun and thoughtful idea. This last-minute Valentine's Day gift is a great excuse for the two of you to get messy while cooking up a storm (and you get to eat whatever it is you've made afterward—double win).
5. 12-Month MasterClass Subscription
This might just be the best last-minute Valentine's Day gift you could possibly give. Why? Because it keeps on giving until next year—and then you can renew their subscription again! MasterClass has something for everyone, from sports enthusiasts to budding writers. There are professionals from all walks of life sharing their skills and advice, and your lucky love gets to soak in a whole year's worth of knowledge.
6. Exciting Experience Voucher
If you like giving (or receiving) love through quality time with your partner, a Tinggly Experience voucher is the perfect romantic gesture. The "Fun Together" collection allows two people to choose from over 15,000 activities worldwide to do together. Whether you stay local or travel abroad you'll find a memorable experience that suits both your interests. It'll be a completely unexpected Valentine's Day gift they'll never know you thought of just yesterday—or even the day of.
7. Custom Couple Portrait
Good news: It's still possible to get a personalized Valentine's Day gift at the last minute! This Etsy seller will transform one of your favorite photos into a custom illustration in just 24 hours, and then deliver it to you as a digital download. Your partner can use it as a charming, custom lock screen image or you can print it out at a local office supply store and have it framed before handing it over.
8. Spa Gift Card
How about a couple's massage for Valentine's Day? A SpaFinder gift card works at thousands of spas and salons around the US, so you can find a time and location that works for both of you to get your R&R on. You can send the voucher to their email or print it out and slip it in a Valentine's Day card. (Don't worry, we can help you write a Valentine's Day message too.)
9. Monthly Tea Subscription
For your tea-riffic S.O., surprise them with a subscription to Sips by. You'll choose a duration, then they'll email an e-gift card to your recipient that same day, so they can fill out a quiz on their tea preferences. It's a gift that keeps on giving even months after the holiday. (Psst, use code KNOT for 50 percent off their first box.)
10. Airbnb Gift Card
Spend Valentine's Day planning a romantic weekend away together. First step: Give them an Airbnb gift card to pick out your love nest. Whether you spend a night in a nearby city or in a cabin in the mountains, a couple of days of just the two of you will reignite your flame.
11. Funny Valentine's Day Candle
Set the mood for date night and win the debate on who loves who more with this aromatic candle. Made from 100% soy wax and a cotton wick, it'll fill a room with a lovely mix of lavender and vanilla when lit. The adorable tin features a neon heart and reads "Love you more. The End. I win."
12. Premade Charcuterie Board
Here's your Valentine's Day plan: Have an intimate Italian dinner at home that starts with this charcuterie board. It's prearranged (nice!) with 17 different kinds of artisan cheese, meats, dried fruits, nuts, chocolates, olives and crackers (yum!). It even includes an acacia wood serving board and bamboo cutlery kit, so once the appetizers are gone, they can make another snack arrangement themselves. Even better still, Boarderie ships overnight nationwide for free, or you can send your other half an e-gift that'll land in their email just when you need it to.
13. Chocolate Truffles and Wine
If you don't have time to go to the store for chocolates and wine yourself, let Harry & David deliver the confections right to you or your valentine's home. This gift set comes with 24 delectable truffles as well as a bottle of sparkling rosé, reserve cabernet or red wine. They offer expedited three-day, two-day and overnight shipping depending on your timeline—just make sure alcohol can be shipped to your state. If not, you can opt for the extra-large chocolate box instead.
14. Colorful Wine Glasses
Pink is the official color of Valentine's Day, making these trendy stemmed wine glasses the perfect way to toast the occasion. Thanks to Shopbop's partnership with Amazon Prime, you can still get the ever-popular Estelle Colored Glass set at the last minute. Your partner will be pleasantly surprised you remembered how badly they wanted this fun drinkware.
15. Romantic Couples Card Game
No matter how old you are, Truth or Dare will always be an exhilarating game—only now you don't need an excuse to kiss your crush! And this adult version promises a little more than that too. The sexy gift will really turn up the heat on Valentine's Day as you challenge each other to deeper conversations and intimate dares to really grow your connection.
16. Heart Motif Baseball Hat
Shopbop is a great place to grab stylish accessories for your S.O. who loves to look their best. This classic baseball hat won't just add a chic finishing touch to your valentine's casual attire, it also serves as a reminder of just how much you love them. The front of the hat is adorned with a heart and the back is embroidered with the word "loved" in a whimsical script.
17. Couples Coffee Mugs
If you love waking up with your partner every morning and spending quality time over a cup of joe, this romantic mug set which ships in 24 hours is just the last-minute Valentine's Day gift for both of you. One mug reads "Let's have coffee together" and the other one says "For the rest of our lives." It comes in two sizes depending on how much coffee you each need to function like a human in the morning.
18. Donut Bouquet
Say "I donut know what I would do without you" with a bouquet of sweet pastries. They'll receive 10 Belgian chocolate-covered vanilla and chocolate mini-cake donuts decorated with pink frosting and heart sprinkles. Best of all, express two-day shipping is included in the gift so you don't have to pay extra to surprise your S.O. at the last minute.
19. 3D Moon Lamp
This last-minute Valentine's Day gift for him, her or them says (figuratively) "I love you to the moon and back"—no card necessary. The 3D-printed moon lamp sits on a wooden stand and boasts an adjustable brightness from warm and cozy to white and cool. There's also an option for one that can change to 16 different colors.
20. Custom Engraved Keychain
Your valentine's gift doesn't have to be big to be special. This custom-engraved keychain will be a small token of your love that they can always carry with them. Choose between a gold, rose gold or silver finish, then write a sweet message for the front and back of the metal sheet. Think: Your names or initials, a sweet phrase like "You mean everything to me" or even a heart icon. Don't stress about your short timeline—the Etsy seller has next-day shipping for free.
21. Fill-In-The-Blank Book
You don't need to be Shakespeare to pen your true love an epic poem about how much you adore them. This fill-in-the-blank book has over 100 prompts to help you easily express your feelings. We'd say it's a way more creative and romantic last-minute Valentine's Day gift than a store-bought card.
22. Winter Gloves
If your S.O. prefers practicality over sentimentality, winter accessories are a foolproof gift idea. After all, it tends to still be quite chilly in February. So, for the days you're not there to hold their hand, style them with this pair of chic gloves from the coziness experts, UGG. They have a faux fur lining for extra warmth and a stylish sherpa and leather-look exterior.
23. Polaroid Camera
Capture every wonderful moment together with an instant film camera. This cute option doesn't just come with the camera, it also includes a carrying case and adjustable strap, a selfie lens and a photo album. You won't even need to buy film separately, it comes with 60 sheets of that, too. The first photo? The two of you together on Valentine's Day!
24. Heart-Shaped Waffle Iron
Wake up your partner on February 14th with the smell of freshly baked waffles. That's only part of the surprise though. The breakfast treats can be shaped like hearts thanks to this mini waffle maker available for expedited shipping with Amazon Prime. It's so affordable you can go all out on the waffle mix with chocolate chips, blueberries, whipped cream and maple syrup. Don't forget to finish the spread with orange juice and champagne for mimosas.
25. Moon and Star Necklace
Nordstrom is another great retailer that offers in-store pick-up as well as expedited shipping. They have everything from home goods to clothes to beauty products to jewelry. Shop this trio of pretty night sky-inspired necklaces from Ettika to let them know your connection was written in the stars. They can wear all three together for a celestial statement or mix and match depending on the 'fit.
26. Fairytale Light-Up Rose
Need a Valentine's Day gift for a Disney lover? They'll adore this lamp inspired by Beauty and the Beast. The iridescent rose is intertwined with string lights, and then encompassed in a glass dome. They'll think of your happily ever after every time they flip it on.