The Ultimate Valentine’s Day Gifts Guide for 2022

If you’re looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day Gift for that special someone in your life this list has it all.

Valentine’s Day is all about showing the people in your life how much you love them. Showing them through hugs and kisses and dinners with chocolate on the side and a little razzle-dazzle in the bedroom is usually how it’s done.

However, giving your partner something that you put together — that you really thought about — is worth so much more.

Given how we’re still stuck in the middle of a panini, we’re going to get a little creative in giving you some ideas that you can use to spice up the monotonous days you (and your partner) are spending in this panoramic ponderosa.

Panini.

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For Everyone

I decided not to do a singular category of “for him” and “for her,” mainly because society is changing and we ought to change with it. People of varying genders like various items because items are not gendered. Therefore, I have amassed a sizable list of items that your partner may or may not like depending on what kind of person they may (or may want to) be.

Looking for items was probably the highlight of my week because there are so many things out there on the market!

For The Coffee/Tea Lover

For starters, any Keurig would work. For Christmas, I gave a Keurig K-Supreme to my boyfriend (and he loved it so much), because he’s a huge coffee drinker and yet he had still been using a kettle and his Folgers Instant Coffee like an old man.

Now he can be almost as adventurous as all of you, with his selection of coffees (and hot cocoa!), and we even got a little container pod so he can brew ground coffee too! We didn’t get rid of the kettle, though, because I’m a tea drinker.

All that said, if your partner is into fancier kinds of coffee, then I’d definitely spoil them with a Keurig, or even with the Keurig K-Café. Then they can make lattes, cappuccinos, and everything in between.

If money is a little tighter and you can’t spring for the K-Café, you could also grab a whisk frother so that they can get all the benefits of a frothy drink without the luxury price tag.

And if your favorite person is more like me and they prefer a nice cup of tea, you can pick them up some matcha powder and a matcha whisker (totally different!).

Alternatively, you could grab your tea lover a Tea Discovery subscription box for three months, put out by Sips by.

These boxes allow them to personalize their tea matches from brands around the world, so they’re always going to find something new, but there’s a good chance it will always be something they’ll love.

Another option is to get them a tea set from around the world. These gift sets tend to include loose tea leaves, so make sure you don’t forget the tea strainer!

For The Chef

This one might take a little bit of time, but if you’re the creative type and this pandemonium has left you with extra time on your hands, you could create a cookbook of all their favorite recipes (or at least a few to start it off). It’s personalized and shows you put in a ton of effort thinking of them. 😉

If you’ve got the money to burn and you’re looking for an investment your partner can use for years, I would gift them a Staub Dutch Oven (or Crueset).

Durable, incredibly versatile, and with the ability to bake bread and meats (and all the little things in between), this expensive, yet exquisitely made piece of art could potentially be worth it for the chef in your life.

For The Food Experimenter

OK, so if your partner is into experimenting with various foods, but they aren’t necessarily a chef, then I’ve got a few things here that may work for them.

Brewing your own beer is a tried and true pastime that beer drinkers have been interested in for a while now, but there’s always time to learn and get into the hobby. Microbreweries have popped up all around the country, and maybe your partner is the next Jim Koch (he founded Sam Adams).

If your person is a beer-drinking chemist and always up for a challenge, then try out a beer kit.

Or, if they’re more health-conscious, they can try brewing their own Kombucha!

Oooh, is your partner into spicy foods? Help them learn to make their own hot sauce! IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES!

For The Sports Fan

I know that for a lot of people, the joy of watching sports has kind of fallen to the wayside with all the season disruptions related to the panicle (I’ll stop now, but I still like panini), but just imagine the enjoyment we’ll eventually have when all this is finally over?

In the meantime, you can surprise your love with a park map engraved pint glass of their favorite stadium. Is there a better way to enjoy a beer while watching the game? I think not!

If they’re the type that saves their ticket stubs, you could curate a ticket album of all the games they’ve been to for personalized sports memorabilia.

This might be a bit vanilla, but a safe choice is to get them a sports jersey of their favorite player. That’s usually an easy lay up.

For The Bird Lover

Does your person enjoy watching birds? Even if they aren’t proactive about it, that might only be because they lack the tools to really enjoy the hobby.

So if you ever catch them talking about whether a bird is a robin or a swallow, you could start them off with a simple book about birds in your area. To make the gift feel even more special, you could help by building a nest to attract local birdies, so they can get the most out of their new book.

Even if they aren’t super interested in what kinds of birds they are if they’re stuck working from home every day, filling the backyard with little chirp-chirps is a good way to bring down the stress level.

I hear that birds really love to eat, so instead of a nest, how about gifting a bird feeder? Bird watchers can never have enough feeders! 

A pricier piece of birder equipment is a good pair of binoculars! These are critical for being able to see the birds from a distance so you don’t disturb them.

Even if they have a pair already, they sometimes can break or get lost, and they might simply enjoy having an extra in case a friend is over.

Another idea from a different angle is to get them a membership or subscription to Squawk Box. This isn’t necessarily for bird watchers, but if your loved one has a pet bird, then this is a great idea.

It’s a subscription box filled with cute toys and treats for their favorite squawking friend.

I’m honestly really surprised that I managed to find so many things. Since I’m not personally invested in the hobby, I don’t think I realized how bird lovers are so neglected on lists like this, but here’s another cool idea to help balance out the scales.

How about some cool swag in the form of bird patches? Patches are cool.

For The Entertainer

Another category that I personally fall into, if your love adores hosting people at your home, here are three ideas for how to wow them with your thoughtfulness.

This is another category of people who are probably struggling a bit during the pandemic since we’re all deprived of the fun of planning parties and having people over into our homes, but these gifts will give your favorite host something to look forward to.

If your partner likes being fancy (and who doesn’t), then they might already know that the most used item in-home entertaining throughout the 2010s was the charcuterie board, so of course, if they don’t have one already, I’m gonna recommend that you get them one.

Just don’t judge them when they’ve eaten all the snacks and need to buy more.

One thing I’ve always wanted is to learn how to bartend, but I don’t actually understand alcohol. Like, I get the chemical composition, but what goes into making a tasty drink? How strong should a daiquiri be?

If your partner shares this interest, then grabbing them a cocktail set would be easy enough, and you can always add a bottle of their favorite drink.

In case you’re curious, I grew up in a pretty religious home and alcohol just really wasn’t a thing, so this is a gift that would help me not to feel so dumb in the bar cart department.

You could also make your partner happy with getting them things to decorate their home with as well. I’m big on decorating, but things can get expensive quickly in the decor department, and a lot of pieces are meant to invest in. So, get them an investment piece that they’ll be proud of showing off year after year.

One idea: a heart-shaped double-wall mug that they can use all the time! 

For The Outdoorsy One

1000% biased here, but a really cool gift is to hire a Certified (emphasis on certified) Climbing Guide and go rock climbing outdoors. To really experience the rocks and get some dirt under your fingernails is super rewarding, and the more time spent in good ole nature, the better.

If you’re in the NY-CT-MA area, I would highly recommend hiring Nate of Ascent Climbing. He’s been doing guided climbing for over 13 years and has a treasure trove of climbing knowledge in his noggin.

Now, if you’re looking for more of a gift you can wrap, how about grabbing your love a new pair of hiking boots? This can only make them love you even more… I mean, how could they not? 

Or, depending on the outdoor activity that they’re into, grab them something specific to that sport. In the world of climbing, grabbing your love a new carabiner, some climbing shoes, a big ole container of chalk, some ropes, etc. all would be nice, thoughtful gifts.

And they show that you not only pay attention to the fact that they like this particular activity, but that you’re thoughtful and attentive enough to think about what they need to continue enjoying it.

To be honest, you can apply that logic to just about ANY hobby your partner has, but we’re specifically talking about active ones right now.

Oh, if your partner’s a climber, another idea is a bouldering crash pad!

So whether they are a climber or a fisher or a camper, a road trip to one or more National Parks with some new gear thrown into the mix would be an amazing surprise, and if you’re both able to travel and take the time away from your work, this would an amazing way to change scenery and spend some quality time doing something other than cuddling on the couch.

It might be difficult if they have to take time off from their job, but try to make the road trip a surprise if you can. If this were a non-pandemic year, I would point you towards the unlimited U.S. Parks Pass, but even if all you’re able to tack on is a new hammock or fishing rod, they’ll remember this year for a long, long time.

For The Survivalist

OK, this one is out of the ordinary, but with the way the world is currently, is it really all that far-fetched that more of us may be thinking of stockpiling canned goods? Definitely not.

Doomsday Preppers (or Survivalists) are usually seen as conspiracy theorists that think that zombies may take over the world.

Well, the joke has been on us all year (and then some), because while we’re all sitting at home bored out of our minds and worried that we’ll run out of toilet paper, they are laughing it up in their comfortable bunkers. They didn’t even have to have to fight their way through anti-maskers at BJ’s to buy Ramen noodles! Jealousy runs through my veins!

But really, in the event of an actual zombie, environmental, or panini-based apocalypse, make sure they’re good on water purifiers. Especially because you’ll probably be on the lookout for danger while they use them.

Also consider a Tundra cooler (you gotta keep that fresh slaughtered meat fresh somehow, sorry vegans).

Also, seeds, so that their plucky band of survivors can begin to rebuild in the world that soon will be.

Oh, also some batteries. You’d be surprised with how fast you could run out of these in a crisis. Maybe not the most romantic present though… you should probably also get a card.

For The Pampered One

Self care can mean so many things to so many people. It could be soaking in a tub with the candles, bubble bath, and all the other works around them. You can help amp the at-home spa experience up with a face mask, a good glass of wine, or even a bath pillow.

If you’re less familiar with your sweetheart’s tastes, then simply get them a spa kit, which, assuming you know a little something about what they like, should have enough variety that they can try it out. But definitely don’t forget the wine!

Then again, it could also mean curling up into bed and journaling. The new journal is obviously a big part of this gift, but the other essential component is time. So take their chores off their plate for a day and get them done so they have time to relax and process their feelings into words.

Maybe your partner is into the arts and that’s their form of self-care. A painting or pottery throwing class would be amazing, although I can’t necessarily speak to whether there are ongoing classes in your area because… well, you know.

The pan-thing-that-shall-not-be-named. If push comes to shove, though, even a color-by-number book (or any other variant) is an interesting, cute way to help them pass the time and express their creative side.

Whatever their poison (please don’t poison your love, that’s just … that’s murder), think about how you can pamper this particular person in your life. Especially as we drag into month 915 of this… a person’s mental state of well-being is really important, and you helping to take care of their mental health is showing that you think they’re really important too!

Related Valentine’s Day Article: 3 Blissful Self-Care Tips to Be Your Own Valentine

For The Fandom Geek

So, my fandoms are Doctor Who, Letterkenny, Vikings, Bridgerton, Marvel, and the spirit of fandoming as a social construct. I’m a fandom fan.

With that being said, there’s an impossibly diverse selection of fandom-specific swag that you could get for a partner who’s a die-hard fan of (blank) that it’s hard to make a definitive list.

If you’re also familiar with the fandom, it definitely helps, but even if you aren’t, you could look online and get some suggestions about books, DVDs, plushies, or whatever else is out that relates to your partner’s favorite show, series, game franchise, etc.

One easy option that crosses fandom boundaries is Comic Con. Grabbing tickets or, if you have the cash, a pair of weekend passes is a great way to give your partner an awesome experience and to let them fly their nerd flag loudly and proudly.

If your partner is into cosplay or just cosplay-curious, it’s also an opportunity for them to dress up as one of their favorite characters and show off their costume design talents.

Comic-Con isn’t only for those into anime, people! It is literally a forum for all sorts of fandoms that meet up; check the schedule online and you might even find out about a panel with one of their favorite celebrities is on it, answering intense fan questions about the shows and comics that we all love.

Also, keep in mind: Comic-Con isn’t the only game in town! You can often find cheaper tickets, more exclusive events, and smaller crowds by checking out smaller ‘cons’ that pass by your area.

Just keep in mind that a lot of these smaller conventions tend to focus on a more specific area of nerd culture, so double-check that it’s actually a fit with your loved one’s nerdy side.

There are two types of people in this world. Those who know which House they are in, and those who do not. If your partner is a book nerd, whether it be Harry Potter (*stares at reflection*), Hunger Games, or Lord of the Rings, you can feed into their stylish side by helping them look the part of the brainy book-reader you love.

How about this pretty sweet literary scarf?

Or, let me guess, your partner is really into a specific show or movie, and they are lovable screaming fanatics for the cast? Dudes and dudettes – get them a signed script!

Is their birthday around Valentine’s Day? Why not throw them a Super Soft Birthday Party? Pitter patter! (If you didn’t get these references please turn on your TV, subscribe to Hulu, and watch some Letterkenny right now).

For The Fitness Enthusiast

Maybe they’re into fitness, like a lot (a lot) into fitness.

Have they been crying to get back to the gym? Do they pine for the days of Hot Yoga, CrossFit, and leg day? Gift them a few months of a program you’ve heard them lamenting about so they can see if they’ll actually like it!

Another approach is to give them a challenge by signing them up for a race! (Although you should make sure it’s reasonably trainable!) There are so many out there to try, but the most common are Spartan Races and various local marathons. There are even runDisney Races, (just to help you out). 

But wait… are they fancy? Like, do you guys have a fitness room? You could revamp it, so your lovable musclehead can mix up their workout routines.

Adding more fitness items or getting a replacement for a tired old piece of equipment is a great way to show your partner you support their fitness goals, even if it’s as simple as buying them a new yoga mat and blocks if their old set is getting dingy.

The ultimate name in home fitness right now is obviously Peloton, which isn’t just a piece of workout equipment, but actually allows you to stream fitness programs from various trainers. You do have to pay separately for these extra programs, so it’s a bit hard on the pocketbook, but it certainly puts other treadmills to shame!

Maybe your partner is trying to get into a specific kind of fitness? Yoga? Kickboxing? Climbing? (*excited creepy smile*) You could grab them some gear to help them get into the sport/workout routine more easily!

For The Science Nerd

Q: What is the fastest way to determine the sex of a chromosome?

A: Pull down its genes!

(Ask first!)

Sorry not sorry! My pre-med brain giggles at these jokes and you’re going to have to deal. 

Is your science nerd looking to be illuminated? Well, trust me when I say that so long as they’re not exploding chemicals all over the place, they’ll love this sweet laboratory (it’s really called an Erlenmeyer Flask) lamp. Even I want one.

Looking for a sweet gift for the future veterinarian in your life? How about this COW-culus shirt? GET IT!? 😂 Etsy has dozens of punny science shirts, but that one is my favorite for right now.

OK, this one is pretty cool. Everyone knows who Tesla is. … No, not what Tesla is, I’m not talking about Elon Musk, guys. I’m talking about the inventor, Nikola Tesla (whose contributions give you the modern-day AC electrical supply system, aka, you wouldn’t be able to charge your phone without him!).

Well, there’s this cool loudspeaker that uses a Tesla coil to create musical notes by modulating the spark output. There’s a lot of physics going on here and I honestly still don’t understand how it works, so don’t ask me for anything else. I got nothin’. But this speaker is really cool.

For The Green Thumb

I want to be a plant lover so badly, but I have struggled when it came to taking care of a goldfish, so I pity the poor plants that I want so much to love. I mean… I was 11 when my goldfish died, so hopefully, I’m better now… There was one time I got a flower to bloom for a whole week before it died, so maybe I’m a natural farmer.

Did you know that you can get your partner a plant subscription? Yes! They exist! The Sill is a fantastic spot for beginner (and those much better than me) plant people.

You can pick between plants that are easy to maintain, that live well in low light, and even plants that are good for pet owners so that your green children don’t get your furry children sick if they nibble on them. They currently have a Valentine’s Day collection that you may want to peek at.

Either way, the green thumb in your life is sure to love such a unique subscription, and you can help breathe a little life into their life. See what I did there?

How about botanical printed towels (or anything botanical – within good taste! – really)?

If they don’t have much space to work with at home (think NYC), how about a multi-tiered plant stand so that they can show off their plant babies?

Or get them a sweet-looking sweatshirt telling people that they’re a succa for plants! Do it. Just, stop thinking about it and get it. It just feels right.

For The Parents

Typically Valentine’s Day is a romantic holiday, however, I always feel like showing some appreciation to my parents every Valentine’s Day, since that’s a whole separate, but equally powerful type of love. Obviously you can use a lot on the list above to do some shopping for either your parents, or your partner’s parents, but here are some other ideas that work specifically for ‘the folks’ in your life.

Get your parents a really fun couple’s portrait of the two of them (and maybe the pet). ♥‿♥

Maybe your parents are planning an international trip after this pancetta is over (alright, I didn’t entirely stop). Grab them coordinating passport booklets so that they can fly in fashion!

Now, I know that this list wasn’t exhaustive, because there’s just no way to do that the first time around. But! If you are in the neighborhood and wanting to see some recommendations for others, just let me know and I’d be happy to show up and show out. 

Did you know about some of these items? They’re so cool and unique and I’m sure your partner will love them. Happy Valentine’s Day!

What Are Good Valentine’s Day Gifts?