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Best Valentine’s Day gifts for her 2024, from perfume to candles

From grand gestures to little luxuries, your special someone is sure to fall for these

Sarah Young,Helen Wilson-Beevers
Monday 12 February 2024 09:50 GMT
<p>Whether it’s jewellery or a bunch of flowers, we’ve reviewed the best gifts  </p>

Whether it’s jewellery or a bunch of flowers, we’ve reviewed the best gifts

Our Top Picks

Whether you’re the kind of person who likes to go all out with a grand romantic gesture or you prefer to show your love with more simple signs of appreciation, Valentine’s Day is the dedicated calendar date to spoil someone special in your life. Regardless of whether that person is your partner, secret crush or even your best pal, 14 February is an ideal time to show how much you care, should that be by cooking a delicious dinner, taking them out for the evening or giving them some much-needed pampering.

When it comes to gifting on Valentine’s Day, avoiding clichés or presents that are overly contrived can be tricky. So, to help you choose the ideal gift, our expert shopping team has been hard at work finding plenty of imaginative ideas that will help you say “I love you”. Don’t worry, there’s not a cuddly toy or tacky gift in sight. Instead, we’ve got a keen eye on everything from food hampers and fancy jewellery to tasty chocolatesfashion finds, designer perfume and luxurious pyjamas. Our wishlist also covers tasteful love-themed stationery, candles, make-uplingerie and more.

Stuck for inspiration? We’ve got you covered. So, whether you’re shopping for a loved one or fancy buying yourself a treat, look no further than our handy guide, where you’re guaranteed to find something lovely and thoughtful.

How we tested the best Valentine’s Day gifts for her

A selection of the best Valentine’s Gifts we tested

Our team of reviewers has spent weeks testing gift ideas, with featured picks covering some of our go-to buys as well as newer finds. We’ve explored gifts to suit everyone’s taste and ensured there are products for all budgets, too.

The best Valentine’s Day gifts for her 2024 are:

  • Best Valentine’s Day gift for her overall – Seol and Gold chunky heart signet ring, sterling silver: £39, Seolgold.com
  • Best loungewear gift – Adanola ADA oversized hoodie: £59.99, Adanola.com
  • Best for breakfast in bed – Panzer’s breakfast box: £40, Panzers.co.uk
  • Best chocolate gift – Hotel Chocolat straight from the heart Valentine’s chocolates: £44.95, Hotelchocolat.com
  • Best flower delivery – Bloom & Wild The Nina: £37, Bloomandwild.com

Seol and Gold chunky heart signet ring, sterling silver

best-valentines-day-gift-for-her-indybest
  • Best: Valentine’s Gift for her overall

You could present this heart-shaped signet ring to a partner or friend, in an 18ct yellow gold plate or sterling silver. Our tester chose the silver option and has been wearing it as a pinkie ring. A chunky ring that is comfy to wear, our tester also had their initial engraved on it and we think this personalised gift option adds an extra special element.

Our tester has been pairing it with other rings and really rates its chunky heart shape for adding an edgy look. The ring arrived presented in a little branded drawstring cotton gift bag, which our tester has been using for safekeeping when it’s not on their finger. They also noted the signet ring’s style is true to size.

For more recommendations, read our guide to the best online jewellery shops

  1. £39 from Seolgold.com
Prices may vary
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Adanola ADA oversized hoodie

Adanola Hoodie.jpg
  • Best: Loungewear gift

Whether she’s a fitness fanatic or simply leans into the athleisure fashion trend, this oversized hoodie from influencer-adored activewear brand Adanola is guaranteed to be a hit. The label is known for its versatile range of wardrobe essentials, from seamless leggings to sweatpants but it’s this roomy (and very comfy) hoodie that’s the standout for us. Made from incredibly soft cotton, it strikes the perfect balance between comfort and style, with a relaxed fit and a sleek applique patch “ADA” logo.

  1. £59 from Adanola.com
Prices may vary
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Panzer’s breakfast box

best valentines day gifts for her 2023 ideas
  • Best: For breakfast in bed

A delicious way to start this romantic day, the Panzer’s breakfast box contains an array of tasty and fresh foodie treats. These are Panzer’s homemade granola, nectarine juice, two freshly baked bagels, hand-sliced smoked salmon, a lemon and cream cheese. The hamper arrived at our tester’s home presented in a charming Panzer’s box with green and pink details, including a ribbon. All the food and drink inside had been packaged with cooling packs too.

Our tester happily tucked into the feast, which would work well for breakfast in bed on Valentine’s Day. As well as the melt-in-the-mouth cream cheese, salmon, and bagel combo, they particularly enjoyed the naturally sweet, crunchy Panzer’s granola. You can pick up the breakfast box in-store at the London deli or delivery can be arranged nationwide.

For more recommendations, read our review of the best hampers

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Boux Avenue Aliyah plunge lingerie set, strawberry

best valentines day gifts for her 2023 ideas
  • Best: Classic lingerie set

This red, lacy set is a nod to Valentine’s Day seduction, and there are a few other colour options to choose from, including pink, violet, black and ivory. We tested the Aliyah plunge bra (£32, Bouxavenue.com) and matching Aliyah briefs (£14, Bouxavenue.com), and there’s also an Aliyah thong (£14, Bouxavenue.com).

Available in sizes 30A to 38DD, the bra is well padded to provide a cleavage boost. Despite it being underwired, our tester found it comfy to wear. The bra’s lace composition has a scalloped edge design, creating a pretty neckline. Meanwhile, the briefs have a matching ribbon bow and scalloped edging, which our tester found created a flattering shape. They found the overall fit true to size too.

For more recommendations, read our review of the best women’s lingerie sets

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Acqua di Parma oh l’amore candle

best valentines day gifts for her 2023 ideas
  • Best: Candle

The name of this candle is ideal for Valentine’s Day, and our tester also liked Acqua di Parma’s signature sunny yellow holder for adding some luxury to their lounge.

After lighting the wick, our tester noticed there was no smokiness – just a clean, even burn. Our tester was also able to pick up on the warming amber, creamy tonka bean and spicy black pepper blend. The mix successfully combining for a delicately sweet yet deeply rich aroma.

The scent intensity grew with burn time, and had permeated our tester’s entire living room after about half an hour. Its effect is like an expensive perfume filling the air. Undoubtedly a luxe purchase, the scent and holder are both quite swish. As such, this does feel like the ultimate treat for a candlelit dinner.

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Hotel Chocolat straight from the heart Valentine’s chocolates

Hotel Chocolat Valentine's.jpg
  • Best: Chocolate gift

What’s not to like about a Valentine’s collection of chocolates presented in a heart-shaped box? There are a whopping 35 chocolates inside the box making them great for sharing with your loved one (if they let you), including champagne, praline and fruity flavours. Ranging from classic pink and red chocolates to heart-shaped treats, the flavours are deliciously rich and creamy.

While we were big fans of every chocolate, there were a couple of standout favourites, including the boozy caramel espresso martini and zesty lemon curd. Tucking into this chic box feels like an indulgent treat and would make a gorgeous gift for the one you love.

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Papier love tiles notebook

best valentines day gifts for her 2023 ideas
  • Best: For stationery-lovers

If, like us, you love a new notebook, this Papier number is perfectly Valentine’s Day-themed. The robust, blue hardback cover features love tiles, doves and flowers, and our tester chose to have their name etched on it too. Inside the 153mm x 215mm notebook you can select bullet/dotted pages or lined, and our tester plumped for the latter.

There are 192-page sides to fill, and our tester has been busy jotting down notes and making lists in theirs. As the cover looks so pretty, it’s become an attractive addition to their desk too. Plus, the notebook arrived in Papier wrapping, making this stationery gift feel even more special.

There’s something decadent about having a posh, personalised notebook for writing in, or even penning a love letter. For scribbling with purpose, we also adore Papier’s painted love wellness journal (£26, Papier.com), as its pages include space for thoughts and intentions, plus charting sleep, mood and activities.

  1. £23 from Papier.com
Prices may vary
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M&S x Ghost floral pyjama set

M&S Ghost Floral PJs.jpg
  • Best: Pyjamas

This elegant pyjama set features a pretty floral design with gorgeous pink and orange tones. The set comprises a long-sleeved, button-down shirt and full-length, wide-leg trousers, which feature an elasticated waist for extra comfort. Available in sizes UK6-22, the nightwear pair was found to be incredibly comfy during testing, with the fit being true to size as well. The fabric is lovely and lightweight, making it ideal for hot sleepers, and we loved the contrasting piping, which gives it a luxurious finish. The stylish set has become a welcome addition to our bedtime routine, and we think the price offers great value for money, too.

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Bloom & Wild The Nina

Bloom and Wild Nina Flowers.jpg
  • Best: Flower delivery

Flowers are a failsafe gift that anyone would like to receive, and we love that this bunch from Bloom & Wild can be sent directly to someone’s letterbox, ready for them to arrange. Upon opening, you’ll find 23 stems alongside a handy arranging guide and two food sachets, which help to prolong the life of the blooms.

Our tester followed the instructions to display the flowers, which included a bright and bold array of tulips, statice, solidago, stocks and craspedia. The bunch filled a tall vase and we were impressed by the bouquet’s quality and stem variety for less than £40. We also loved that the tulips are sent with the bulbs attached, which means they can be stored, replanted and enjoyed next spring.

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Pat McGrath Labs divine blush duo, night bloom

best valentines day gifts for her 2023 ideas
  • Best: For date night

An IndyBest tried-and-tested make-up brand, we’re big fans of the goodies beauty guru Pat McGrath creates. This blush duo combines two cheek colour shades, and we think it’s an ideal pick for a romantic date.

The sleek compact includes a mirror for on-the-go application and the shiny black case shuts with a satisfyingly secure click. There’s no denying the beauty of this product, with the blush set in a blooming design combining the two colours. As such, our tester dipped into both to mix the colours and trialled them separately too. The cheek finish was a gorgeous glowy flush, with the powder feeling hydrating on our tester’s skin too. This long-lasting look lingered for hours on end, and our tester would rank the compact as one of their all-time favourite blushers.

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Pasta Evangelists recipe kit

Pasta Evangelists.jpg
  • Best: Recipe box

If you want to treat your loved one to a slap-up meal but don’t quite have the kitchen skills required or the budget for a fancy restaurant, fear not, because Pasta Evangelists is here to save the day. The recipe box company has around 50 dishes to choose from each week starting at just £5.85 per portion and you can filter recipes that include meat or fish, as well as free from and vegetarian options. Everything you need to prepare your meal is delivered straight to your front door, from fresh pasta and sauces to garnishes, alongside simple step-by-step instructions that require minimal prep. Plus, they even do sides and dessert (the cherry cheesecake is *chefs kiss*).

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Champagne Lallier R.019 brut NV Champagne

champagne.png
  • Best: Champagne gift

To put some fizz and sparkle into Valentine’s Day, Lallier is a little different to most Champagnes on the market. While the grapes are from the Champagne region of France, the taste changes each year, depending on the best grapes available. We tried the R.019 edition, which is made with a blend of 55 per cent pinot noir and 45 per cent chardonnay grapes, sourced predominantly from the 2019 harvest. The result is a fresh, citrusy drink with sweet notes of brioche.

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The Whoopie Bakery simply whoopie selection

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  • Best: Sweet treat

When it comes to impressing your Valentine, few gifts rival a sweet treat. Specialising in homemade whoopie pies, the Yorkshire-based Whoopie Bakery is a must-know, thanks to its delicious goodies. You can create your own box of treats, but its selection boxes are quite something, with a huge variety of options, be that the biscuit box (from £26.95, Thewhoopiebakery.co.uk), classic dessert box (from £26.95, Thewhoopiebakery.co.uk) or kids’ favourites (from £26.95, Thewhoopiebakery.co.uk). As for the simply whoopie selection, it includes a vanilla; chocolate and marshmallow; chocolate and vanilla; and red velvet whoopie pie, and is sure to go down a storm with your giftee.

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Dr Martens Audrick nappa lux platform ankle boots

Dr Martens Audrick nappa lux platform ankle boots.jpg
  • Best: Fashion gift

Stomp your way into her heart with this pair of Dr Martens boots. An instantly recognisable brand, the boots feature many of the label’s characteristic details including an ankle-grazing fit, eyelet lace-up design and yellow stitching. However, what makes the Audrick style our top pick is the towering platform sole, which gives them a real edge. Unlike classic Dr Martens, which are notoriously tricky to break in, this pair is supremely comfortable to wear, largely thanks to being made from Nappa leather, which is soft and smooth to the touch.

For more recommendations, read our review of the best women’s boots

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Loveness Lee red heart ruby recycled silver pendant

Loveness Lee red heart ruby recycled silver pendant
  • Best: extravagant gift

If you’re looking to really wow this Valentine’s Day with a rather extravagant gift, Loveness Lee jewellery could be the perfect pick. The brand is still under the radar and it sits on the more sustainable side, handcrafted with recycled metals and lab-grown gemstones. This ruby heart necklace is one of our favourite finds, and you can choose from silver or gold-plated pendants. We love that the dainty design isn’t a clean heart shape, making it much more striking. Plus, if looking to add a more personalised touch, you can also include your special someone’s initial with an alphabet pendant (£130, Lovenesslee.com).

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Lemonade Dolls the picot lace bralette and brazilian set

Lemonade Dolls Lingerie.jpg
  • Best: Comfortable underwear

If you want to treat the woman in your life to some underwear that she can comfortably wear on Valentine’s Day and beyond, Lemonade Dolls is the brand to shop. Created with the aim of making women feel strong and sexy for themselves, each of the brand’s lingerie sets are designed with comfort in mind. The bras are non-wired but come in a choice of two fits - bralettes or fuller cup - depending on the amount of coverage and support you need. Similarly, there are several styles of bottoms to choose from too including thongs, briefs, brazilian and high-waisted knickers, meaning there’s an option to suit everyone. Our top pick is the picot lace braletter and brazilian set, which comes in a vibrant pink lace with a contrasting red band, but there are plenty of other colours and prints to choose from. Make sure to check out the brand’s size guide before ordering though, as they size their products a little differently.

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Elizabeth Scarlett mystical eye make-up bag

ES Makeup Bag.jpg
  • Best: Make-up bag

It’s hard to go wrong with anything from Elizabeth Scarlett but if the woman you’re buying for loves cosmetics, this make-up bag is as practical as it is beautiful. The perfect size to store all of her lotions and potions, the bag brings a welcome dose of luxe to an everyday essential. This particular design is inspired by ancient beliefs and features hand-illustrated eye motifs against a powdery blue velvet backdrop. We also love the fact Elizabeth Scarlett pledges two per cent of its sales each year to animal preservation.

For more recommendations, read our review of the best make-up bags

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Laura Ashley wild rose suede slippers

slippers.png
  • Best: For cosy nights in

Pink, fluffy and extremely comfortable, these Laura Ashley slippers are like hugs for the feet. They’re also available in grey or black, but we thought the wild rose shade of pink was more suited to Valentine’s Day.A classic Laura Ashley print on the toe makes these a little different to your average house shoes. But what really impressed our tester was the plushness of the faux fur lining. They liked to take their socks off when wearing these and feel the soft fur between their toes, which helped to relax their nervous system with every step they took.

  1. £25 from Next.co.uk
Prices may vary
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Rhode peptide lip treatment

Rhode lip treatment peptide.jpg
  • Best: Lip care gift

Nothing says Valentine’s Day like soft, plump lips. Rhode lip treatment has been all the rage lately, and for good reason. The gloss is moisturising and nourishing, while leaving a thick, shiny glaze that lasts for hours. Meanwhile, the product itself is chic, making it a cool accessory to add to her bag for a brunch with the girls or for a date night. Available in four different scents – unscented, watermelon slice, salted caramel and rhode vanilla – the lip treatments can be ordered individually or as part of a lip kit or skincare set.

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Lily & Roo solid gold large pearl drop earrings

earrings.png
  • Best: Earrings

It can be hard to find a pair of earrings that suit both day and night time looks, but these pretty pearl earrings are a classy addition to any ensemble. Made purely from 9 carat gold with a freshwater pearl, these won’t fade or oxidise like costume jewellery. The lucky recipient will be able to wear them forever as a a never-ending reminder of your love.When testing, we thought they looked equally good with jeans and a jumper as they did with a little black dress for a night out. We also liked that they arrived in a stylish black gift box, which made the unboxing a special experience.

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Biscuiteers ginger in love

Biscuiteers ginger in love.png
  • Best: small gift

For those in long-distance relationships, Valentine’s Day gift-giving is, of course, an even harder task. Luckily, there are plenty of postal services available on a whole host of products, including this small sweet treat from London-based bakery Biscuiteers. For a sweet treat that is not only adorable-looking but delicious tasting, opt for this gingerbread man that comes in at less than £10. Despite being small, it’s sure to put a smile on somebody’s face, no matter if they live in Shropshire or Spain. Just be sure to check all delivery details on the brand’s website.

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Ren Clean Skincare Moroccan rose otto ultra-moisture body oil

 best valentines day gifts for her 2023 ideas
  • Best: For relaxation

A favourite body oil pick of ours, we named it best overall in our best body oils round-up and use the relaxing skincare product regularly. Whether you’re looking to wind down, or fancy giving your partner a massage, this rose-scented body oil is soothing and softening on skin.

Ren’s Moroccan rose otto body oil is intensely moisturising, with ingredients including rose otto oil and macademia oil. The scent is sweetly uplifting and has a rich yet tangy edge too. Meanwhile, the dropper top is handy for mess-free use, so you can slather it onto skin without spilling any. We apply the oil after a bath or shower, or when looking to give our limbs a glow.

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Don’t Buy Her Flowers create a gift box

best valentines day gifts for her 2023 ideas
  • Best: Hamper

Build a bespoke gift box to suit her present preference with this pampering hamper. The starting gift box price is £8.50, then you can select products to include across different categories, from beauty and skincare to drinks and refreshments.

Inside our hamper, we had some gorgeous goodies, including a This Works dream team set with a soothing pillow spray and roll-on inside, a relaxing Neals’ Yard Remedies aromatic foaming bath, cosy bamboo socks, a heart-shaped chocolate lolly, hot chocolate, and a bottle of prosecco. In short, everything we’d need for an indulgent and peaceful night-in.

This genius gift idea is a brilliant way of presenting her with tailor-made goodies that will make sure she knows you’re thinking of her.

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Gucci flora gorgeous jasmine eau de parfum

best valentines day gifts for her 2023 ideas
  • Best: Perfume

Valentine’s Day is synonymous with scent, so we’ve selected a perfume that is a favourite of ours. Gucci flora gorgeous jasmine was launched last summer, and the pretty bottle features a classic drawing from the fashion house itself. Its gold lid looks particularly fancy on a shelf or dressing table too.

The floral scent has creamy and citrus notes, with the blend including grandiflorum jasmine, magnolia accord and mandarin essence. We find the scent lingers for hours on end, and it’s a long-lasting perfume we notice whiffs of throughout the day and well into the night. We think the perfume is a versatile spritz, suited to both evenings out with friends and a romantic dinner.

Read our full Gucci flora gorgeous jasmine review

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Soapsmith London lavender hill bath soak

 best valentines day gifts for her 2023 ideas
  • Best: For TLC

Nothing says TLC like running someone a relaxing soak, and we’ve been using these revitalising bath salts from Soapsmith London a lot recently. A handmade blend including Dead Sea salt, coconut milk powder and essential oils, scent notes are lavender and jasmine. Presented in a glass jar with an aesthetically-pleasing label, there’s a tiny wooden scoop inside for sprinkling the salts into your bath. Immediately after adding them into water, we noticed the soothing aroma fill the bathroom. Our limbs felt softened when getting out of the bath, helping us wind down before bedtime.

If the gift of a time-out is what they’d like this Valentine’s Day, we’d recommend these spa-like bath salts.

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Dior addict lip glow oil

Dior addict lip glow oil.png
  • Best: Luxury beauty gift

Dior’s viral lip glow oil needs little introduction. A beauty-editor favourite, it boasts an incredibly soft doe-foot applicator, with the product itself pleasingly lightweight. Instantly locking in moisture, it creates a your-lips-but-better look and feel. The hero ingredient, cherry oil, hydrates and nourishes your pout, and is present in all the colourways, from clear (great over a matte lipstick) to bolder berry. The perfect luxury gift for a beauty-lover, it’s bound to impress.

  1. £32 from Boots.com
Prices may vary
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Hey Harper Nicole gold hoops

hey harper earrings .jpg
  • Best: Earrings gift

Every jewellery box needs a pair of classic gold hoops. In our opinion, the chunkier the better – and Hey Harper’s Nicole style fits the bill. Crafted from stainless steel with a 14 carat gold plating, the simple design lends the pair to everyday wear, whether ear stacked with other pieces or worn alone. Subtly chunky without being too-in-your face, they’re a dream to wear, owing to the lightweight design. As always with Hey Harper jewellery, the recipient is covered with a lifetime guarantee, too. Why not win extra brownie points by buying the full rise and shine set (£64, Heyharper.com), which comes with a necklace, too?

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Townhouse gift card

townhouse .jpg
  • Best: Gift card

For beauty-lovers, there are few better gifts than a fresh nail manicure. Enter: Townhouse’s gift card. Available to order online, you can either select a service or add your desired amount. Dotted around the UK, the minimalist salons offer an oasis of calm. Combining excellent service with a range of options, from manicures to pedicures and impressive nail art, there’s something for everyone. A pick-me-up treat they’ll love come Valentine’s Day, it’s a great idea for a loved one who has everything.

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Les filles en Rouje le gua sha cornaline

Les filles en Rouje le gua sha cornaline.png
  • Best: for beauty lovers

Beauty lovers are often easy to buy for, with mascaras, serums and moisturisers all making perfect presents. But this slightly heart-shaped gua sha seems to be a little more suited for Valentine’s Day. It works to massage and softly sculpt the face, which our tester found rather relaxing, and we loved the red and orange colours that came through the cornaline, making it seem a little more romantic.

  1. £29 from Rouje.com
Prices may vary
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Zena XO studs

Zena XO studs
  • Best: Affordable jewellery gift

These large heart-shaped studs from Zena make a cute, quirky and romantic gift, while also being pleasingly affordable. They’re a little more imaginative than the typical gold and silver jewellery you might gift on Valentine’s Day, without being too ‘out there’.

The fact that Zena is dedicated to giving back by investing in female entrepreneurs makes this present even more special. All Zena products are handcrafted in Kamuli, Uganda, by female entrepreneurs who were previously living below the poverty line. Zena creates short-term apprenticeships that enable the women to earn a living wage, while saving monthly towards the start-up capital they need to set up businesses.

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The verdict: Valentine’s Day gifts for her

For a thoughtful gift that can be worn every day and doesn’t cost the earth, we recommend gifting Seol and Gold’s chunky heart signet ring. We love that it can be personalised too, which is sure to earn you bonus points, whether you’re buying for your bestie or significant other. Meanwhile, Adanola’s hoodie is a great fit for those looking for a practical present that will please even the most dogged of Valentine’s naysayers. After something more traditional? Bloom & Wild’s bunch of mood-enhancing flowers is guaranteed to put a smile on their face.

Looking for a present for the man in your life? Read our review of the best Valentine’s gifts for him

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