14 Valentine's Day Gifts That Are Way Better Than Chocolate
Bonus: they're all under $50.
We’re only a few weeks out from Valentine’s Day—but if you haven’t started your shopping yet, don’t worry. From s’mores makers and truffle butter to custom candy gift boxes, we’ve gathered 14 gifts for the kitchen and home that won’t break the bank. You can wrap them up and give them to your significant other, or use some of them to help prepare a special meal—we’ll leave the level of cooking involvement up to you. Either way, they’re a nice change from that ever-present heart-shaped box of chocolates.
Design Your Own Candy Box
For $36, you can design your own candy box for Valentine’s Day. There are chocolate options available, if you want—but you can also do Rosé All Day Bears, Peach Bellini gummies, Ice Cream Cones, and more.
Design Your Own “XOXO” 4pc Candy Bento Box, $36 at sugarfina.com
S'mores Maker
If you’re craving s’mores, you don’t need a bonfire—this set allows you to make them right from the comfort of your kitchen.
S'mores Maker, $35 (was $50) at williams-sonoma.com
Belgian Golden Ale Beer Brewing Kit
This DIY kit produces an ale inspired by abbey-style Belgian beers, using “100% malt extract, world-class specialty grains, fresh hop pellets, and high quality yeast.” In total, it will yield 10 12-ounce bottles or one gallon of beer.
Belgian Golden Ale Beer Brewing Kit, $48 at uncommongoods.com
Truffle Butter
Truffle butter adds a touch of luxury to any dish, be it your morning scrambled eggs or roast chicken and risotto. This particular brand was made in Italy, mixing clarified butter with mixed white truffles.
Regalis White Truffle Butter, $25 at williams-sonoma.com
Honey Spread Gift Set
This set includes four different spreads made with honey from a small Pennsylvania apiary—take your pick from dark chocolate, sea salt caramel, cinnamon stick, and sweet maple. We could see them being an upgrade for toast, pancakes, and more.
Honey Spread Gift Set, $40 at uncommongoods.com
Macarons
Instead of a box of chocolate, opt for a box of macarons—they’d go nicely with a bottle of champagne. This box comes with thin mint, peanut butter and jelly, s’mores, and red velvet flavors.
Dana's Bakery, Classic Macaron Collection, Set of 12, $45 at williams-sonoma.com
Egg Poaching Pan
Whether for Valentine’s Day or any day, a homemade brunch always feels special. Use this pan to make poached eggs for eggs Benedict, avocado toast, salads, and more.
Demeyere Stainless Egg Poaching Pan, 4 Cup, $50 (was $82) at surlatable.com
Petite Cocotte
These tiny cocottes are ideal for individual servings, whether you’re whipping up mac and cheese, soufflés, or baked fruit crisps.
Le Creuset Signature Petite Cocotte, 8 Oz., $21-$26 depending on color (was $35), at surlatable.com or williams-sonoma.com
Fondue Pot
Give the gift of melted cheese—the ultimate gift, if you ask us—this Valentine’s Day with Boska’s Cast Iron Fondue Pot. It comes with four forks, enough for a little fondue party.
Boska Cast Iron Fondue Pot, $45 at food52.com
Chemex Coffee Maker
This highly-rated coffee maker was originally designed by a chemist, according to the description, and produces pure drip coffee without bitterness—plus, it looks pretty cool, too.
Chemex 6-Cup Coffeemaker with Wood Collar, $42 at crateandbarrel.com
A Cookbook
There’s no such thing as having too many cookbooks, and this one from Aran Goyoaga was on our list of highly anticipated fall 2019 releases—recipes include soft-cooked eggs with dukkah and bitter greens, and caramelized onion and fennel biscuits. Give it as a gift, or use it as a roadmap to whip up an impressive dinner for two.
Cannelle et Vanille: Nourishing, Gluten-Free Recipes for Every Meal and Mood, $22.50 (list price $35) at amazon.com
Petal Scented Candle
Why get a bouquet of flowers when you can have a floral-scented candle? Boy Smells’ “Petal” has notes of tree flowers, rose, sage, and patchouli—plus, it burns for roughly 50 hours, so it’ll last much longer than a bouquet, too.
Boy Smells Petal Scented Candle, $32 at nordstrom.com
Monogrammed Mug
It’s a small gift, but it’s still a thoughtful one, especially if your giftee loves coffee or tea. Combine it with a coffee maker and it’ll make a lovely set.
Rifle Paper Co. for Anthropologie Garden Party Monogram Mug, $14 at anthropologie.com
Blanket
This top-rated cozy blanket would make a nice accompaniment to the aforementioned mug or candle. Pick from beige (pictured), green, gray, navy, and rust colors.
Nordstrom at Home Faux Fur Throw, $49 at nordstrom.com