Shopping·14 min read

The Galentine’s Day Gifts We’re Buying for Ourselves (and Our Best Friend)

Galentine's Day gifts
Design: theSkimm | Photos: BaubleBar, Walmart
January 29, 2024

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The reason we love celebrating Valentine’s Day? We get so much joy out of brands releasing products covered in hearts. So if you’re anything like us and love the Hallmark holiday simply for *the vibes,* read on for sweet treats, beauty products, and accessories that are budget-friendly to buy for your Galentine (yourself included).

Want more Valentine's Day gift ideas? Check out more options here.

Sweet Treats

Baked by Melissa

A 25-pack of mini cupcakes from Baked by Melissa…

Our editors cannot get enough of these bite-sized desserts from one of our favorite follows. They’re handcrafted and come in the prettiest watercolor-esque gift box, which means you don’t have to worry about wrapping. And opposed to some mystery chocolate boxes, every single flavor is bound to be a hit. This curation includes dark chocolate, marshmallow, dulce de leche, brookie, red velvet, and strawberry cupcakes. They can ship anywhere in the U.S. and cupcakes will arrive fresh. Just order in advance to make sure they get to your recipient in time for Valentine’s Day. ($47, Baked by Melissa)

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Deux

Doughnut bites that are perfect for snacking…

They’re poppable, not too sweet, and come in an easy resealable bag to keep in your fridge. Each bag comes with four doughnut holes (but each order comes with two bags). They’re vegan and gluten-free, and we suggest pairing your order with this mini facial tool (see below for more details) for the ultimate gift. ($16, Deux)

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Sugarfina

A classic candy bento box from Sugarfina…

This one goes out to all the sour candy lovers. This adorably packaged box comes with their strawberry hearts and sugar lips. Buy them for yourself, split the box up between you and a friend, or gift them all to your best friend. The opportunities are endless. ($20, Sugarfina)

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Koho Chocolates

Chocolates that are almost too pretty to eat…

You can never get enough chocolate this time of the year. So if your bestie is a chocolate lover through and through, they’ll be touched by this stunning box of six. Artisanal flavors include hibiscus caramel, vanilla latte caramel, and Hawaiian sea salt caramel. From the pink box to the pastel truffles, they’ll be plotting the perfect Instagram post in no time. ($18, Koho Chocolates)

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B.T.R. Nation

Heart-shaped truffle cups…

If you’re always craving a hint of sweet in the afternoon, we love these brownie batter cups from B.T.R. Nation. They’re made of cacao nibs, dates, organic reishi mushroom, and more good-for-you ingredients to keep your mood boosted. So if you and your work wife experience the 3pm slump, buy these to keep deskside. ($23.99, B.T.R Nation)

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The Cards We’re Sending

Slightly Stationery

A lighthearted card with a candy heart design…

From work friends to best friends to in-laws, we’re planning on grabbing this box of six to do a mass send out, elementary school style. Because snail mail is underrated. ($20/box of six, Slightly Stationery)

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Smitten on Paper

A sentimental option for more heartfelt notes…

Sometimes the best gift is a longer, handwritten message. Friendship always deserves to be celebrated, especially on Valentine’s Day. ($6, Smitten on Paper)

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Gifts Galore

Great Jones

The ultimate gift for yourself…

A pink Dutch oven covered in florals and ribbons? Count us in. This collaboration between Great Jones and New York-based illustrator and ceramicist Laura Chautin is screaming Galentine’s Day energy. So if you’re looking to finally upgrade some of your cookware, get this. It’s safe for all stovetops, made of durable cast iron, and is 3.5 quarts so it’s ideal for smaller spaces. ($175, Great Jones)

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Thirteen Lune

A cooling facial globe that feels so good…

Spa night on a budget, incoming. This facial tool is designed to soothe inflamed skin, shrink pores, and depuff. It’s hand-blown from high-quality glass and filled with biodegradable gel. Keep it in the fridge overnight (for optimal cooling effects) and massage it gently over the face in an upward motion. You can also roll it over a face mask. ($14, Thirteen Lune)

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Walmart

A book all about friendship…

We could all use a book about being a friend in adulthood. In “The Life Council,” author and podcaster Laura Tremaine unpacks the value and importance of female friendships. It’s the ultimate masterclass in how to make friends, how to evaluate the friendships you already have (while navigating tough conversations), and how to create a “life council” (aka reliable go-tos out of the friends you already have). Our favorite part: her coverage of the ten different kinds of friendships every woman needs. Book club alert. ($8.49, Walmart)

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Amazon

Plus a book light to go along with it…

This is a must for every hard copy loyalist. It clips onto the cover, can act as a bookmark, and has five brightness levels and three light colors to protect your eyesight. It’s the handiest gadget to keep on your bedside table or in your bag. Plug it into a USB port to recharge. ($15.99, Amazon)

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Ban.do

Funky setting clips for their everyday routines…

If your bestie is obsessed with her skincare routine but seems to have every product imaginable, get this bright set of clips from Chunks. They can use them to keep their hair out of their face while they do their skincare routine or makeup. Plus, they’re so sleek they can wear them out the door. ($16, Ban.do)

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BaubleBar

A custom bracelet…

Nothing says Galentine’s Day like a friendship bracelet. This one is adult-friendly in that you can pick a message, name, lucky number, and more out of gold-plated brass letters. Just pick from over 20 cord colors and decide what you want it to say. The best part? It has an easy pull-tie closure so they can easily put it on. ($30, BaubleBar)

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PopSockets

A bow-covered Pop Socket…

We don’t know about you, but we still can’t get enough of the bow trend. So if you or your Pal-entine feel the same, grab this. And no, PopSockets are not so 2016. We still love them because they’re a secure way to hold your phone (and your Kindle), and they also work as a built-in phone stand. If you don’t have a MagSafe adapter for your iPhone yet, this one comes with one that allows you to easily remove your PopSocket so you can charge wirelessly. Time to elevate that plain phone case. ($30, PopSockets)

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MoMA Design Store

A viral heart plush toy…

Jellycat plush toys have been all over TikTok and we’re here to jump on the trend. This little heart is probably the only stuffed toy we’d want in our homes — whether it be on a bookshelf,  couch, or bed. So sweet. ($18, MoMa Design Store)

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Dieux

Reusable eye masks…

These last a whole year, actually work, and are a great way to reduce waste. Whether your giftee is environmentally conscious or loves to start their days with a good mask, these are wonderful. They’ll hold gels, serums, and creams close to the skin for absorption, to plump fine lines, and keep the skin hydrated. They come in a compact case to keep them clean and protected. Our editor loves keeping these in the fridge for the ultimate cooling effect. ($25, Dieux)

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Target

A classic rose candle that’s only $10…

Three words: Target always delivers. Especially on Valentine’s Day. Why we’re stocking up on these: They’re perfect for the friend that can never have too many candles, while also maintaining our gifting budget. ($10, Target)

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Target

A marbled claw clip that looks more expensive than it is…

Yes, Target does it again. Pick from a coral pink or a dusty mauve to get into the holiday spirit. And the fact that this jumbo clip is only $8? Amazing, no notes. ($8, Target)

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Sur La Table

A mug for the friend who’s constantly building their collection…

Morning coffee and tea = a love language. It’s dishwasher- and microwave-safe and most importantly, covered in hearts. ($10.95, Sur La Table)

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HundredHearts via Etsy

A custom compact to keep in their bag…

Pick from five finishes and 18 designs. Add their name and get ready to feel accomplished over giving such a unique gift, without breaking the bank. ($3+, HundredHearts via Etsy)

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Little Words Project

A beaded bracelet if words of affirmation are their thing…

Give them the daily reminder of how loved they are. Every time they look down at their wrist, they’ll see the message and think of you. Plus, you can register the bracelet via its corresponding code and get access to the brand’s Nice Nation — their community of women dedicated to lifting each other up. Buy one for yourself while you’re at it for some extra self-love. ($25, Little Words Project)

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Glossier

A Glossier set for your jet-setting friend…

While they might have every Glossier product under the sun, this duo is ideal for travel. It comes with a mini version of the brand’s bestselling Milky Jelly Cleanser (which we love for taking off makeup) and After Baume, a rich moisturizer. It’s also a great bundle if someone is new to the brand. ($13, Glossier)

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Splittable Gifts

Nudestix

A lip butter set you can split amongst friends…

As you can tell, our favorite hack as Skimm Shopping editors is to buy a set of something and split it up. That way you can buy something really great for loved ones, while being smart with your finances. This trio from Nudestix includes light pink, nude, and plum shades. They’re hydrating thanks to avocado and shea butters, glossy, and provide a splash of color. ($30/3-pack, Nudestix)

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Amazon

The fuzzy socks we wear year-round…

BareFoot Dreams forever. These socks are made of the brand’s classic CozyChic fabric and hit at the calf. We love wearing them with slippers or Uggs on chilly days. We’d split this trio with the lip set above for a luxurious pairing. ($38.34/3-pack, Amazon)

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Amazon

A discovery set from L’Occitane…

Last but not least, one more splittable set. The almond shower oil from L’Occitane has gone completely viral. If your friends have been looking to try the brand, buy this set. It comes with a mini shower oil, hand cream, body oil, and body cream — all in the brand’s bestselling almond fragrance. ($34, Amazon)

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