Shopping·11 min read

Valentine’s Day Gifts Under $50 That Make a Huge Impact

valentines-under-50
Design: theSkimm | Photos: Deux, American Eagle
January 29, 2024

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There are over 300 days left in the year, so we get it if you don’t want to blow through your yearly budget on one of the first major holidays. But you also don’t want to let Valentine’s Day come and go without giving your friends, family, or partner some love. So we’ve found some heartfelt, affordable gifts that will show them you care — and maybe leave some cash leftover to get something for yourself.

Want more gift ideas? Check out more options here.

deux
Deux

Doughnut holes that will actually give them energy…

Yes, you read that right. These cinnamon sugar doughnuts from Deux and Chamberlain Coffee are the perfect anytime snack to go with their coffee. They’re vegan, gluten-free, and packed with vitamin B12 to give them energy and support their metabolism throughout the day. This doughnut dupe will satisfy their sweet tooth immediately. ($16, Deux)

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patch
The Good Patch

A wearable patch for a libido boost…

This patch is made with vitamin B6, reishi, and black maca to stimulate the libido and get them in the mood. They can pop it on the inside of their wrist and wear it for up to 12 hours. We’ve tried a few of the other patches from The Good Patch and can confirm they really work. Psst…use code THESKIMM to take 20% off your order. ($12/4-pack, The Good Patch)

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earrings
Baublebar

Heart earrings that look way more expensive than they are…

Hearts are taking over the fashion world, and we’re here for it. These earrings will complete their Valentine’s Day outfit in the least corny way possible, and they’ll find themselves wearing them way past February 14. Go classic with the smooth version or fancy with the textural or crystal-studded options. ($44, Baublebar)

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card
Lovepop

A pop-up card that says it all…

If you have a pizza lover on your hands, we can’t think of a better way to communicate your feelings than with this card that features a pop-up pizza box. There’s even a pizza pun scrawled on the inside of the box. It just doesn’t get more delicious than that. ($13, Lovepop)

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bracelet
Etsy

A customizable beaded bracelet…

Leave it to Taylor Swift to make friendship bracelets come back in style. These are made with clay disc beads, stainless steel hearts, and your choice of lettered beads in the middle. We love how many colors and themes you can choose from. It would make a great gift for both your girlfriends and the kids in your life. ($11.89+, LidABijou via Etsy)

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belt
Madewell

A leather belt that looks good with any pair of pants…

Belts are back in a big way, and this one’s classic, with its smooth black leather, silver hardware, and slightly Western vibe. The width is just right, and it also looks great worn over a dress. They’ll thank you later for their new favorite accessory. ($48, Madewell)

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pajamas
American Eagle

A Snoopy pajama set that would be a hit for any age…

We love this pajama set so much, we’re considering getting it for ourselves. It’s a long-sleeved top that has a soft, sweatshirt-like feel and a pair of matching boxer shorts. America’s favorite dog is featured clutching hearts and handmade valentines. There’s even a matching headband for when they’re doing their skincare routine. ($44.95, American Eagle)

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slippers
Walmart

A pair of slippers to help them celebrate love…

We love the thought of our favorite people padding around the house in fluffy, heart-adorned slippers. They have slip-resistant bottoms to keep them from sliding around. The plush inside is soft and comfy but won’t overheat their feet. ($12.99, Walmart)

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spoon-rest
Nordstrom

A heart-shaped spoon rest from a luxury cookware brand…

It’s an affordable and adorable way to gift them a little Le Creuset for their kitchen. It comes in three colors, has a thick edge that prevents spills, and is dishwasher-safe. They’ll think of you every time they cook their favorite meal. ($30, Nordstrom)

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candle
Anthropologie

A candle that looks like it’s from an animated movie…

And shouldn’t Valentine’s Day feel that way? This candle is shaped like a heart and covered in bright red wax. It’s a fun decorative piece but is also fully burnable. It’s the epitome of the gift they would likely not buy themselves but would love to have. ($22, Anthropologie)

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perfume
Sephora

A rollerball perfume they can stash in their bag…

This Glossier perfume is an HQ’r favorite for its floral-but-not-too-sweet scent that adapts to each person’s natural body heat. It’ll feel like a personalized fragrance, and the rollerball version is great for traveling or freshening up when they’re going from the office to after-work drinks. ($28, Sephora)

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bow
Etsy

A bow hair clip for the fashion person in your life…

This satin hair ribbon adds an on-trend touch to any outfit and comes in several colors, including a V-Day-appropriate deep red. It comes hand-tied on a barrette that slips easily into half-up-half-down or ponytail styles. It’s so chic, they’ll be wearing it for years. ($17.08, EmiJewelsWorld via Etsy)

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bear
Amazon

A Jellycat bear they’ll love to cuddle up with…

No one is too old for the classic Valentine’s Day gift of a stuffed animal. This honey-colored bear has the sweetest face that reminds us of our favorite storybook bear, and it lies flat, making it great to cuddle with. Watching movies or reading in bed will be better with this soft bear by their side. ($35, Amazon)

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socks
Comme Si

A pair of Egyptian cotton socks in spicy red…

Arguably the best socks we’ve ever put on our feet, these are soft but sturdy, have a reinforced toe, and look great with loafers and sneakers. Nothing says “I love you” like something luxurious that was made in Italy. ($30, Comme Si)

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journal
Amazon

A five-minute journal to help them carve out a little me-time…

This journal requires only a few minutes of their time. It comes with prompts — perfect for anyone who feels intimidated by the idea of free-writing — and aims to help them improve how they feel on a daily basis. Caring about their mental health is its own love language. ($28.99, Amazon)

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bangle
Nordstrom

A stretchy bangle that’ll make a statement…

This 18-karat gold-plated bangle adds a bit of glamour to anything they wear and looks way pricier than it is. It looks just as good layered over a turtleneck sleeve as it does paired with a swimsuit and a tan. They’ll love this one so much, they’ll want to go back for the set. ($40, Nordstrom)

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date-box
Uncommon Goods

A box of date ideas for each week of the year…

If they’re running low on date night creativity or just want to try new things, this set contains 52 envelopes, each with a surprise date idea, like “Hit the bowling alley, loser buys dinner!” It’s a great way to spice things up, and some of the prompts won’t cost a thing. ($42, Uncommon Goods)

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key-rings
Etsy

A key ring set made for your other half…

Whether that’s your partner, your best friend, or your mom, these keychains are a great way to help your loved ones not lose their keys. They form an ace of hearts card when put together and are customizable with both of your initials. So sweet. ($37.09, CreateGiftLove via Etsy)

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