2026 Valentines Day Gift Guide

Happy Valentine’s Day

Plan a Valentine’s Day proposal

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Valentine’s Day is often characterized as the most romantic day of the year. Steeped in tradition involving the exchange of tokens of a ection like chocolates, roses and gifts, Valentine’s Day also is a popular day to propose marriage.

It’s possible to separate popping the question from standard Valentine’s Day celebrations. Here’s how to shape a proposal that is heartfelt, personalized and presented with genuine emotion.

Be intentional

Before planning the proposal, reflect on what your partner likes and what matters most. Consider their feelings about gestures, namely, whether they like intimate moments or grand displays. The proposal should fit your partner’s personality and not be about grabbing more social media likes. Start with good intentions that suit your partner.

Find the setting

Select a setting that is meaningful and doesn’t veer into clichŽ territory. Look for places with personal significance, such as the location of a first date or a spot tied to a shared memory. The location even can be a special spot uniquely special to your partner, like a park bench frequently shared with a grandparent who is no longer living. A new destination that reflects your future together also is a good option. Scout out any areas in advance to ensure privacy and a smooth experience. If the proposal will take place outdoors, have a Plan B ready to deal with weather or any other obstacles.

Make the day flow

Consider the proposal like a mini movie that’s not a standalone moment, but part of a greater narrative. Plan activities leading up to the question. Have a meal together, walk through a favorite neighborhood haunt or exchange gifts as is customary on Valentine’s Day. These touches set the scene for the day. They may also hint at what’s to come.

Incorporate personal elements

Include touches that call to mind your shared story. Details from inside jokes to beloved songs to objects with sentimental value can elevate this special moment. If family members or close friends are especially important to your partner, figure out a way to incorporate them into the proposal.

Leave room to celebrate

So much emphasis is placed on finding the right words and moment to pop the question, but don’t forget about the afterglow. Knowing your partner will help you decide whether you should move on to a romantic dinner after the proposal or head to a place where phone calls sharing the great news can be handled immediately. You also may want to spend a cozy night reflecting on this life-changing moment and all that’s on the horizon.

Valentine’s Day proposals are wildly popular. But those considering popping the question on Feb. 14 can still find ways to make their proposal unique.

Thoughtful Valentine’s gifts

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Valentine’s Day brightens up the bleakness of the shortest and most wintry month of the year for the northern part of the globe. Businesses and homes are awash in pink and red each February, with heartshaped decorations and boxes filling up store aisles. Sending heartfelt sentiments is a large part of celebrating Valentine’s Day, and most people cherish the day for the opportunity to bestow gifts on the ones they love. The National Retail Federation says more than half of all consumers typically plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day. In 2025, $27.5 billion was spent on the holiday, with consumers continuing to prioritize gifting those closest to them. The NRF reports the top gift categories for Valentine’s Day

are candy, flowers, greeting cards, an evening out, and jewelry. Here’s how to make these gifts more thoughtful and endearing.

Candy Gift givers can select candy that is preferable to their loved one instead of choosing the first box of chocolate they find at the store. Perhaps the person you love likes confections from a boutique candy shop a few towns over or has a hankering for candy from overseas? Mexico, for example, is known for its Dulce de Leche, while Halva is a dense, sweet treat from the Middle East. Choosing a special candy really sets the gift apart.

Flowers Flowers are special gifts. Too often, people feel pressured

to buy roses on Valentine’s Day, even if this might not be a special someone’s preferred flower. Choose, instead, a flower that has particular meaning to the person or one that is known to be a favorite. Aster and Baby’s Breath are two blooms known for being symbols of love, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac.

Greeting cards

A handmade card may express warmer sentiments than one picked up at the store, particularly since the former can be customized to the recipient. Include personalized sentiments, inside jokes or memories of time spent together. Craft and hobby stores o er plenty of supplies for paper crafting, so it’s possible to create a lovely greeting card with minimal e ort.

A night out

A night out can be tailored to the interests of the couple celebrating. Book a dinner at a restaurant that was the scene of your first date; otherwise, stay in and watch a movie you each love.

Jewelry

Jewelry is a very personal gift. While it may seem like a great idea to surprise a special someone with a bracelet or earrings, if the style is o or the color wrong, the piece may not be worn. Rather, the surprise can be a trip to the jewelry store together to pick out something recipients wear all the time.

Gifts that fit the interests, personality and memories of a couple can be especially meaningful on Valentine’s Day.

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Stories of romance are as old as love itself. That makes Valentine’s Day an ideal time to indulge in a romantic comedy or classic love story. Plenty of films can be enjoyed while snuggled up with a sweetheart on Valentine’s Day. The following can serve as a romantic starting point for couples looking to cozy up with a good film, not to mention one another, this February.

“Casablanca” (1942): Who hasn’t heard the line “Here’s looking at you, kid”? Set during World War II and starring Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman and Paul Henreid, the film focuses on an American expatriate who must choose between love or helping a Czech resistance leader escape to fight the Germans.

“Roman Holiday” (1953): Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn win audiences over in this romantic classic about a European princess who meets an American reporter one night in Rome. He’s looking for a scoop, but ends up getting a much better reward.

“Ghost” (1990): While a certain dance-heavy Patrick Swayze vehicle is renowned for its romantic elements, “Ghost” shows that love can continue even beyond the grave. And one especially memorable scene might just inspire couples to take up pottery.

“Love and Basketball” (2000): Omar Epps and Sa-

naa Lathan star in this story of two neighborhood kids who aspire to be basketball stars. As they grow up, their skills develop and their relationship grows. However, when one’s stardom really skyrockets, it puts a strain on their love.

“Bridget Jones’s Diary” (2001): In this modern telling of “Pride and Prejudice,” Renée Zellweger stars as Bridget, who is hopeless at love and falls for Hugh Grant’s lothario Daniel Cleaver. This unfolds as Colin Firth’s Mark Darcy is hiding his a ections for Jones behind seeming indi erence.

“Love Actually” (2003): Featuring an ensemble cast, this movie tells the tales of eight very di erent couples who are providing glimpses into their love lives. The tales are loosely intermingled during the month leading up to Christmas in London.

“The Fault in Our Stars” (2014): Ansel Elgort and Shailene Woodley star as two youngsters who meet in a cancer support group and fall for one another. A film about true love and heartbreak, this one is sure to require keeping a box of tissues on hand.

“A Star is Born” (2018): Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga star in this remake of the classic film. Jackson, an alcoholic rock star, falls in love with an aspiring singer, Ally. As her fame begins to eclipse his, Jackson’s demons come resurface.

Treat that special someone to something decadent

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There aren’t too many days on the calendar when individuals feel like they can indulge in decadent desserts without feeling guilty. But Valentine’s Day allows all the guilt-free indulgences one can handle, making it an ideal time to treat that special someone to a delicious, homemade dessert.

This recipe for “Milk Chocolate Torte with Assam Tea Ganache” from “Cooking with Tea” (Periplus) by Robert Wemischner and Diana Rosen makes for a fitting end to a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner.

Milk Chocolate Torte with Assam Tea Ganache

y

y 4 tablespoons Tippy Assam tea leaves (or an Assam of your choice) y 1⁄2 cup water y 4 ounces sweet butter y 4 large eggs, separated

y 1⁄3 cup all-purpose flour, sifted twice

y 2 teaspoons malted milk powder

Preheat oven to 350 F. Lightly coat the bottom and sides of an 8-inch springform or regular cake pan with nonflavored aerosolized spray. Line the bottom with a circle of parchment paper.

In a double boiler or a stainless steel bowl set over a pan of simmering water, melt the chocolate. In a separate small saucepan, bring the tea leaves, water and butter to a boil. Remove from the heat and stir to melt the butter, allowing the tea leaves to infuse in the water-butter mixture for 3 minutes. Pass through a fine sieve into the chocolate. Stir to blend. Allow to cool for about 15 minutes.

Separate the eggs, place the whites into a perfectly clean, fat-free bowl of an electric mixer and the yolks into the chocolate mixture. Beat whites until soft peaks form. Sift flour and malted milk powder together and then fold in egg whites. Fold this flourmalted milk powder mix gently but thoroughly into the chocolate base. Pour into the prepared cake pan and bake for about 35 minutes, or until the cake appears firm, but not dry. This cake is very moist inside and will fall as it cools. Make the ganache.

y 1 tablespoon unsalted (sweet)

Assam Ganache y 7 ounces heavy cream y 2 tablespoons Tippy Assam tea leaves y 7 ounces dark milk chocolate, cut into 1⁄2-inch pieces

butter In a heavy 1-quart saucepan, bring the cream and tea leaves to a boil. Remove from heat and allow to infuse further for 3 minutes. Pass through a fine-meshed sieve into a bowl set over a pot of simmering water. Slowly add the chocolate and gently stir to blend, without aerating. Add the butter and stir until completely melted. Set aside.

Assembly: Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or foil. Place the cake on a cooking rack, then place the rack on the cookie sheet. Pour the ganache over the cake, using a spatula to spread the ganache evenly as needed. Allow to set. Scrape up any ganache that drips off the cake and pour to cover the cake a second time. (Reheat slightly over a pot of simmering water, if necessary, to loosen the mixture.) Cool at room temperature.

Note: If your kitchen is hot, place the cake in the refrigerator just until the ganache sets and feels dry to the touch. Remove the cake from the refrigerator about 20 minutes prior to serving and allow it to adjust to room temperature.

Budget-friendly ideas to celebrate Valentine’s Day

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The National Retail Federation indicates Valentine’s Day is the fifth largest spending event in the United States after the winter holidays and Mother’s Day. Each February, people clamber to get gifts for their sweethearts and create romantic memories through fine dining and decadent desserts.

According to Finder, a tool used to navigate complex decision-making processes, Americans were expected to spend a combined $50 billion on gifts and activities in 2021, with gifts averaging $187. Men tend to spend more than women on Valentine’s Day.

Everyone may be spending more on Valentine’s Day this year due to inflation. In 2021, used cars and trucks, oil, meats and poultry, airline fares, and women’s apparel were just some of the items that increased significantly in price. Finding ways to be frugal may be challenging this February, but these ideas are a start.

DIY card

While a card may be the smallest purchase on your shopping list, you can still save an average of $3 to $5 on a card by making one yourself or sending a free digital greeting.

Dine in

Restaurants are popular options

for couples on Valentine’s Day, but they can be busy and prices may be inflated. Many also offer limited prix fixe menus. By making a meal at home and picking and choosing less-costly ingredients, couples can save a substantial amount of money.

Be flexible with jewelry

You don’t have to spend a fortune to make an impression with gifts. Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but other stones are often less costly. Try giving a birthstone as an alternative. If gold is out of your price range, many sterling silver options are just as beautiful. In addition, consider warehouse retailers for jewelry purchases, as they may have lower costs.

Frugal flowers

The cost of roses definitely goes up near Valentine’s Day, so consider giving another flower. Lilies can be lovely or maybe that special someone has a signature flower. A flowering plant, which will cost less than many bouquets and will last far beyond Valentine’s Day if given care, is another alternative to consider.

Save on chocolate

Sweet treats are the name of the game, but many popular chocolate boxes can be pricey this time of year. Plan ahead and keep a stock-

Romantic destinations for Feb. 14

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Valentine’s Day is the official day of love. Nestled in the middle of February, Valentine’s Day offers sweethearts an opportunity to spend time with one another and focus on their love. Romantic endeavors are on the minds of many come February, and travel may be the best way to capitalize on those warm and fuzzy feelings. Setting off for romantic locales can be an ideal way to spend Valentine’s Day. Luckily, there are many romantic places for couples to visit.

Paris, France

No list of romantic desti-

nations would be complete without Paris. Known as the City of Light, Paris is a top destination for couples. The city has so much history and numerous sights to see, notably the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum and the Arc de Triomphe.

Venice, Italy

Known as The Floating City or The City of Canals, this locale in northern Italy was built on marshes to protect merchants from raids after the fall of the Western Roman Empire. Boat is the primary means of transportation throughout Venice, making a romantic

gondola ride a top tourist attraction for Valentine’s Day travelers.

Santorini Island

Santorini is a small Greek island in southeastern Europe. It is one of the most popular travel destinations because of its unique beauty and rugged landscape that looks out over the Aegean sea. Santorini’s two principal towns are Fira and Oia, which cling to cliffs.

Bali

Bali is a province of Indonesia and the westernmost of the Lesser Sundra Islands that’s known as a tropical

beach getaway destination. It’s golden beaches, temples, palm trees and culture make it a prime spot for couples to enjoy romance.

Vienna, Austria

Vienna is a romantic city with many places for couples to visit. Located on the banks of the Danube River, Vienna

is one of Europe’s more evocative destinations. Couples can stop at Hofburg Palace, once the winter residence of Austrian-Hungarian royalty that is known for its Baroque architecture. Visitors also may want to see “The Kiss” at Upper Belvedere Palace, a famous painting created by Gustav Klimt.

New York, New York

New York City is not just the financial capital of the world

but also the backdrop for many romantic movies. With the Empire State Building lit up in red, visitors can travel to the observation deck just like Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks in “Sleepless in Seattle.” A carriage ride around Central Park or a Broadway show are some additional ways couples can spend time together in the Big Apple.

Valentine’s Day can be an opportunity to visit various romantic destinations.

Why ordering takeout might lead to a happier relationship

BY TRACEE M. HERBAUGH Associated Press

It turns out, love may benefit from a little less labor.

Couples who spend money on time-saving services — like getting takeout, hiring a housecleaner or calling a dog walker — report greater relationship satisfaction, especially during stressful periods, says Ashley Whillans, a behavioral scientist and professor at Harvard Business School.

Whillans studies the “tradeoffs people make between time and money.”

“When you spend money to save time — hiring an accountant, a babysitter, a cleaner — you feel more control over your life,” she said.

“That sense of autonomy boosts well-being.”

Not everyone can afford to outsource bigger household chores.

But Whillans says even a little bit can help. She advises couples to take a “time audit” — examining how they spend their hours and what small changes could reclaim even a few moments.

“People underestimate how much these choices matter,” she said. “It’s not about luxury — it’s about freeing up time to connect.”

Whillans’ team tracked busy, dual-income couples — partners working full-time who often report feeling time-starved — and found consistent patterns. In one sixweek diary study, couples who made “time-saving purchases” on a given day were happier and more satisfied with their relationships.

Use that saved time for connecting

Simply outsourcing chores isn’t a magic fix, however.

“It’s about being intentional with the time you get back — using it to spend quality time together, to reconnect,” Whillans said.

“Think of that half hour not as an opportunity to send more emails, but as a chance to spend time with your partner.”

Targol Hasankhani, a Chicago-based marriage and family therapist, stressed that while outsourcing domestic labor can ease daily stress, it doesn’t replace communication. Juggling careers and kids takes a toll

on families, and housework is often freighted with resentments over who is doing it.

“If conflict around chores is rooted in something deeper — like inequity or not feeling heard — hiring a cleaner won’t solve that,” she said.

Couples must dig deeper to address problems with many layers.

“It opens up time and space, but couples still have to know how to show up for each other in that space,” Hasankhani said.

Casey Mulligan Walsh, 71, a former speech pathologist and author in upstate New York, said the best part about hiring a housecleaner once a week was that it freed up time for her and her husband to spend together.

“My favorite day of the week was

coming home to a clean house,” she said. “We’d go get coffee together instead of arguing about who should vacuum.”

A Valentine’s Day gift that stuck

Getting started on delegating household tasks isn’t easy for some couples, Whillans said. Besides the cost, “it takes time to find someone and coordinate — but the long-term payoff is real.”

And making such decisions together can deepen trust and a sense of teamwork. For one Colorado couple, outsourcing started as an act of love.

“When I started dating, my

now-husband noticed how hard I was working — at my job, at home and as a single mom,” said Melissa Jones, a 45-year-old teacher in Pueblo.

His Valentine’s Day gift? A deep housecleaning.

“It was truly amazing,” Jones said. “After that, I kept it up on my own for years. When my husband and I moved in together, we decided to continue.”

“We’re able to make memories with each other, our kids and our families instead of spending weekends scrubbing floors,” she said.

Dinnertime can be a stress point

In Miami, Elizabeth Willard, 59, runs The Pickled Beet, a culinary

service preparing customized meals.

“Most of the people I cook for are trying to invest in their health but don’t have the time,” she said, noting that families often juggle mixed dietary needs. “Sometimes the husband’s a carnivore and the wife’s vegetarian, one child’s celiac. They’re exhausted trying to make everyone happy.”

Her clients, often families with children and two working parents, are “not fighting over what’s for dinner. It’s one less daily deci

sion.”

Whether ordering a pizza, paying a teenager to mow the lawn, or calling a car service to save 20 minutes, the outcome can be the same: Buying back time can buy peace.