First Valentine’s Day together? Here’s how to find the right gift

If you’re in a new relationship, you probably feel excited to share Valentine’s Day with a significant other and you’re likely eager to express your feelings with a special gift.  Choosing a present that pairs well with the time frame you’ve been together leaves the right impression, but it can be challenging to decide on the perfect item.

To help you choose, we’ve put together a guide with gift suggestions for various phases in a relationship that’s less than a year old.

Celebrating Valentine’s Day together can be hard when your relationship is this new. To better understand your partner’s expectations, it’s important to talk about how they usually celebrate the day and to find out how much emphasis they place on it.

The usual chocolates or flowers can work here, as will a date night in, to take some of the pressure off. A small gift that shows them you care without coming on too strong is a good choice.

Mina Victory Shag Heart Throw Pillow: available at Amazon

This heart pillow is simple, but it conveys the warm thoughts you have for your newly found companion. It’s also an affordable way to give a special gift on the holiday of love.

Barnett’s Chocolate Biscotti Cookies: available at Amazon

Made with quality ingredients including delicious chocolate, Barnett’s biscotti cookies make an excellent treat for Valentine’s Day or any occasion. They are a nice alternative to traditional boxes of chocolates.

Gloveleya Valentine’s Day Plush Teddy Bear: available at Amazon

Teddy bears are hard to resist, especially this smiling cutie that can help you deliver a heartfelt message on February 14.

At this point in the relationship, you likely know a solid amount about the other person, and you should be able to put a little more thought into your partner’s gift. Whether it’s a gift based on an inside joke, a particular interest, their favorite dessert or something traditional, use your judgment to find a gift that’s meaningful yet reasonably priced.

Godiva Chocolatier Milk Chocolate Truffles: available at Amazon

Who can resist chocolate for Valentine’s Day? These truffles are crafted by a celebrated chocolatier, and they’re a delicious gift for a relationship that’s progressing past the 3-month point.

JUSTOYOU 10 Artificial Red Roses: available at Amazon

Roses are classic for Valentine’s Day, but they don’t last nearly long enough. Longevity isn’t an issue with these artificial blooms — they’re beautiful and look like the real deal.

A Gift Inside Chocolate Covered Strawberries: available at Amazon

Strawberries and chocolate are a win-win. This pack of chocolate-covered strawberries shows how much you care and that you thought about something as sweet as them when you picked this special gift.

Once you’ve been dating for over 6 months, you should know what your partner likes and doesn’t. Are they a practical person? Do they love splurging? It’s best to base your gift on their personality rather than sticking to traditional Valentine’s Day rules.

Feel free to shop for sentimental gifts at this point in the relationship, as well as those that celebrate your special moments. Letting them know you’ve paid attention to the time you’ve spent together and that you’re looking forward to the future is important at this stage.

Ticket Stub Diary: available at Amazon

Since you’re looking forward to new experiences and celebrating old ones, sentimental gifts like this ticket stub diary are thoughtful. It’s designed to hold ticket stubs and other keepsakes from the memorable times you share together.

Homesick Date Night Scented Candle: available at Amazon

When your mate burns the Date Night candle, they’ll think of you and the fun you’ve had together on your dates. You can also burn it while you have a special date night at home.

Coach Eau De Parfum Perfume: available at Amazon

Something elegant like a high-end perfume isn’t too sentimental but is great for this stage of your relationship. It shows you’re invested in your partner’s likes and dislikes when it comes to personal things like a signature fragrance.

Nintendo NES Classic Edition: available at Amazon

If your Valentine loves gaming, give them something they’ll not only love, but will love you for thinking of. This NES Classic gaming system will spark fond childhood memories.

M Mooham Lava Rock Bracelets: available at Amazon

Simple yet stylish, this pair of natural stone bracelets shows that you were thinking of your new relationship when you shopped for Valentine’s Day. Drop your favorite essential oils on the lava rocks for a pleasant all-day scent.

If it’s your first Valentine’s Day and you’re coming up on a year of being together, the stakes are slightly higher. You’ll want to impress your partner and search for a gift that not only shows how much you care, but also shows you’re planning to spend the near future with them.

Gifts don’t necessarily need to cost more at this stage, but they should mean more. A piece of jewelry, an experience (think concert or sports tickets) or a shared class together shows you’re invested in them and want to nurture the relationship.

One Year of Love Couple’s Game: available at Amazon

After almost a year together, the One Year of Love game is sure to entertain. It’s a card game that includes fun ideas for couples and date night suggestions that will inspire new adventures as you embark on another year together.

Pavoi 14-Karat Gold-Plated Opal Necklace: available at Amzaon

This minimalist necklace is understated and attractive and comes in two different colors and a choice of four shapes that they’ll absolutely love.

Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera: available at Amazon

This Fujifilm camera is inspiring for someone who loves documenting memories and likes the idea of having traditional photographs that appear with the touch of a button. It’s available in several fun colors, too.

PlayMakar MVP+ Percussion Massage Gun: available on Amazon

Percussive therapy is trending for its ability to relieve pain and tension. When we tested the MVP+ Percussion Massage Gun, we were impressed with the results. Giving this device as a Valentine’s Day gift will show that you’ve been thinking of your love’s well-being.

Anne Klein Women’s Bracelet and Watch Set: available at Amazon

Show how you really feel with a gift that will have them smiling and thinking of you every time they glance at it. This Anne Klein bracelet and watch set is elegant and versatile, which makes it as special as your 1-year partnership.

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Jennifer Manfrin is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.

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