With Valentine’s Day just around the corner (this Friday, 14 February), it’s impossible to miss the heart-shaped balloons, chocolates and teddies filling the shops. Here at OK!, we’ve gathered our top picks for traditional V-Day gifts, but if you’re looking for something a bit more unique, keep reading… I’m in a loving, long-term relationship but we’ve never celebrated Valentine’s Day or exchanged gifts, finding the whole concept rather cheesy and not very cool. However, I do enjoy receiving gifts, regardless of the occasion, and treating myself to little luxuries. With that in mind, I’ve compiled a list of my favourite cool, quirky and useful items that I believe anyone would be delighted to receive, whether on Valentine’s Day or any other time of the year… READ MORE: Gift the viral Stanley Cup this Valentine’s Day as the Quencher gets a hot-pink makeover READ MORE: Valentine’s Day 2025 gift guide for women: Best picks from M&S, Debenhams and more Best alternative Valentine’s Day gifts for 2025 Lego Pretty Pink Flower Bouquet £54.99 from LEGO
A quirky alternative to traditional flowers
(Image: Laura Mulley)
I genuinely love receiving flowers (these are our favourites), but if you’re searching for something a bit different – and longer-lasting than a typical bouquet – I adore the idea of gifting this LEGO bouquet instead. We’re huge LEGO enthusiasts in our home and regularly purchase sets, both as presents for each other and as treats for ourselves, and I think this design manages to look pretty and feminine (not always a given with LEGO builds!). I can’t wait to get started on it this February, reports the Mirror. Pretty Pink Flower Bouquet, £54.99 from LEGO Hotel Chocolat The Nice Slice – Valentine’s Edition £17.95 from Hotel Chocolat
A delicious alternative to traditional boxes of chocolates
(Image: Laura Mulley)
Sure, it’s chocolate with hearts on it, but trust me, it’s far superior to your average selection box. If you’ve never had a taste of Hotel Chocolat’s Nice Slice before, prepare yourself for a delightful surprise – it’s a heavenly mix between a tiffin-type cake and a chocolate bar, featuring large chunks of praline filled with crispy rice, cornflakes and caramel. Keep it chilled and ready to slice up for a cosy TV night in with a cuppa – now that’s my idea of romance. For a more hands-on experience, I also recommend Hotel Chocolat’s Mini Chocolate Dipping Adventure for Two, priced at £28.95. The Nice Slice Valentines Edition, £17.95 from Hotel Chocolat Côte des Roses Rosé £14.99 from Waitrose
A pretty gift for wine lovers
(Image: Laura Mulley)
If you or your significant other are wine enthusiasts, a good bottle always makes a thoughtful gift, and it’s something you can savour together. While summer is typically ‘rosé season’, this one is a delight all year round – crisp, dry and your classic pale French rosé – and its limited-edition design gives a subtle nod to Valentine’s Day. Côte des Roses Rosé, £14.99 from Waitrose Diptyque Classic Candle £58 from Diptyque
Diptyque’s Papier fragrance now comes in a candle
(Image: Laura Mulley)
I don’t know many who wouldn’t be over the moon to receive a Diptyque candle, regardless of the time of year. Papier may not be the most potent of their fragrances, but it’s my favourite Diptyque scent to wear as a perfume, and I’m thrilled that it’s now available as a candle. It has a crisp, clean and slightly musky aroma, with the unique ‘paper’ scent coming from the unusual ingredient of sesame. Otherwise, Baies is one of Diptyque’s most popular scents, and a guaranteed to delight. Papier Classic Candle, £58 from Diptyque Loowoko Candle Warmer Lamp Currently £28.99 from Amazon (usual price £34.99)
At £28.99, this candle warmer will brighten your month without breaking the bank
(Image: Zoe Cripps)
This unusual gift idea comes from our head of shopping Zoe, who said it has ‘transformed her mood and her living room’. This clever Loowoko lamp melts your favourite scented candles in a cleaner, safer way, thanks to a 50-watt halogen bulb that gently warms the wax. Within minutes, you’ll notice the fragrance filling the room, and the best part? No flames, no soot and no indoor pollution. You can read Zoe’s full review here. Loowoko Candle Warmer Lamp, currently £28.99 from Amazon (usual price £34.99) Elemis Black Cherry Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm £49 from Elemis
This smells divine
(Image: Laura Mulley)
In terms of beauty products with cult classic status, Elemis’ Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm is certainly up there, and this Black Cherry is the latest fragranced balm. It’s made of the same formula as the much-loved original – a trio of nourishing oils as well as marine algae, and rose and mimosa waxes – but with a sweet new scent of cherry, almond and vanilla. I’m obsessed, and I think any skincare fan would be too. Black Cherry Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, £49 from Elemis
