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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sarah Jones

Best Valentine’s Day gifts for her that she’ll actually want to receive

Consider this your ultimate guide to gifting this February 14th - (iStock/The Independent)

Whether you’re in the early stages of dating or have been happily married for many years, Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to celebrate (and spoil) that someone special in your life. The most romantic day of the year (14 February) is just around the corner and, if you're looking to find the best gift for your partner, secret crush or even your best pal, you're in the right place.

When it comes to choosing the best Valentine’s Day gifts for her, there’s much to consider. Not only do you need to choose a present that reflects her unique tastes and interests, you’d also be wise to avoid showy clichés.

Is she the type that loves the romance of flowers and chocolates or would she prefer a meaningful keepsake or something a little more personalised? If the latter, a piece of jewellery could be just the thing. Perhaps an experience or something to indulge her passions is more up her street?

We’ve been hard at work finding plenty of gift ideas to suit all personalities and preferences, from fitness enthusiasts and bookworms to fashion lovers and tech-savvy women. No matter her style or interests, we’ve got something that will make this Valentine’s Day unforgettable.

How we tested

Stuck for inspiration? We’ve got you covered (Sarah Jones/The Independent)

To help compile our ultimate Valentine’s Day gift guide, we spent several weeks testing a range of potential presents and made sure to include options to suit recipients with different interests. From beauty products to jewellery, lingerie, stationery, food and fashion finds, we’ve also made sure there are products to suit all budgets, whether you’re looking for a little luxury or want to make a grand gesture. For each item to make the cut, we considered quality, presentation and how we’d feel if we were to unwrap each one. Keep reading and you’re guaranteed to find something to put a smile on her face.

Why you can trust us

Sarah Jones is The Independent’s assistant eCommerce editor, and has years of experience both writing and editing shopping content, so, it’s fair to say she knows a thing or to when it comes to putting together a gift guide. She specialises in a variety of topics, spanning home interiors, beauty and fashion, as well as parenting and kids’ products. Committed to helping you find the perfect item for your partner or best friend, Sarah has combined her bank of fail-safe present ideas with her shopping expertise to steer her selection of top-rated gifts below.

The best Valentine’s Day gifts for her 2025 are:

Stripe & Stare pink and red contrast long pyjama set

Bring a touch of luxury to her nightwear selection, with this pyjama set. Vibrant and playful, the set features a pink and red contrast design that’s perfectly suited to Valentine’s Day, with piping around the edges of the sleeves and trousers adding an extra touch of refinement. There’s so much to love about these PJs, they have a relaxed fit and elasticated waistband for extra comfort, and are made from eco-friendly Tencel, which feels amazingly soft and silky against the skin. We also really appreciated the inclusive size range available, spanning an XS (UK6) to a 4XL (UK22). The stylish set has quickly become a firm favourite and a welcome addition to our bedtime routine, slow Sunday mornings and lazy days lounging indoors. While the price is on the steeper side, it reflects the quality of this set. The pyjamas are a dream come true for any certified sleepwear fan.

For more recommendations, read our guide to the best women’s pyjamas

Buy now £95.00, Stripeandstare.com

Biscuiteers ginger in love

For those in long-distance relationships, Valentine’s Day gift-giving is, of course, an even harder task. Luckily, there are plenty of postal services available on a whole host of products, including this small sweet treat from London-based bakery Biscuiteers. For a gift that is not only adorable-looking but also delicious tasting, opt for this gingerbread man that comes in at less than £10. Despite being small, it’s sure to put a smile on somebody’s face, no matter if they live in Shropshire or Spain. Just be sure to check all delivery details on the brand’s website.

Buy now £8.95, Biscuiteers.com

Charlotte Tilbury pillow talk lip kit

Lipstick lovers everywhere rave about Charlotte Tilbury’s pillow talk – it is what we’d consider a desert island lipstick. So, if you’re buying for a beauty buff, it’s a gift that’s sure to go down a treat. The ideal romantic hue for Valentine’s Day and beyond, it falls somewhere between a nude and a soft pink, and has all-day wearability. While it has a matte look, it’s anything but drying on your pout, thanks to a bunch of hydrating hero ingredients, including vitamins C and E, and an emollient ester blend. This kit also contains the matching lip liner, which helps add a hint of volume and gives the lipstick extra staying power. We’re huge fans of the original version, which is a universally flattering shade, but there are three other pillow talk iterations – fair, medium and intense – to choose from, depending on your recipient’s preferred finish. Nothing says Valentine’s Day like soft, plump lips.

Buy now £45.00, Charlottetilbury.com

Charbonnel et Walker fine truffle selection illustrated heart (without alcohol)

What’s not to love about a Valentine’s collection of chocolates presented in a heart-shaped box? Ideal for sharing with your loved one (if they let you, that is), the fine truffle selection contains a decadent selection of chocolates with a range of flavours to suit every taste, from strawberry to pistachio, milk chocolate, sea salt praline and more. Whichever one you pick, the flavours are deliciously rich and creamy. So much so, tucking into this chic box feels like a truly indulgent treat and would make a gorgeous gift for the one you love. Aside from the tasty contents, we loved how beautifully presented the truffles are, with the box decorated with Victorian-inspired illustrations of turtle doves, roses, foxgloves and ribbons. Plus, you can even add a gift card with a message, for a personal touch.

For more recommendations, read our guide to the best chocolate gifts

Buy now £45.00, Charbonnel.co.uk

Freddie's Flowers You're Ace

Flowers make for a fail-safe gift that anyone would like to receive, and we love that this bunch from Freddie’s Flowers can be sent directly to someone’s letterbox, ready for them to arrange. Upon opening, you’ll find an impressive bunch of stems alongside a handy illustrated arranging guide and two food sachets, which help to prolong the life of the blooms.

While there are plenty of bunches to choose from in the brand’s Valentine’s Day 2025 range, all with varying price points, we tested the You’re Ace bunch, which includes a bright and bold array of roses, santini, and limonium. The instructions on how to arrange the flowers were really easy to follow and the blooms generously filled a tall vase – compared to other letterbox bunches we’ve tried, this was by far the most bountiful, making for an impressive gift that’s sure to melt hearts. Overall, we were really impressed by the bouquet’s quality and stem variety, especially considering it costs less than £50.

Freddie’s Flowers also offers some brilliant delivery options. If you want to plan ahead, you can re-order before 12 February for free delivery or, if you’re a last-minute lover, you can order by 8pm on 13 February, and the flowers will still arrive just in time.

For more recommendations, read our guide to the best online flower delivery brands

Buy now £45.00, Freddiesflowers.com

Dora Larsen Nico organic cotton underwire bra and high-waist knicker

If you want to treat the woman in your life to some underwear she can comfortably wear on Valentine’s Day and beyond, Dora Larsen is the brand to shop. Created with the aim of making women feel empowered to dress for themselves, each of the brand’s lingerie sets are designed with comfort in mind. That doesn’t mean they scrimp on style, though – in fact, they’re some of the nicest we’ve ever come across, with fun colour combinations, contemporary shapes and intricate detailing. While there are plenty of styles to choose from, our top pick is the Nico organic cotton bra (£58, Doralarsen.com) paired with the matching high-waist knicker (£36, Doralarsen.com). The deep red and contrasting baby blue colour is ideal for celebrating the day of love, without feeling too contrived, and it’s genuinely one of the comfiest underwear sets we’ve ever worn. The moulded cups offer plenty of support, while the soft cotton feels gentle against your skin, and the high-waist knicker can be worn to sit securely on your waist or pulled up high on the leg. This is a staple set that will bring her comfort and support while still feeling special.

For more recommendations, read our guide to the best online lingerie shops

Buy now £94.00, Doralarsen.com

Panzer’s breakfast box

A delicious way to start this romantic day, the Panzer’s breakfast box contains an array of tasty and fresh foodie treats. These are Panzer’s homemade granola, nectarine juice, two freshly baked bagels, hand-sliced smoked salmon, a lemon and cream cheese. The hamper arrived at our home presented in a charming Panzer’s box with green and pink details, including a ribbon. All the food and drink inside had been packaged with cooling packs, too.

We happily tucked into the feast, which would work well for breakfast in bed on Valentine’s Day. As well as the melt-in-the-mouth cream cheese, salmon, and bagel combo, we particularly enjoyed the naturally sweet, crunchy Panzer’s granola. You can pick up the breakfast box in-store at the London deli or delivery can be arranged nationwide.

For more recommendations, read our review of the best hampers

Buy now £40.00, Panzers.co.uk

Adanola varsity oversized sweatshirt

Whether she’s a fitness fanatic or simply leans into the athleisure fashion trend, this oversized sweatshirt from Kendall Jenner-approved activewear brand Adanola is guaranteed to be a hit. The label is known for its versatile range of wardrobe essentials, from seamless leggings to sweatpants but it’s this roomy (and very comfy) sweatshirt that’s the standout for us. Made from incredibly soft (yet weighty) cotton, it strikes the perfect balance between comfort and style, with an oversized fit, dropped shoulders and a screen-printed black 'Adanola' graphic on the chest. This sweatshirt really does come oversized so there’s no need to go up a size to get the desired effect. Speaking of which, the top is available in sizes XS-XXL, which translates roughly to a UK6-UK18.

Buy now £54.99, Adanola.com

Elizabeth Scarlett enchanted heart scatter eye mask

Shopping for a light sleeper, shift worker or frequent traveller? A sleep mask could be an ideal gift – especially when it’s one that looks this good. This luxurious accessory will add both comfort and a touch of elegance to her sleep routine. Crafted from velvety soft, high-quality fabric, it has an incredibly gentle feel against the skin, and the design is generously padded, meaning it provides a snug fit that effectively blocks out light, promoting a deeper and more restful sleep. As light sleepers, we found this eye mask made a noticeable difference to not only the length but also the quality of sleep we managed to bank each night, and it has since become a non-negotiable part of our bedtime ritual. As well as being practical, it has bags of aesthetic appeal, with delicate heart-shaped embroidery but, if the love theme feels a bit cliché for Valentine’s, there are plenty of other options to choose from.

For more recommendations, read our guide to the best sleep masks

Buy now £28.00, Elizabethscarlett.com

K18 leave-in molecular repair hair mask, 15ml

If she loves to look after her locks, has a stash of haircare products in her bathroom, or has been hinting that her tresses are in desperate need of some TLC, the K18 leave-in molecular repair hair mask is just what she needs. This leave-in treatment uses a patented peptide technology to get deep within the hair and repair broken keratin chains, aka the building blocks of healthy locks. The formula is designed to restore the hair in just four minutes, giving both immediate and lasting results, and it does really work. We noticed a difference in our hair after just one application – it felt softer, less frizzy and had a noticeable shine. We’ve been using it for a couple of weeks now and the results just keep getting better.

For more recommendations, read our guide to the best hair masks

Buy now £30.00, Spacenk.com

Pasta Evangelists recipe kit

If you want to treat your loved one to a slap-up meal but don’t quite have the kitchen skills required or the budget for a fancy restaurant, fear not, because Pasta Evangelists is here to save the day. The recipe box company has around 50 dishes to choose from each week, starting at just £5.85 per portion, and you can filter recipes that include meat or fish, as well as free-from and vegetarian options. Everything you need to prepare your meal is delivered straight to your front door, from fresh pasta and sauces to garnishes, alongside simple step-by-step instructions that require minimal prep. Plus, the company even does sides and desserts (the tiramisu is *chefs kiss*).

For more recommendations, read our guide to the best recipe boxes

Buy now £5.85, Pastaevangelists.com

Lily & Roo solid gold large pearl drop earrings

It can be hard to find a pair of earrings that suit both day and night-time looks but this pretty pearl earrings pair is a classy addition to any ensemble. Made purely from 9 carat gold (you can get them in silver or white gold, too) with a freshwater pearl, these won’t fade or oxidise like costume jewellery. The lucky recipient will be able to wear them forever, as a a never-ending reminder of your love. During testing, we thought they looked equally good with jeans and a jumper as they did with a little black dress for a night out. We also liked that they arrived in a stylish black gift box, which made the unboxing a special experience.

For more recommendations, read our guide to the best online jewellery shops

Buy now £95.00, Lilyandroo.com

Daisy London x Shrimps large jewellery case

If you’re buying for a jewellery lover but don’t feel confident enough to gift a specific piece, a box where she can store all her precious treasures is the next best thing. We’re big fans of this one, which has been created by London-based jewellery label Daisy, in collaboration with cult fashion brand Shrimps. The box boasts a standout maximalist green gingham print and opens to reveal an equally chic green suede interior that has a place for everything – there are pockets for rings and bracelets, holes for earrings and hooks for hanging necklaces. It’s available in pink (£79, Daisyjewellery.com) too, while you can also pick up a compact size (£49, Daisyjewellery.com) that’s perfect for keen travellers or those with smaller jewellery collections.

Buy now £79.00, Daisyjewellery.com

Dr Martens Audrick Nappa lux platform ankle boots

Stomp your way into her heart with this pair of Dr Martens boots. An instantly recognisable brand, the boots feature many of the label’s characteristic details, including an ankle-grazing fit, eyelet lace-up design and yellow stitching. However, what makes the Audrick style our top pick is the towering platform sole, which gives them a real edge. Unlike classic Dr Martens, which are notoriously tricky to break in, this pair is supremely comfortable to wear, largely thanks to being made from Nappa leather, which is soft and smooth to the touch.

For more recommendations, read our review of the best women’s boots

Buy now £140.00, Drmartens.com

Boux Avenue Aliyah plunge lingerie set, strawberry

This red, lacy set is a nod to Valentine’s Day seduction, and there are plenty of other colour options to choose from, including pink, violet, black and ivory. We tested the Aliyah plunge bra (£32, Bouxavenue.com) and matching briefs (£14, Bouxavenue.com), but there’s also a thong option (£14, Bouxavenue.com).

Available in sizes 30A to 38DD, the bra is well padded, providing a cleavage boost. Despite it being underwired, it was comfy to wear during testing. The bra’s lace composition has a scalloped edge design, creating a pretty neckline. Meanwhile, the briefs have a matching ribbon bow and scalloped edging, which we found created a flattering shape. We found the overall fit true to size, too.

For more recommendations, read our review of the best women’s lingerie sets

Buy now £46.00, Bouxavenue.com

The verdict: Valentine’s Day gifts for her

For a thoughtful gift that can be worn for a night of self-care or quality time with a loved one, we recommend gifting Stripe & Stare’s red and pink pyjama set. Practical but nonetheless special, it’s the ultimate gift of comfort and relaxation. For a gift that’s sure to please even the most dogged of Valentine’s naysayers, Charbonnel et Walker’s fine truffle selection will help spread the love. After something more traditional? Opt for a bunch of mood-enhancing flowers from Freddie’s Flowers, which are guaranteed to put a smile on her face. If it’s lingerie you’re looking to gift, Dora Larsen’s super-soft organic set will have her looking and feeling amazing.

Looking for an alternative to busy restaurants? Celebrate with a Valentine’s Day supermarket meal deal

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