Swap out the clichéd box of chocolates and stuffed animals for a thoughtful gift your No. 1 will actually use

Surprise your loved one with a gift that’s a little more original and unexpected. These around-the-house items have a lot more longevity than a box of sweets and we promise they won’t disappoint.

 

1 The Grey Morning Glory Sheet Set

Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to dress up your bedroom. You can’t go wrong with classic sheets in a pretty print and this set from Crane & Canopy, made from 100% cotton sateen, is sure to make her heart skip a beat. These super soft sheets will make sleeping in truly luxurious and are sure to bring about sweet dreams (of you!) at bedtime.

The Grey Morning Glory Sheet Set, Crane and Canopy, from $30

 

2 Layflat Photo Album

For a gift that’s personal and intimate, create a photo book that celebrates your love. These gorgeous photo albums from Aritifact Uprising feature durable fabric covers in an array of colour choices and thick paper stock pages, creating a lovely luxe way to show off your best photos. 
 

Layflat Photo Album, Artifact Uprising, $13

3 Mod Heart Mini Notebook

If you’re looking for a small token of your love, this darling notebook is the way to go. It’s just the right size to fit in her purse and she can use it for reminders, lists and notes she needs to jot down. The best thing is that every time she uses it, she’ll think of you!

Mod Heart Mini Notebook, Penny Paper Co, $6

 

4 Heartstagram

Have a cherished photo of you and your special someone? Get it framed using Framebridge’s Heartstagram option, which places your picture in a heart-shaped mat, within an 11x11 frame. Choose from 10 different frames and present your Valentine with this thoughtful, hand-crafted gift.

Heartstagram, Framebridge, $39

 

5 Acrylic Smoke Bed Tray

While this sleek acrylic bed tray can certainly be used for working on a laptop in bed, that’s not why you’ll present it as a Valentine’s Day gift—this is the perfect tray for breakfast in bed. Instead of wrapping it up with a bow on top, surprise your sweetie with a tantalizing, homemade breakfast presented beautifully on this tray. Not sure what to make? Check out our easy breakfast recipes.

Acrylic Smoke Bed Tray, CB2, $79.95

 

6 Personalized Song Lyric Throw Pillow

Do you and your love bug share a special song? This personalized pillow is such a unique idea. Get it custom-made with the lyrics of your song in the shape of a heart. Totally personal, totally perfect!

Personalized Song Lyric Throw Pillow, Be Bold Décor on Etsy, starting at $28

 

7 Monogram Heart Mug

Monogrammed with a heart and rimmed in red, this mug is perfect for lovers. As a gift for that special someone, they’ll think of you every day when they enjoy their morning cup of joe or at night when they unwind with a cup of tea.

Monogram Heart Mug, Indigo, $10

 

8 Cedarwood Candle

Perfume might be a more typical Valentine’s Day gift, but this luxuriously scented candle is another option that looks and smells just as good. In a stunning graphic glass-and-metal fretwork container, and lovingly packaged in a box made for gift-giving, this fragrant hand-poured candle is sure to set the mood when the lights are turned down low.

Cedarwood Candle, Tory Burch, $68

 

9 Sylvie Knit Throw

Chilly February nights are made for snuggling up and this is just the blanket to do it with. With a jacquard knit front and a jersey knit back, this throw is comfy-cozy and will look great on display, strewn across a bed or sofa, when not in use.

Sylvie Knit Throw, Pottery Barn, $99

 

10 Eleanor Small Jewelry Box

If buying jewelry for your sweetheart just isn’t in the budget this Valentine’s Day, go with this gorgeous and glam jewellery box. With an art deco appeal, its mirrored exterior and linen interior will add instant style to her dresser. With plenty of storage compartments for rings, necklaces and bracelets, there’s room for all her special pieces.

Eleanor Small Jewelry Box, Crate & Barrel, $40