Last-Minute Valentine’s Gifts for Every Budget

So, Valentine’s Day caught you by surprise. Again. One minute it's New Year’s, the next you are staring at February 13th, scrambling for that perfect gift, last minute as always. Maybe work got in the way, or you thought he would pull the “Babe, we don’t need gifts” card, or maybe you were just waiting for that flash of inspiration that never came.

Either way, don’t panic, we got you covered. Whether your budget is just enough for a coffee and a croissant or „let me just casually drop a few hundred euros," here is a list of last-minute Valentine’s gifts that feel thoughtful, even if you only just remembered to get a gift and you most likely might not even receive them in time for the 13th through online shopping and have to get out on the streets for a shopping spree. But hey, at least you made some effort. 

Here we go: You could go full romance with a DIY love coupon book (cost: basically free, impact: priceless). Write up IOUs for "one spontaneous road trip," "control of the Netflix remote for a whole day,"  Or, if his love language is snacks, grab his favorite treats, put them in a box with a note that says, "Eat these now, save me for dessert." 

Of course, if you’re feeling a bit fancy but not "take out a loan" fancy, there’s always a mini bottle of Byredo Sunday Cologne, or try a Loewe Masculine Sample Box and he smells divine and you get to bury your face in his sweater even more, a win-win for both. Speaking of sweaters, grab him a new LORO PIANA cashmere so soft that you most likely will be stealing it later. Or, if he’s the type who loses things like it’s a sport, a sleek gadget from Apple or a smart key tracker will make you look like the most thoughtful girlfriend.

If you have a bit more to spend, you could consider some of these ideas: A subscription to something he loves, a craft beer, a gourmet jerky, or even a skincare kit from Dr. Barbara Sturm. This will make it look like you put in way more effort than you actually did. And for that extra touch, a monogrammed Goyard cardholder? Tres Chic. Or why not a whiskey glass with his name etched on it? Very thoughtful. 

But let's say that you are really feeling generous. How about a romantic train ride on the Belmond Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express? Or a Rimowa suitcase because of future trips together. If all else fails, a surprise weekend getaway (printed confirmation in an envelope) will have him totally forgetting about you almost panic-buying something totally random.