Valentine's Day Gifts for New Relationships
The products listed here were independently selected by a member of the editorial staff. Should you choose to purchase a product through a link on this page, we may receive an affiliate commission.
Who needs a bouquet of roses?
Image: Courtesy French Girl
Finding the perfect gift for a new relationship can be thorny. Should you convey easygoing interest? Make a grand romantic gesture? Swear off dating until gifting season's long since passed?
We can't stop you from overthinking things. But we can help you out. Here are some of our favorite ways to say "I like you."
These products were chosen by our editor from the Shops at Seattle Met, the city's first online marketplace bringing the best local businesses together in one place.
Sharing a special bottle of wine feels romantic, but doesn't put anybody on the spot. The folks at Princess and Bear call this "deep red, lusciously scented" cuvée a "seductive treat" (that also happens to taste great with chocolate). See more red wine.
Those on a quest for a gift that's sweet and thoughtful but decidedly low-key, look no further. See gifts for him under $20.
A high-quality, super-soft, sustainably made relaxed hoodie and jogger sweatpant from Pacific Place shop Proto101—available in a variety of colors, as well as womenswear fits and sizes (sweatshirt here, sweats here)—keeps the gift-showering comfortably casual. See more loungewear.
If understated is the goal—and it's a good one!—this petite pearl necklace falls in the same simple romance category as a single rose. Sterling silver and gold fill options keep the price tag under $60, but it's also available in an heirloom, solid-gold version. See more jewelry under $100.
Intimates sound a little too...well, intimate? A playful silk robe—we also like this floral design—feels both fun and sexy, without putting the emphasis too squarely on the latter. See Salua's full line of pajamas, lingerie, and loungewear.
There's something to be said about presents that won't stick around to haunt their recipients if things go south (God forbid). Spinnaker's delicious, Seattle-made chocolate bars won't last long—and they provide a welcome opportunity to show that you listened when they talked about their oat milk (or coffee, or spicy food) obsession. See more candy and chocolate.
What do we do when we feel awkward? Hide it with humor! This silly, suggestive corduroy hat from the Parks Project isn't just a gag gift, though—it's got all the trappings of a new favorite. See more hats.
If you're feeling truly paralyzed by indecision: Pick a price point ($25, $50, or $100), leave a message in the order notes describing your new-relationship plight, and let the extremely trustworthy folks at Seattle design studio Fruitsuper pick out a fun selection of products for you. Let the unboxing be a shared moment of surprise and delight. See Fruitsuper's full product lineup.
Formulated with argan oil, mango butter, and a rose essential oil blend, French Girl's body glow oil feels good, and smells like a real-life bouquet—no grand gestures necessary. See more body oil.
Words of affirmation rank higher on Americans' list of love languages than gift-giving for a reason. Don't underestimate the power of a simple card and a thoughtful note. See more cards.
For a couple of home chefs, there's something uniquely romantic about cooking together (and it's like a slightly chiller version of the Ikea-furniture-building relationship test). This kit from chef-favorite Villa Jerada—complete with olive oil, harissa, a spice blend, and some very nice canned tomatoes—handles most of the planning, so you can get to the fun part. See more from Villa Jerada.
This casual beanie from Seattle-designed cashmere line Paychi Guh makes a thoughtful Valentine's Day gift for just about anyone. Warm hat, warm heart. See more beanies.
Ultimately, we're all just looking to be intimately known by the ones we...like a whole lot. Is your partner a proud extrovert? Do they joke about their social anxiety, or involve you in their morning ritual? Cancelled Plans candles are a low-pressure, tongue-in-cheek way to show that you see them for who they are—and you like it, too. See all Cancelled Plans candles.
Sometimes a thoughtfully planned date—like taking the time to light some candles and arrange a charcuterie board—beats a gift. Figuring out how to casually leave the heart-shaped server at their place is on you, though. See more charcuterie boards.
Ah, the Seattleite's one true love: Rainier Beer. Well, this hat technically celebrates the Tacoma Rainiers baseball team, but that's neither here nor there. For a partner who'd be more romanced by a six-pack of beer than a bottle of bubbly, we think this hat and some Vitamin R would make a swoon-worthy pair. See more local fan gear.
