Valentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday this year — not your typical time of the week for inspiring romantic thoughts. Still, convention dictates that most coupled up people will head out on some kind of date. But honestly, a dinner out is so expensive that adding on a fancy present is another layer of pressure. Plus, what do you even get a person whom you’ve been casually dating for the past month and wants to hang out? Stop overthinking and have fun with it. There are plenty of creative gifts under $50 that will mean way more than a generic bouquet of red roses.
Thinking about moving in together? Why not finally give that person a key as a trial run? Or maybe you’re all about that hygge life? Knitted booties and a cup of tea sound like the perfect night in. From booze to wearable lingerie to sexy-smelling deodorant (yes truly!), here are 50 ideas that won’t cost more than $50. Click ahead to see them all.
View
1/50Photos
Technically this is a hair tie but it makes for a much better bracelet. Sometimes you want pink, fluffy, and fun you know?
Photo: Tsui, Diana
Presented with a key, it's a noncommittal way to show commitment.
Why write with a plain pen when this one feels like you're a fairy-tale ruler?
Who wouldn't appreciate a silky, sexy robe?
For the trend-conscious girl who plans to wear them with her Vans.
For the girl whose heart might be black but happens to be just as sweet.
You could believe that this stone draws love to you or you could just buy one because it's a pretty decorative item.
All about that hygge life? A good cup of tea is one way to start.
Tea not enough to sell that hygge life? Knitted booties to wear around the house take it to the next level of cozy.
Feeling sentimental? A funny card goes a long way without being sappy.
Use this instead of a black hair tie as an elegant way to keep hair cinched.
For the coconut fanatic from head to toe, who never puts dairy in her coffee.
Pizza, beer, could anything be better?
Doing a fun night in with friends? Buy some wine and make silly, outlandish tarot-card predictions.
Because Jo Malone knows that sprinkling actual rose petals into your bathtub is annoying (and a pain to clean up).
Years ago a friend came back from Korea and gave me socks as a present. They were short, thin, and covered with silly images. They also happen to be t... Years ago a friend came back from Korea and gave me socks as a present. They were short, thin, and covered with silly images. They also happen to be the best thing to wear with ankle boots. Forever 21 stocks similar ones and you will never buy a different sock again.
Photo: Tsui, Diana
How many guys buy good underwear for themselves? Give a classic pair that he'll actually want to wear.
When you're stuck cohabitating with someone who's always freezing, this throw will come in handy.
Another work wife idea? Give her a cool portable mug so she stops wasting money on coffee but doesn't have to drink the free sludge at the office.
Know someone who consumes hot sauce by the gallon? Test their love with Carolina Reaper, the world's hottest chili pepper (it's a cross between a haba... Know someone who consumes hot sauce by the gallon? Test their love with Carolina Reaper, the world's hottest chili pepper (it's a cross between a habanero and ghost pepper). Just a pinch will satisfy any true addict.
Smelling like a mix between honeydew melon and flowers, the candle is a nice way to freshen up a room. Plus, after you're done, you can clean it out a... Smelling like a mix between honeydew melon and flowers, the candle is a nice way to freshen up a room. Plus, after you're done, you can clean it out and use it as a catch-all dish.
Two pieces of night-out beauty that can fit into a jean pocket and even the smallest of clutches.
An inexpensive take on that wicker bag all over Instagram last summer. It's almost as good as going on a tropical vacation.
New relationship? Stash one in a drawer for unexpected sleepovers.
For the man that finds a Korean skin-care routine daunting, but wants one product that can do it all and effectively. This targets razor burn, wrinkle... For the man that finds a Korean skin-care routine daunting, but wants one product that can do it all and effectively. This targets razor burn, wrinkles, dryness, and shine.
You could spend tons on a classic watch but if you have a smaller budget, this Timex is a hit on Amazon for its durable quality and stylish look.
You claim to hate whiskey? Give this one a shot. It's chocolate-y and has managed to convert many die-hard anti-liquor-drinkers.
For the fashion-conscious woman who needs her refrigerator to be as chic and artsy as she is.
A pretty bra that even the most ardent lingerie-hater could appreciate.
The hot chocolate at Angelina is a Parisian-tourist favorite but if you're looking to give something just as good (without having to boil water), thes... The hot chocolate at Angelina is a Parisian-tourist favorite but if you're looking to give something just as good (without having to boil water), these dark-chocolate and salted-caramel truffles are even more delicious.
Photo: isabelle dorpe
Warm, stylish, and simple enough that any guy will happily wear it.
Sculptural earrings for the woman who hates rhinestones.
A non-dowdy yet comfortable pajama set does exist.
For the person that wants rose-gold everything — even in highlighter.
Noda Horo makes a cult-favorite line of enamel cooking vessels like this casserole pot. If your Valentine loves cooking, this is the one gift to buy.&... Noda Horo makes a cult-favorite line of enamel cooking vessels like this casserole pot. If your Valentine loves cooking, this is the one gift to buy.
A sleek backpack (on sale!) will make it easier for him to lug all his stuff around.
So you know a whiskey snob and you want to one-up their knowledge? Give them this set that dispenses the right amount of water that'll enhance any dri... So you know a whiskey snob and you want to one-up their knowledge? Give them this set that dispenses the right amount of water that'll enhance any drink.
For the evolved man who knows that face oils are nothing to be afraid of.
Can't go wrong with chic leather gloves with two more months of winter left.
A swingy, date-night-ready purse that'll also come in handy once wedding season descends.
Ties are normally a stuffy present idea but this graphic one is fresh enough that he'll happily wear it to work.
For the person ready to upgrade from a Speed Stick (and who doesn't want their sweat to smell like Tom Ford?).
For the obsessive planner who wants something flashier than a Hobonichi Techo.
Ever dream of streamlining your entire life into one clutch? This one fits your phone, credit cards, and cash so you'll never need to dig through an o... Ever dream of streamlining your entire life into one clutch? This one fits your phone, credit cards, and cash so you'll never need to dig through an oversized bag again.
Sparkly, fun, and so necessary to drown out the noise of the world right now.
So she's label conscious? Here's an affordable bit of luxury in the form of a Chloe wallet charm.
A slinky little black dress perfect for date night, on deep discount.
For the exercise fiend who needs a reminder to stop and take a moment to stretch out their sore legs, this is a nice foam roller you won't be ashamed ... For the exercise fiend who needs a reminder to stop and take a moment to stretch out their sore legs, this is a nice foam roller you won't be ashamed to leave out in the open.
A moisturizer or post-shave lotion that even looks good on your vanity even when it's almost empty.
By submitting your email, you agree to our
Terms and Privacy Notice
and to receive email correspondence from us. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google
Privacy Policy and
Terms of Service apply.
or
Already a subscriber?
What is your email?
This email will be used to sign into all New York sites. By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive email correspondence from us.
Password must be at least 8 characters and contain:
Lower case letters (a-z)
Upper case letters (A-Z)
Numbers (0-9)
Special Characters (!@#$%^&*)
This password will be used to sign into all New York sites. By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive email correspondence from us.
You’re in!
As part of your account, you’ll receive occasional updates and offers from New York, which you can opt out of anytime.
or
Already a subscriber?
What is your email?
This email will be used to sign into all New York sites. By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive email correspondence from us.
Password must be at least 8 characters and contain:
Lower case letters (a-z)
Upper case letters (A-Z)
Numbers (0-9)
Special Characters (!@#$%^&*)
This password will be used to sign into all New York sites. By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive email correspondence from us.
You’re in!
As part of your account, you’ll receive occasional updates and offers from New York, which you can opt out of anytime.