Red roses and heart-shaped chocolate boxes tickle the fancies of some, but if your lady love's taste leans a little less traditional, then consider one of these alternative Valentine's Day gifts. From a foie gras sampler perfect for a carnivorous Californian to a foodie-friendly necklace, these options will make her day.
Crack Pie
Salty, sweet, gooey, and as irresistible as its name would suggest, Momofuku Milk Bar's Crack Pie [1] ($44) is Valentine's Day ready when dusted with a powdered-sugar heart.
Brass Pretzel Necklace
If jewelry is on the mind, then go the quirky route and give her a brass pretzel necklace [2] ($80). Molded from an actual pretzel, it's a surefire conversation starter.
Cheeky Cards
Brighten up her inbox with one of Paperless Post's punny customizable Valentine's Day e-cards [3] ($1 and up). Or, go the extra mile to have it printed and sent to her via snail mail ($2 and up).
Foie Gras Sampler
Skip dining out this Valentine's Day — it's for amateurs anyway [4] — and serve a luxe indoor picnic spread instead. The star: an assortment of foie gras treats [5] ($67), which will pair perfectly with a bottle of bubbles and a plate of cheese, pickles, and berries.
Polka-Dotted Apron
Red, polka-dotted, and oh-so cute, an Anthropologie apron [6] ($32) and a matching set of potholders [7] ($14) are perfectly Valentine's Day appropriate while being thematically subtle enough for year-round use.
A Spread of Breakfast-in-Bed Treats
Keep the Valentine's Day magic going all weekend long by surprising her with breakfast in bed the morning after the big night. Mouth's assortment of goodies [8] ($65) has you covered with everything from a flaky, bacon-loaded pastry to stellar Ethiopian coffee.
The Newlywed Cookbook
Whether you're newly married or have been together for years, if you love to cook together, The Newlywed Cookbook [9] ($35) is a great option. Within its pages are dozens of beautifully photographed recipes tailor made for two.
Chocolate Subscription
For a gift that keeps on giving, sign her up for Standard Cocoa [10] ($20-$25 per month), a craft chocolate subscription. Not only will she get the gift of discovering new, obsession-worthy bars, but she'll also be reminded of your sweet gesture each time a box arrives on her doorstep.
Mail-Order Macarons
We can't think of many ladies who wouldn't be thrilled to receive a box of picture-perfect Payard macarons [11] ($58).