18 Thoughtful Gifts to Send Someone That Aren't Flowers

Homesick
Homesick
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There's never a bad time to shower someone you love with a little extra gratitude. Sure, flower bouquets and chocolates are great tried-and-true gifts to give in any season, but there are some occasions when a floral arrangement just doesn't cut it. If you're looking to gift your partner, friend, or family member something a bit more atypical this Valentine's Day, you've come to the right place.

We rounded up the best gifts to give someone other than flowers, with product picks that are highly recommended by consumers and POPSUGAR's team of shopping experts. Each of our selections are just a touch more meaningful than the usual Valentine's Day gifts, but they're all equally special and sure to show your loved one just how much you care. We made sure to include options at various price points, so you can find something well within your gifting budget. Bonus: all of these products are also easy to send online or by mail, so you can show your long-distance friends some love from afar.

From edible options and birthstone jewelry to personalized carry-on travel bags and customized puzzles with their picture on the front, these clever gift ideas are sure to brighten up their day. Read ahead to shop our favorite outside-the-box Valentine's Day gift ideas.

— Additional reporting by Lauren Turner and Haley Lyndes

01
A Mindful Journal
amazon.com

A Mindful Journal

The Five-Minute Journal ($29)

For a fun and effective way to get their mind working in the morning, give them this gratitude journal. This simple gift doubles as a thoughtful present that'll inspire them to start a new habit and practice more gratitude on a daily basis. You can't beat that. Read our review of The Five-Minute journal to learn more.

Editor Quote: "I find that when I write down my intentions, I really am more mindful throughout the day, and I use the nighttime prompts as a way to reflect on the good and bad parts of my day. It truly is a five-minute (max!) commitment, and I have seen my gratitude levels markedly improve since I started using it." - India Yaffe, former associate editor, Commerce

02
A Garden Kit
amazon.com

A Garden Kit

Click & Grow Indoor Herb Garden Kit ($81)

Whether they have a green thumb or just love the freshness that comes with using home-grown ingredients in the kitchen, they're sure to enjoy receiving this unique indoor herb garden. The bestselling compact herb garden brings all the benefits of having your own greenery straight into your home. Learn more about the must-have in this Click & Grow Indoor Herb Garden Kit review.

Editor Quote: "The Click & Grow Smart Garden is a great home addition for both the beginner and advanced plant enthusiasts. For anyone who's too busy to grow traditionally, this is a perfect way to still get the experience of growing without the stress." - Mona Thomas, living editor and content strategist

03
A Nourishing Lip Serum
thrivecausemetics.com

A Nourishing Lip Serum

Thrive Causemetics Glossy Lip Hydrating Serum ($16, originally $26)

Beauty-lovers will be delighted to receive this nourishing lip serum — whether it be as a Valentine's Day gift, a birthday treat, or just because. The formula boasts rich ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5, both of which help to plump limps and leave them with a lasting shine.

04
A Deep Game
amazon.com

A Deep Game

We're Not Really Strangers Game ($25)

Whether you're spending quality time with close friends, family, or even a complete stranger, this is an interactive game that'll inspire them to connect with the people they're playing with on a much deeper level. Read our in-depth review of the We're Not Really Strangers Game for a peek at the featured prompts.

Editor Quote: "Unlike most card games, this one isn't about winning. A note included in the box says it clearly: 'There are two ways to play this game: play safe or play to grow. The second is how you win.' The cards take you through a series of questions and icebreakers that will make your existing relationships stronger or create new ones, whether you play with your partner or a group of friends." - Shelcy Joseph, former associate editor, Fashion

05
A Bedtime Essential
nordstrom.com

A Bedtime Essential

Slip Pure Silk Sleep Mask ($50)

While you might not be able to give them the gift of a better night's rest (something we could all use), you can at least help them drift off more soundly with this luxurious eye mask. The buttery soft accessory is a bedtime essential for celebrities like Ashley Tisdale, Remi Bader, and even Shea McGee. Plus, the cozy eye mask is highly recommended by POPSUGAR's editors, as confirmed in this Slip Sleep Mask product review.

Editor Quote: "This Pure Silk Sleep Mask is great at blocking any and all lights, from the reading lamp on your bedside table to the LED lights that may be attached to your bed frame. If you share a bed with someone who requires total darkness to fall asleep (or if you're that person), it'll be a total game-changer." - Shelcy Joseph, former associate editor, Fashion

06
A Unique Candle
homesick.com

A Unique Candle

Homesick Candle ($29, originally $38)

You can personalize any Homesick candle with a message on the back to let your loved one know how you really feel. Pick out the city they call home and send it to them as a gift, or include a funny inside joke that'll make them laugh every time they see it. The fragrances are subtle, so the candle will make for a charming addition to anyone's home. Check out our Homesick Candle product review for more details.

Editor Quote: "My apartment now constantly bursts with the calming notes of a Homesick candle. Since discovering the brand two months ago, I have ordered a few of their themed options, but one of my favorites as of late is the Book Club Candle. It's partly because it conjures up images of me wrapped in a blanket with my favorite book and partly because it makes my space feel personal and lived-in." - Shelcy Joseph, former associate editor, Fashion

07
A Stylish Travel Bag
tourparavel.com

A Stylish Travel Bag

Paravel Cabana Tote ($185)

Give them a lightweight and stylish accessory that'll help them carry all of their travel essentials with this cute tote bag. It features zippered pockets and a leather base that can be personalized with initials. Plus, it's made of sustainable materials that repel spills, so you can wipe them away easily and keep it looking clean. One editor reviewed the Paravel Weekend Bag, which differs slightly in size from this pick, and praised its high quality.

Editor Quote: "For an extra $25, you can get your initials embroidered on the front of the bag (that's what I opted for). If you want something extra special, you can get your initials hand-painted for an extra $65. I appreciate all of the customization options the brand offers, especially if you're looking to gift this bag." - Macy Cate Williams, former content director, Commerce

08
Birthstone Jewelry
heyrowan.com

Birthstone Jewelry

Rowan August Birthstone Earrings ($58)

These earrings are perfect for those born in August, but the brand offers studs and hoops with birth stones for every month of the year. The earrings are hypoallergenic, so you don't have to worry about them irritating their ears. Read our review of Rowan's Birthstone Earrings to learn more.

Editor Quote: "While I love this collection for myself, it would make an awesome gift for friends and family. (And trust me, I would not be buying them for others if I didn't like them myself.) I highly recommend that you pick up a pair — they're very worth it." - Haley Lyndes, former assistant editor, Commerce

09
A Bottle of Wine
drinkavaline.com

A Bottle of Wine

Avaline White Wine ($24)

The only thing better than receiving a fresh bouquet of flowers is getting a flavorful bottle of wine. Avaline is one of our favorites because it's made with organic grapes and no added sugars, and features a subtle citrus finish. In our product review of Avaline Wines, one POPSUGAR editor described her drinking experience as "love at first sip."

Editor Quote: "My everyday wine (to complement dinner, charcuterie boards, and my latest Netflix binge) tends to be a white wine. And when it comes to whites, I like mine crisp and dry — so I was definitely pleased when I took my first sip of Avaline White Wine. It's light and fresh, with citrus notes that linger. The blend of Spanish grapes was flavorful and perfect for easy drinking, which made it a big hit at a recent family gathering." - Alida Araica, associate email marketing manager

10
A Wall Print
chasingpaper.com

A Wall Print

Chasing Paper x Keeley Shaw "All Important All Valid" Enneagram Print ($15)

Anyone who obsesses over their enneagram type will appreciate adding this cute print to their wall art collection. The simple print comes from Chasing Paper's enneagram collection, which features designs meant to evoke certain emotions depending on a person's archetype. One POPSUGAR editor claimed the print "gave her home more meaning" in this Keeley Shaw x Chasing Paper Print review.

Editor Quote: "I think truly great art is meant to evoke an emotional response or thought — sometimes good or bad — and that's part of what I love so much about Shaw's work, and this print, in particular. Emotions are literally built into the DNA of each design in this collection and all with such care and attention to detail that you feel as if something really special is adorning your walls at all times." - Kyley Warren, assistant editor, Commerce

11
A Monogrammed Crossbody
leatherology.com

A Monogrammed Crossbody

Leatherology Willow Envelope Crossbody Handbag ($190)

Not only is this handbag incredibly stylish, but it's also customizable. Crafted from premium Italian leather, the accessory can be debossed or hand-painted with your loved one's initials. Read our Leatherology Small Wallet on a Chain review to see why.

Editor Quote: "Whether you're picking this up for someone as a present or purchasing it for yourself, its small design and gold chain elevate any outfit and fit in with every season." - Haley Lyndes, former assistant editor, Commerce

12
A Chic Home Accessory
letterfolk.com

A Chic Home Accessory

Letterfolk Customizable Tile Mat ($75)

With this customizable tile mat, your loved one can curate a perfect greeting that will delight any guest from the moment they enter their home. The bestselling tile mat is easy to personalize, so users can update and reimagine the piece as they see fit. Check out our Letterfolk Tile Mat product review to learn more about this POPSUGAR editor-loved piece.

Editor Quote: "It takes about five seconds to put on each tile. I also appreciate that although Letterfolk doormats are a modern concept, the design uses vintage-inspired hexagon tiles that give the mats an elevated, stylish look. As soon as I put my mat on my front porch, it instantly added character to my entrance." - Macy Cate Williams, former content director, Commerce

13
Cute Gold Jewelry
madebymary.com

Cute Gold Jewelry

Made By Mary Evie Hoop Earrings ($48)

Regardless of the occasion or celebration, you can never go wrong with gifting someone a piece of delicate gold jewelry. These earrings can be customized with their initials, birth month flower, or zodiac sign for a more personal flair. The unique gold jewelry is highly recommended by POPSUGAR's editors, as seen in this Made by Mary Hoop Earrings review.

Editor Quote: "I love that these earrings are special to my personality. I went with gold, but they come in silver and rose gold as well. Even the little box they arrived in was so cute — this design would make the perfect gift for a BFF or family member. I'll definitely be sending a pair to my sister with the "I love you hand" symbol stamped on." - Macy Cate Williams, former content director, Commerce

14
A Cozy Sweater
jcrew.com

A Cozy Sweater

J.Crew Cropped Cashmere Crewneck Sweater ($118-$148)

Cashmere is one of the most decadent and long-lasting materials to have in your wardrobe, so naturally, a quality cashmere sweater is a gift that keeps on giving. We love the look and feel of this crewneck sweater, which features a heart-adorned print on the front that's perfect for Valentine's Day. Your loved one will want to wear it on repeat this season with their favorite pair of high-waisted jeans and ankle boots. Need further convincing? Read our J.Crew Cropped Cashmere Sweater review for more details.

Editor Quote: "It's comfortable, cozy, and the easiest layering piece. I love the ribbed detailing at the wrists and hem because it makes it a bit more casual but is still so easy to be dressed up or down. Whenever I travel, whether it's for a week-long trip or a quick getaway, this sweater is always in my bag." - India Yaffe, former associate editor, Commerce

15
Personalized Skin-Care
myrevea.com

Personalized Skin-Care

Revea Personalized Skin-Care Membership ($50)

If you're shopping for a bonafide beauty-lover, nothing says "I love you" quite like a monthly subscription to a personalized skin-care brand. And while it might sound too good to be true, it's actually a reality through Revea. This AI-backed skin-care app observes the skin through careful analysis and formulates serums based on your individual needs. POPSUGAR's editors put the tool to the test and shared their experiences in this Revea Personalized Skin-Care review.

Editor Quote: "When I tried the products, I was pleasantly surprised. There are no bells and whistles here, which is just how I like it, and I was impressed with how neither serum irritated my sensitive skin or pilled under my makeup or other skin-care products. Overall, this makes for a great starter set. The app thoroughly explains the basics of what's going on with your skin, which I think would make it perfect for anyone just dipping their toe into the skin-care world." - Kelsey Castañon, senior content director

16
Chocolate Supplements
trysourse.com

Chocolate Supplements

Sourse Chocolate Beauty Bites ($34)

If you're on the hunt for something more unique than a classic box of chocolates, these Sourse vitamins are highly recommended by celebrities and POPSUGAR editors — actress Sarah Hyland is even a co-founder of the brand. Read more about this decadent chocolate supplements in our Sourse Dark-Chocolate product review.

Editor Quote: "The Beauty Bites are a hair, skin, and nails supplement formulated with 1,000 micrograms of biotin. I didn't notice any immediate change in my nails or hair in the first couple of days after taking the supplements. However, after taking this product every day for a couple of weeks, I noticed that my nails were growing without peeling at the top, which was a win in my book." - Angelica Wilson, former associate editor, Fitness

17
A Personalized Puzzle
minted.com

A Personalized Puzzle

Minted Keepsake Customizable 252 Piece Custom Puzzle ($42)

This customizable puzzle turns any picture into a thoughtful keepsake for less than $50. The personalized product comes in 12, 60, or 252 pieces, so you can decide how challenging you want it to be. If they love games or mind-challenging quizzes, they're sure to get a kick out of this present.

18
A Decorated Cake
bakemeawish.com

A Decorated Cake

Bake Me a Wish Cake ($54)

You can easily send a sweet treat to anyone you love, regardless of where they live, when you get them a Bake Me a Wish Cake. Made with the freshest ingredients, these flavorful cakes can be shipped overnight so your special someone can wake up to a nice surprise any day of the year.