It's hard to pick out the right Valentine's Day gift. Some feel too cliché, like a box of chocolates, while other ideas are too extravagant for one day. That's why we've thought of a few practical tech and geeky ideas that are useful and will last past Valentine's Day. Check out our picks ahead — hopefully one of them is perfect for your valentine (or galentine [1]!)
LuMee Duo iPhone Case
"At first, I was skeptical about whether the LuMee Duo iPhone Case [5] ($70) was useful. But after going to Disneyland and wanting to take photos of everything, I realized it was a great investment in a phone case. It protects the phone and gives you perfect selfie and background lighting whenever you need it!" — Ann-Marie Alcántara, assistant editor, Tech
Slim Pizza Portable Power Charger
"Never underestimate the need of a portable charger — especially one that's thin enough and can fit in any purse like the Slim Pizza Portable Power Charger [9] ($24)." — AMA
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: Newt Scamander Hardcover Ruled Journal
"If you're like me, who makes an effort to try to journal every day, then you'll appreciate the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: Newt Scamander Hardcover Ruled Journal [10] ($20). It comes with a magnetic close and a back flap to store anything." — AMA
Samsung SmartThings Home Monitoring Kit
"Trying to get started on making your home a smart one? Try Samsung SmartThings Home Monitoring Kit [11] ($250). It comes with a hub to connect plenty of smart home products, an outlet, a motion sensor, and two other sensors. Set it up and schedule a time for your lights to turn on, or set a temperature to get your thermostat going, and even use an Echo device with it." — AMA
Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 Instant Camera
"Indulge in any '90s obsession with instant film with the Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 Instant Camera [12] ($70). It comes in four fun colors and just requires two AA batteries and film to start snapping shots." — AMA
Hot Topic Poison Ivy Formal Dress
"I'll admit that I was a bit wary when I got the press release about Hot Topic's new DC Comics formalwear collection . . . that is, until I got my hands on the floor-length Poison Ivy gown [13] ($100). It is easily the most elevated geek-chic fashion I've seen outside of Comic-Con's annual fashion show [14], with a sheer, lacy paneled bottom and a gorgeous emerald fabric that flatters from every angle. Now I'm just waiting for the right occasion to rock it! Maybe Valentine's Day will present the right opportunity?" — BP
W!NK Signature Pen
"With the growing popularity of vaping, many people partake in a fashion that's anything but subtle . . . looking at you, people who vape on the subway. That's why I have so much love for the new W!NK pen [15] ($40), which is discreetly designed for women who enjoy the occasional smoke — minus the annoying 'vape culture' habits. Because it's USB-chargeable and the size of a pen, W!NK is an easy, high-tech way for subtle smokers to indulge their vices in a way that's classy, not trashy." — BP
Pizza Besties iPhone 7/6/6s Cases Set
"If you're celebrating Galentine's Day instead, then consider getting this Pizza Besties Case [16] ($30) for your best friends. It's cute and describes your love of your friend and pizza." — AMA
Whoosh! Screen Shine
"Let's face it: everyone's phone is full of germs and bacteria. Keep your phone a bit cleaner with Whoosh! Screen Shine [17] ($15). Spray, swipe, and you're done!" — AMA