Valentine's Gifts That Are Totally Outdated In 2025 (And What To Give Instead)

Conscious consumption is the name of the game in 2025. Up until this era, our material goods cup had runneth over, and clutter has been commonplace. So when it comes to gift giving, it's the gesture that counts, but don't let that become an excuse for a thoughtless gift that's more likely to become clutter than an heirloom. The key to better gifting isn't spending more — it's being intentional about your spending. Gifts don't need to be expensive to feel truly indulgent and special to your honey; in fact, the best gifts are rarely the most expensive.

Teddy bears and scandalous lingerie sets might be Valentine's Day classics, but their primary value lies in Valentine's Day symbolism. Their specialness starts declining at the stroke of midnight. Instead, opt for subtle gifts that don't scream "Cupid." These gifts won't throw up any V-Day red flags. Instead, they are the quietly luxurious gifts that your cutie pie will treasure all year long because they aren't overly seasonal.

A teddy bear — no matter how cute — is likely to become clutter once the euphoria of Valentine's Day has worn off. These seasonal stuffies tend to be poorly made, stuffed with cheap materials, and few adults want to add more toys around the house. Even the most beloved teddy bears generally end up on a shelf, taking up space and accumulating dust. At their worst, gimmicky teddy bear gifts are just a burden on the receiver, who is now encumbered by a new item that is neither useful nor beautiful — just loaded with sentimental value.

If you're looking for something soft and cuddly, consider a chic throw blanket. It's cozy and indulgent — the hallmarks of a great gift. Better yet, its usefulness isn't restricted to Valentine's Day, either, and your date will be reminded of you every time they use it. Bonus: you can snuggle up underneath it together while you're watching Netflix — which means you benefit, too.

Gifting chocolates for Valentine's Day is a classic, undoubtedly. And, generally, comestibles make great gifts since they tend to be the sort of little luxuries that many people often have trouble justifying purchasing for themselves. But if you're shelling out money for the heart-shaped candy boxes at the store, odds are that most of your money is going toward the over-the-top packaging. When it comes to sugary treats, your money is better spent on quality ingredients, rather than marketing.

Instead, get more bang for your buck — by which we mean, tastier chocolate — by opting for something that isn't seasonally packaged. That means the chocolate inside is probably going to be a whole lot tastier, which is what your sweetie is going to remember anyway. Most high-end supermarkets offer a selection of delicious, ethically sourced chocolate in all sorts of interesting flavors, which can feel like a special treat without costing exorbitant amounts of money. Or, if you want to be fancy, visit a local chocolatier for something fabulous.

Almost every mass-market jewelry brand will have some sort of Valentine's Day offering. Buying jewelry as a gift will always be a tricky proposition since every person has specific preferences about what they like and want to wear. Let's face it: buying bling almost always means dropping some serious cash, and no one wants to spend a lot of money on a piece that will ultimately go unworn. Before you even consider stepping foot inside a jewelry store, you should have a sense of your sweetie's preferences: Do they prefer gold or silver? Necklaces or earrings? Sculptural or delicate?

No matter what, steer clear of the designated "Valentine" pieces, which are all about generic sentiments. Instead, opt for something far more personal, such as a simple piece engraved with initials or significant coordinates. Or, if you're just looking to surprise your sweetie with some sparkle, brands like Mejuri and Catbird offer timeless, subtle pieces that could even become heirlooms.

Yes, lingerie sets in garish colors are practically Valentine's Day gospel. The problem? They're often made from inexpensive, synthetic materials, which makes them uncomfortable for anything but designated "dates," and the bulky shapes might look sexy in the bedroom but make them impractical for wearing under any clothing. These Valentine's sets can end up being single-use garments, and who wants that?

Instead, surprise your partner with some well-made loungewear. It might not be as flashy but that means its life is likely to last longer. Comfortable, high-quality pieces — robes, sleep sets, or even bras in luxurious natural fibers — will be the ones your partner actually reaches for. They're soft, indulgent, and subtly sexy for the whole year. If you feel like splurging, opt for sustainably and ethically produced lingerie that your partner might hesitate to spend on for themselves. Brands like Lonely Lingerie, Araks, or Cosabella offer sexy designs that still feel great to wear, or find an inclusive lingerie brand that will leave her feeling fabulous.

There's nothing wrong with a dozen red roses, per se. It's the classic grand romantic gesture. Flowers are a great Valentine's Day gift, no matter what stage your relationship is at. Still, we can't help but feel like the enormous bouquet of red roses falls short when it comes to imagination. If it's the thought that counts, this cliche doesn't exactly suggest lots of thought. Aside from that, a dozen roses just don't feel very modern, which means it risks feeling kind of, well, stuffy.

Lauren Upton-Chance, floral designer of Flowerhouse in Seattle, exclusively tells Women, "They are associated with the tight, uniform, symmetrical style of floral design that has been going out of fashion in favor of looser, more organic shapes." Instead of roses, opt for a more modern arrangement — it will feel more personal and more elegant. Neutrals and shades of pink will look fresh, and appropriate for the romantic winter holiday, explains Upton-Chance. A more thoughtful bloom communicates that you've given some consideration to your sweetheart's taste rather than just grabbing the default option.