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Margo here. In my opinion, Valentine’s Day deserves a rebrand. Once you hit adulthood (especially in 2026’s inflated economy), it becomes more of an afterthought holiday. If you’re looking to bring it back like myself, look to this list. I’ve rounded up 21 adorable and practical gifts under $50.
For more Valentine’s Day gifts, click here.

A task notepad that’ll make chores more joyful…
There’s nothing a sweet notepad can’t help you accomplish. This one from JoyCreativeShop has sections for to-dos, notes, and priorities. Add their name (or yours) for free. We love the sweet heart detailing, too. ($32+, JoyCreativeShop via Etsy)

A solid vibrator option under $50…
Innovation is being able to find an effective vibrator that doesn’t cost over a hundred dollars. This rose-shaped one focuses on suction for clitoral stimulation and is a noteworthy pick for those new to using a vibrator. Added perk: It’s made of a soft silicone with a skin-like feel. ($42.99, Lovehoney)

An updated take on his everyday basic hoodie…
Treat Valentine’s Day as a subtle way to elevate his wardrobe. If you’re looking for him to stop wearing graphic hoodies from college, go for this solid version from Old Navy. It comes in countless color options and is made of a medium-weight fleece with a vintage feel. ($31.49, Old Navy)

An analog way to look back at photos…
2026 is the year of analog enjoyment, and this reel viewer is one of my go-to unique gifts for loved ones. I gave one to my fiancé last year for Valentine’s Day, and he loves pulling the lever to look at memories from the last five years. Plus, you can create a collection and new reels as the years go by. Uncommon Goods’ vendor will guide you through the process, from uploading your photos to creation. ($16.95+, Uncommon Goods)

A stunning anthology dedicated to women’s friendship…
I recently discovered this book at a local bookstore and was surprised that I had never heard of it before. Titled The Book of Women’s Friendship, it’s a curation of excerpts and writings from famous authors all about women’s friendship. You’ll find pieces from Nora Ephron, Dolly Alderton, Virginia Woolf, and so many more. It’s the perfect book because you don’t have to read it all the way through. You can pick it up here and there to read a chapter or two. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

A sleek pill compact they’ll want to reach for…
Our team recently discovered Dosey, a brand known for its design-forward, yet utilitarian pill boxes. Perfect for your mom or your type-A friend, you can pick from chic colorways and prints. This compact comes with seven labeled sections (one for each day of the week) and has a spacious mirror built in. ($26, Dosey)

A printed box of chocolates…
Don’t know what to get for your SO? You can’t go wrong with this box of heart-printed chocolates from Compartés. They’ll get nine dark chocolates filled with raspberry or strawberry fillings. Not to mention, the box is covered in the same heart design, too. No need to gift wrap. Just add a thoughtful card. ($49.95, Compartés)

Some socks he’d never buy for himself…
Yes, we can confirm Bombas Ankle Socks really are that good. They have a cushiony blister tab, a reinforced arch, and a seamless toe for added comfort. He’d never go out and buy these for himself, but if you do, he’ll be sure to thank you for an essential he’ll reach for daily. ($49.49, Bombas)

Some AirPod Max covers that aren’t an eyesore…
Fun find alert. These AirPod Max cases from Rifle Paper Co. are covered in a pink hydrangea print. If they swear by their noise-cancelling headphones (and want to keep them protected in a way that isn’t ugly), go for these. We can assure you they’ll be happy. ($36, Rifle Paper Co.)

A meaningful deck of cards you can use together…
My mom recently put me onto this brand, Tales. The brand makes all kinds of basic conversation card decks you can use with friends, family, or your partner. I love that the questions in each deck are simple to answer (some other competing decks feel packed with intimidating questions). Depending on who you’re shopping for, you can buy the corresponding deck and add their favorite candy. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

The internet-viral claw clip that really is worth the price…
I know, I know. Spending $36 on a claw clip is painful, but after years of testing, I can attest that Emi Jay’s Big Effing Clip is worth it. I’ve had a few for multiple years and they keep my hair in place, haven’t broken on me, and are easy to clean. For anyone on your list who’s itching to get their hands on one, it’s another practical gift they’ll be excited to receive. ($36, Emi Jay)

A jumbo size of a bestselling shower oil…
The best way to treat them? Buy them the value size of L’Occitane’s Almond Shower Oil. It’s just under $50, and they can use it on their body, as a shaving oil, or in the bath. ($48, Sephora)

An editor-approved tote for every situation…
Lands’ End’s iconic Pocket Canvas Tote is my tote of choice. It has multiple pockets and compartments to keep things organized without having to put everything in pouches. But what I like most is that it’s sturdy without being overly stiff. They can use it to house their crafts and analog hobbies, for farmer’s market runs and errands, or for commuting. ($39.95+, Lands’ End)

Some classic Valentine’s Day pajamas…
It definitely wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without a pair of pajamas they can wear all year. This pair from Old Navy is made of a soft jersey-like material and is covered in a heart motif. ($39.99, Old Navy)

A body-care bundle for the skincare junkie in your life…
Our editors love giving and receiving Prequel products because they’re effective, luxurious, and don’t cost a ton. This Barrier Therapy Duo comes with light and rich versions of the brand’s bestselling Barrier Therapy cream. Both contain 1% colloidal oatmeal and can be used on the face and body. PS: It’s a noteworthy dupe for Dieux’s latest moisturizer. ($34/2-pack, Prequel)

A candle you don’t have to gift wrap…
Literie is one of those dependable brands we turn to for gifting when we want to look like we’ve put in a lot of effort, but are short on time. Each one is packaged in an illustrated box with a matching label, so you can show up with the gift as is. The best part? You can select a candle for them based on their hobbies, where they live, or where they love to travel. ($48, Literie)

A unique going-out bag…
Baggu has tons of stylish, yet spacious bag options under $50. This newer style has a drawstring closure that allows the bag to ruffle up in a chic way. It also has an interior zippered pocket, a crossbody strap, and is made of the brand’s cult-favorite ripstop nylon. It’s deceivingly spacious for the size. ($46, Baggu)

Some statement earrings…
These handmade charm hoops are made of plastic, but they have a stained glass-like effect. You can buy the charms on their own for a cheaper price (they can add them to their everyday hoops), or you can buy them with matching gold-filled hoops. They’ll add a little color to an outfit. ($33.73+, Kateslittlestore via Etsy)

A custom leather pouch…
This is technically a makeup bag, but they can use it for pretty much anything — from a packing cube to a bag organizer. Pick from mini, large, and extra-large sizes and add their initials. ($34+, SSweddings via Etsy)

A makeup duo for the Gen-Zer in your life…
Whether they’re simply makeup-obsessed or they’re a Gen-Zer in touch with all the latest trends, this chic bundle from Rhode is very giftable. You can pick from seven color duos, so they’ll get a cream blush with a matching Peptide Lip Tint. Multiple editors on our team swear by these cream blushes for their uplifting colors, lasting power, and creamy texture. ($45, Rhode)

A custom journal from Papier’s collab with Damson Madder…
The internet’s favorite stationery brand recently collaborated with the Scandi clothing brand popping up all over TikTok. This polka-dot journal comes in a sweet butter yellow base with chocolate brown accents. Add their name or initials, and pick the kind of paper they like, along with their preferred binding. They can use it for list-making, journaling, drawing, and jotting down notes. ($32, Papier)
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