10 Valentine’s Day Gifts R29 Editors Are Utterly Smitten With

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

In a world where Valentine’s Day gifts can alter a relationship or affect a friendship, shopping for a loved one can be an arduous task. And for the extra anxiety-stricken, even choosing the right gift guide to flip through can be a struggle. Well, whatever your stress level this year, rest easy knowing that you came to the right place. The following Valentine’s Day gift picks are not only quite eclectic, crowd-pleasing, and unique, but they’re also R29 editor-approved.

It simply never hurts to get some wide-ranging perspectives on the issue at hand: Finding a Valentine’s Day gift that leaves your February muse(s) utterly smitten. So, whether it’s a quaint ceramic cream and sugar set or the internet-famous rose vibrator, cart one or two of the following editor recs. Or, at the very least, get a little gift inspo on what would really make your Valentine blush.

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Beauty Icon Lipstick, $35

“My favorite way to rock Valentine’s Day color palette is through makeup — what can I say? I’m a beauty girl to the core. I recently tested out a bunch of Charlotte Tilbury’s new lipsticks, and this gorgeous muted red emerged as my favorite. Even though it’s a matte lipstick, the texture is surprisingly plush and comfortable on lips. And can we talk about the packaging? The metallic ruby case is stunning IRL and will make you legitimately want to reapply in public. In short, it was love at first sight — and sealed with a kiss.” —Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer

Shop Charlotte Tilbury

Smoko Valentine Tayto Potato Bear BFF Plush Keychains, $18

“Unfortunately, no one will ever stop me from recommending Smoko’s plushies as gifts, no matter the holiday. However, I thought I’d switch it up a little bit this year and recommend the brand’s new plushie…keychains that are perfect for Galentine’s Day. Valentine’s Day seems to get less and less about romance every year (even for my friends in relationships) and more and more about celebrating platonic love — which, I think these adorable matching keychains do a great job of (and for under $20!).” —Alexandra Polk, Affiliate Lifestyle Writer

Shop Smoko

DASH Mini Waffle Maker, $9.95

“I love a food-related gift, but chocolates and candies can sometimes feel too on the nose for Valentine’s Day. Yes, I realize that anything heart-shaped is cliche, too, but this heart-shaped waffle iron somehow feels more personal than just your typical sweet. Depending on who it’s being gifted to, you can gift it unopened, or surprise them with a heart-shaped waffle breakfast in bed on Valentine’s morning.” —Charlotte Lewis, Sexual Health & Wellness Writer

“Many people on this team know I love a cute breakfast moment (I saw a Hallmark movie during the holiday season and copied a reindeer pancake idea for my extended family at Christmas, and I do believe it made everyone’s day). A couple years ago, my former partner came down with Covid right before a winter weekend trip away, which could have ruined our Valentine’s Day together, but I didn’t let it. I ordered a heart-shaped waffle maker, and, once recovered, I made a gooey and sweet breakfast. This is also cute for kids on Valentine’s Day— it’s not only reserved for a partner.” —Clare Palo, Senior Strategist, Audience Development

Shop Amazon

BRUNETTE The Label The “ALL OVER HEART” Sherpa Jacket | Baby Pink & Red, $159

“No brand does the overlap of kitschy and girly better than Brunette the label, and they have a whole range of Valentine’s Day sweatshirts, joggers, t-shirts, and fuzzy bags that make excellent gifts. I’m personally obsessed with this pink heart-printed jacket. Especially in mid-February when the weather is at its roughest, a cozy sherpa jacket that feels (and looks) like a hug is always going to be a hit. Plus, it doesn’t feel as intimate as gifting PJs, which is the usual heart-printed line available for most retailers.” —Charlotte Lewis, Sexual Health & Wellness Writer

Shop BRUNETTE The Label

PinkCherry Rose Vibrator, $49.90 $24.95

“Roses are a classic Valentine’s Day gift — but while the shelf life of fresh roses is about a week at maximum, this rose-shaped suction vibrator that doles out orgasms by the dozen is a gift that will last a lifetime.” —Charlotte Lewis, Sexual Health & Wellness Writer

Shop PinkCherry

BonBon Sour Mix, $18

“I am of the personal belief that if you’re giving a Valentine’s Day gift it should be something relatively thoughtful, but there is absolutely no assumption that it needs to be an investment — to be honest, I’d rather get diamonds or a dozen roses on a random day that’s not associated with a cheesy holiday. I love a sour gummy, so receiving an $18 bag of fun Swedish candies to pick through with a friend or a partner on Valentine’s Day seems just right to me.” —Kate Spencer, Sr. Affiliate Partnerships Manager

Shop BonBon

BonBon Voyager Green 18-Piece, $50

“I was gifted these Hawaiian chocolate bonbons, and they were such a sweet treat! This particular 18-piece collection has a bunch of fun, tropical-flavored fillings like mango, guava, honey blossom, and passion fruit. Each one is so tasty and unique (and a step up from regular Valentine’s milk chocolate, in my opinion).” —Victoria Montalti, Associate Affiliate Writer

Shop Koho Chocolates

Target Bullseye Valentine’s Day 2024 Pink Ceramic Cream & Sugar Set, $14.99

“My mom just gave me this absolutely adorable iridescent cream and sugar set as an early Valentine’s Day gift, and I’m obsessed with it. It comes from Target’s Bullseye Playground section in the physical stores, but they’re selling out quickly, so unless you run to your local Target ASAP, you can find a ton of them on eBay for re-sale (and trust me, it’s worth it!)” —Victoria Montalti, Associate Affiliate Writer

Shop Ebay

Kaja Beauty Jelly Charm Glazed Lip Stain & Blush Keychain, $25

“Valentine’s isn’t all about romantic partners; sometimes it’s for your soul sisters. What better way to show your love than a cute lippie to make your bestie feel even more like a queen than she already is? I got this one with a cute jelly charm. It is a perfect V-day gift for my lovelies, plus it’s great for traveling.” —Becca Sax, Affiliate Coordinator

Shop Sephora

Jayce Lingerie Set, $145 $70

“My favorite person to give presents to is myself — that goes for any holiday, but especially Valentine’s Day. In the famous words of RuPaul, ‘If you can’t love yourself, how the hell are you gonna love someone else?’ I bought myself this set from Agent Provocateur as a V-Day gift for myself. It is the perfect gift to add a little spice to my everyday life and add romance when the mood calls for it, plus it’s on steep discount right now.” —Becca Sax, Affiliate Coordinator

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Your Ultimate Capsule Wardrobe Shopping Guide

A capsule wardrobe is nothing new. The term was coined back in the 1980s by Susie Faux, the West End boutique owner who introduced her clients to minimalist brands like Jil Sander, while Donna Karan popularized the idea in the USA in ‘85 with her Seven Easy Pieces. In more recent years, Marie Kondo’s decluttering method has shaken up wardrobes the world over. The notion of a refined and utilitarian collection of clothing, of creating the maximum number of outfits from as few items as possible, is a familiar one.

Now, though, its appeal is greater than ever. The pandemic has forced many of us to recalibrate our relationship with fashion. Giving us time to step off the fast-moving carousel of disposable trends, we spent hours in lockdowns with the clothes we own and admit which were bought to secure a quick and dirty serotonin hit in the shadow of Instagram’s comparison culture, fuelled by the ease of same-day delivery. For others, waking each morning to a global pandemic has left little room for the effort and energy required to pull together a playful outfit. With heavier burdens weighing on our minds even today (see: the cost-of-living crisis), functionality is often the biggest draw when choosing what to wear each day. 

"People have been rethinking their relationship with clothing, which means more time being spent organizing, declutterring, and learning how to create a streamlined wardrobe," says personal stylist Eunice Abe. Donating, selling, swapping or gifting items which no longer fit into your life is a great way to save them from landfill but the aim isn’t to mindlessly purge your wardrobe and start anew. It's about whittling it down to a selection of thought-out pieces which will help you to resist the pull of passing trends. "Building a capsule wardrobe made up of core items not only helps me shop less and rewear my pieces over and over again," Eunice says, "but also to not shop impulsively for the 'next best thing' to wear."

At the core of a capsule wardrobe is the idea that its contents transcend passing trends but of course it will mean different things to different people. If monochrome and minimalism isn’t your flavor, a capsule wardrobe bursting with print and color is just as valuable — so long as each piece can be worn in multiple ways. Fine-tune your wardrobe so that you’re wearing what you own as much as possible, so that each piece stands the test of time and serves a functional but joyful purpose in your life. What it looks like is up to you. 

Below, we’ve found the best pieces for a traditional capsule wardrobe, from summer-ready sandals to Breton striped tees.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

Capsule Closet Must-Have:

Black Bag

Handbag trends may fluctuate, from XXL totes to itsy-bitsy micro bags, but a good black bag is forever. Just make sure it fits all your essentials — keys, phone, wallet — and is versatile enough to go from day to night.

Polène Numéro Dix, $, available at Polène

Aupen Purpose, $, available at Aupen

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Inspired by the iconic ’90s silhouette, this versatile Coachtopia shoulder bag will get you plenty of wear. Its sleek and compact design fits comfortably under your arm, yet it’s roomy enough to house your everyday necessities. What’s more, it’s crafted with sustainable materials — a mix of recycled and regenerative leather and partially recycled plastic resin — so you can feel good about wearing it, too.

Coachtopia Ergo Bag In Coachtopia Leather, $, available at Coach

Luar Small Ana Black, $, available at Shopbop

Capsule Closet Must-Have:

Black Turtleneck

From Audrey Hepburn to Steve Jobs, the turtleneck has stood the test of time for good reason. Layer yours under white workwear shirts and crew-neck knits or wear tucked into straight-leg denim.

Agolde Pascale Stretch-Lyocell Turtleneck Top, $, available at Net-A-Porter

Skims Cotton Jersey Long Sleeve Turtleneck, $, available at Skims

Madewell Whisper Cotton Turtleneck Tee, $, available at Madewell

Capsule Closet Must-Have: White T-shirt
If you can avoid spillages and stains, the plain white tee is your hardest-working piece. We're teaming ours with black blazers, gold jewelry, and flared denim but it works with just about anything, from slip skirts to high-waisted shorts.

Gap Cotton Vintage Crewneck T-Shirt, $, available at Gap

Kotn 90's Tee, $, available at Kotn

Uniqlo Ultra Stretch AIRism Cropped Short-Sleeve T-Shirt, $, available at Uniqlo

Capsule Closet Must-Have: Straight-Leg Jean

Jeans silhouettes go back and forth — goodbye skinny, hello barrel leg — but the straight leg remains a constant faithful, no matter which way the pendulum swings. Levi's and Madewell have a good size range, while Re/Done's repurposed pieces are a great sustainable option.

MOTHER The Rambler Zip Ankle, $, available at Mother

Warp + Weft ASE Plus Straight 29" Blown Away, $, available at Warp + Weft

RE/DONE High-Rise Stove Pipe, $, available at RE/DONE

Levi's 501 Original Fit, $, available at Levi's

Capsule Closet Must-Have: Cream Crew-Neck Sweater

A cream-colored crew-neck knit is a timeless classic with a neckline that lends itself to different necklace lengths. And lots of styling possibilities: We're wearing ours with big collar blouses and turtlenecks while it's chilly and over slip dresses come spring.

Cuyana Single-Origin Cashmere Scoop Neck Sweater, $, available at Cuyana

Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater, $, available at Quince

ASOS DESIGN Fluffy Crew Neck Sweater, $, available at ASOS

Capsule Closet Must-Have: Lace-Up Shoe
Lace-up leather shoes aren't for everyone, but if a smarter style works for your wardrobe, the styling solutions are endless. We enjoy them paired with a colorful sock and tailored trousers, with patterned tights and a mini skirt, with a black sock and a mini dress, and with straight-leg jeans and a turtleneck.

Dr. Martens 1461 Mono Smooth Leather Oxford Shoes, $, available at Dr. Martens

Aldo Cerdaflex Oxford Shoe, $, available at Aldo

Charles and Keith Chunky Brogues, $, available at Charles and Keith

Capsule Closet Must-Have:

Breton Tee
The Brittany-born striped top has been synonymous with timelessness ever since Coco Chanel turned the fisherman's staple into a fashion favorite. Our preferred marinière tees are by Kule or Sézane, but there are heaps of other brands to choose from. Tuck into tailored trousers or denim and top off with black lace-up shoes or white sneakers.

COS Regular-Fit Heavyweight Long-Sleeved T-Shirt, $, available at COS

Kule The Malibu, $, available at Kule

Sézane Noan Marinière, $, available at Sézane

Capsule Closet Must-Have: Gold Jewelry

Whether you go for chunky or subtle, yellow or pale-toned, gold jewelry is a perennial classic. It's at its strongest against a block-colored background like a white tee or black turtleneck.

Astrid & Miyu Dome Hoops, $, available at Astrid & Miyu

BaubleBar Small Hera Bracelet, $, available at BaubleBar

Mejuri Between Hoops, $, available at Mejuri

Capsule Closet Must-Have: Loungewear

Loungewear may not have appeared in traditional capsule wardrobes throughout the years but if the last few years have taught us one thing about getting dressed, it's that comfort is a top priority. Whether you go for a coordinating set or sling a classic gray marl sweatshirt over your denim, make room for the newest addition to your wardrobe.

Girlfriend Collective Porcini Heather 50/50 Cropped Sweatshirt, $, available at Girlfriend Collective

OFFLINE by Aerie OTT Fleece Short, $, available at Aerie

Vuori Performance Jogger, $, available at Vuori

Capsule Closet Must-Have: Oversized Button-Down
Whether you nab a vintage linen number from the men's section of your local thrift shop or borrow from your dad/brother/boyfriend, an oversized button-down shirt will last forever. Wear over turtlenecks or under oversized knits in winter and over slip dresses, swimsuits, and tucked into Bermuda shorts come summer.

Alex Mill Easy Ruffle Shirt in Paper Poplin, $, available at Alex Mill

The Frankie Shop Conrad Button Up Shirt, $, available at The Frankie Shop

Banana Republic The Oversized Shirt, $, available at Banana Republic

Capsule Closet Must-Have: Black Ankle Boot
No matter your style of choice — hiker, Chelsea, lug-sole, or heeled — there's a black ankle boot to suit everyone. Heritage labels like Blundstone can be relied on for pairs that survive years of wear and tear, while contemporary labels such as Dear Frances and Ganni make dance floor-ready boots with interesting heels.

Dear Frances Gem Boot, $, available at Dear Frances

Ganni Patent-Leather Platform Chelsea Boots, $, available at Ganni

Blundstone Women's Dress Chelsea Boots, $, available at Blundstone

Capsule Closet Must-Have: Knit Dress

Comfortable enough that you can hit the sofa but smart enough that you feel presentable for a day at the office or a weekend lunch, knit dresses are a capsule closet must-have. Wear over knee-length boots now and team with sandals when spring (finally) arrives.


Reformation Evan Cashmere Sweater Dress, $, available at Reformation

Staud Carnation Dress, $, available at Staud

& Other Stories Buttoned Rib Knit Dress, $, available at & Other Stories

Capsule Closet Must-Have:

Summer Sandals

Beyond the sneaker revival, nowhere has the shift towards comfort-first been seen more than in sandals. Birkenstock has the lion's share here, with its two-strap Arizona style dominating every season (with a fresh pedi for summer or chunky socks for winter), with a 2023 boost as a result of the Barbie movie. But there are plenty of other worthy investments for sandals you can wear from the pool to a sunny plaza in styles that won't date.

FP Collection Mila Minimal Flat Sandals, $, available at Free People

Teva Original Universal, $, available at Zappos

Birkenstock 1774 Arizona Leather Sandals, $, available at mytheresa

Capsule Closet Must-Have:

Trench Coat

The trench coat needs no introduction. Though the classic belted style is perfect for those wanting a defined silhouette, we're enjoying the loose-fitting iterations coming from the runways of JW Anderson and Burberry. Nab a vintage number from the latter from eBay for an extra cool factor and wear it with everything from midi dresses and boots to tailored trousers and tees.

Topshop Utility Trench Coat, $, available at Nordstrom

Mango Belt Detail Classic Trench Coat, $, available at Macy's

Vero Moda Long Line Trench Coat, $, available at ASOS

Capsule Closet Must-Have: Tailored Trouser
Thanks to a slew of contemporary brands, tailored trousers have thrown off their stuffy and restrictive connotations and are tempting us away from our trusted denim. Go suited and booted if you please but a tailored trouser looks as good with a white tee and silver jewelry as it does with a crew-neck knit.

Universal Standard Infinite Flannel Pants, $, available at Universal Standard

Vince Tapered Pull On Pant, $, available at Revolve

H&M Slacks, $, available at H&M

Capsule Closet Must-Have: Silver Jewelry

If gold isn't your thing, simple silver pieces work equally well with just about everything in your wardrobe. From super-thin snake chains to no-need-to-take-them-out sleeper hoops, see Jenny Bird, Missoma and Rellery for the cream of the crop.

Missoma Mini Chubby Hoop Earrings, $, available at Missoma

Rellery Chunky Chain Choker Necklace, $, available at Rellery

Jenny Bird Gia Bangle, $, available at Jenny Bird

Capsule Closet Must-Have: Leather Jacket
Whether you want to emulate a Matrix-inspired cyberpunk or channel your inner Rebel Without A Cause, leather jackets are more adaptable than you might think. Vintage is best — they get softer with age and there are tons waiting for a new home — but there is no shortage of fantastic biker silhouettes you can buy brand-new, too.

J.Crew Collection Jodie Leather Lady Jacket, $, available at J.Crew

Nanushka Ado Regenerated Leather Jacket, $, available at Nanushka

BDG Sean Faux Leather Harrington Jacket, $, available at Urban Outfitters

Capsule Closet Must-Have: Tank Top

The humble tank top enjoyed a renaissance in the last few years. Now a summer staple, we wear ours with boxer shorts in bed, with slip skirts and mules for balmy evenings and with mom jeans and gold jewelry for a throwback look.

Alo Goddess Ribbed Go-To Tank, $, available at Alo

Athleta Renew Seamless Racerback Tank, $, available at Athleta

Intimately Clean Lines Muscle Cami, $, available at Free People

Capsule Closet Must-Have:

White Sneaker
However you get your kicks, there's a white sneaker for you. Box-fresh and chunky? You can't go wrong with New Balance's 1400. Retro-inspired? Look to Converse All-Stars or Adidas Sambas. For sustainable options, Veja and Cariuma hit the spot. The more worn, the better — there's no trick to styling this perennial classic.

Nike Air Force 1 '07 Sneakers, $, available at SSENSE

Cariuma Off-White Canvas OCA Low, $, available at Cariuma

Reebok BB 4000 II Sneakers, $, available at Farfetch

Capsule Closet Must-Have: Black Coat

There are plenty of coat styles that never age, from a navy pea coat to a khaki parka. If you're looking for something to survive every winter without being too trend-dominated, may we suggest a black coat? Whether you opt for double-breasted and wool, quilted and collarless, or fuzzy faux fur, as long as you'll get substantial wear out of it come winter, and it'll protect you from the cold, it's a forever piece for sure.

Babaton The Connor Coat, $, available at Aritzia

Everlane The ReNew Long Liner, $, available at Everlane

Estelle Longline Coat, $, available at Nordstrom

Fashion has a waste problem — but Coachtopia thinks it’s solvable. See how it’s redefining what it means to be circular in the first episode of its new docuseries, The Road To Circularity, here.
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