The best Valentine’s Day gifts: 34 thoughtful ideas they’ll actually want

Forget hot-housed roses and generic chocolates: from a modern mix tape to a padel racket, give them something more considered this year. The Guardian’s journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. Not everyone embraces Valentine’s Day. It is, at worst, a commercial free-for-all crammed with out-of-season roses and overpriced, throwaway gifts and, at best, a day that sees you dashing to a supermarket at 6pm trying to find something that doesn’t scream “after-thought”.

But if you are going to embrace it, there are some great, thoughtful gifts out there. We’ve put together a list of more unusual, long-lasting ideas: from Lego flowers to a digital mix tape, a refurbished games console to an affordable fragrance. Whether you’re looking for a present to bring you closer as a couple – half-and-half duvet, anyone? – or to attract someone new, our guide will help you ace Valentine’s Day this year. And not an (out-of-season) red rose in sight.

Lego wildflower bouquet. £54.99 at Lego. £40 at Argos. Better than a hot-housed bouquet, Lego flowers are not only beautiful but also they’ll last forever. This wildflower set comes as 939 pieces, so you can build them together for a wholesome night in. There’s a whole range of botanical Lego from which you can pick a bunch to suit their taste. If flowers aren’t their thing, these tiny plants are also really cute.

Mixed radicchio box. £35 at Natoora. This beautiful box of seasonal radicchio is a wonderful alternative to a bunch of out-of-season roses, as suggested by Natoora’s “radicchio not roses” campaign. Display their beautiful pink leaves in a bowl on your table, and then eat them. Slumberdown Made For You Two duvet 4.5/10.5 Tog. From £24.99 at Debenhams. From £25.99 at Amazon. If you find yourself shivering in bed while your partner’s sweating, this one’s for you. This dual-tog duvet has a 4.5 thickness on one half and 10.5 on the other, so you can both get a perfect sleep.

If your bed setup is in need of more than just a new duvet, read our test of the best mattresses to help you sleep better. Dior Sauvage deodorant spray, 150ml. £34 at Boots. £40 at the Perfume Shop. Chanel Coco Mademoiselle moisture mist, 100ml. £39.10 at John Lewis. £39.10 at Boots. Perfumes and aftershaves can be so expensive, so when Anita Bhagwandas recommended buying the more affordable body spray version of your favourite scent, I was sold. Most high-end fragrances have them, including Chanel Coco Mademoiselle, Davidoff Cool Water and Jo Malone Pear & Freesia. My personal favourite, Glossier You, even comes in a body butter. Buy one to match the scent they already wear for a fail-safe gift.

Sterling silver round curb chain bracelet. £145 at Missoma. Simple chains are perfect for no-frills people. If your partner’s style is more understated, get them a classic piece of jewellery from an affordable but cool brand such as Missoma. Signature signet ring. £88 at Monica Vinader. Get jewellery engraved for a more personal gift. This 18k gold vermeil signet ring from Monica Vinader – a Filter favourite – can be etched with the initials of your loved one to make them feel extra special.

Personalised Spotify code keyring. From £9.49 at Etsy. Did you know every song, artist and playlist on Spotify has its own unique code? Create a playlist of songs you know your partner will love and get the code printed on a keyring for a simple but deeply personal gift. Think of it as a modern-day mix tape. Sony PlayStation classic console. £119.57 at Amazon. If your partner is into gaming, chances are they used to have the original PlayStation or Nintendo 64. Both Sony and Nintendo sell versions of their classic consoles preloaded with the original games – I borrowed my boyfriend’s Super Nintendo recently and Donkey Kong had me hooked for hours. They’re a perfect gift for those with a penchant for nostalgia. You could also buy a refurbished model at a more affordable price.

Build your own hot sauce box. £26.50 at Not on the High Street. From smoky to fruity, tailor this hot sauce selection box to them by selecting the flavours you know they’ll love. Raspberry and scarlet lace underwear. £35 for a bralette at Stripe & Stare. £18 for the original knicker at Stripe & Stare. Comfy doesn’t have to mean frumpy. Stripe & Stare underwear is known for being cute and comfortable. This set in quintessential Valentine’s Day colours is perfect.

Low rise trunks, three pack. £42 at Calvin Klein. £42 at Asos. Calvin Kleins are a classic for a reason. If you want to buy them boxers but are unsure about where to start, these are a safe bet. Red and white striped classic unisex boxer shorts. £35 at Speltham. For something more distinctive, how about unisex underwear? These boxers are designed to be worn by everyone. Open padel racket. £29.99 at Decathlon.