Lessons From Frida Kahlo in Embracing My Culture

The #endSARS Movement In Nigeria: What to Know

A Debate Coach Grades Final Presidential Debate

Short Hair Calling Your Name? Try a Bob

Editors handpick every product that we feature. We may earn commission from the links on this page.

13 Affordable Unisex Valentine's Day Gifts That Look $$$

AKA the guide to gifting someone you just started seeing.

By Lori Keong

Jan 12, 2017

Design by Betsy Farrell

When you find yourself in that awkward purgatory where you've just started dating someone and aren't really sure where it's going but it's also Valentine's Day (???), sometimes it's better to play it safe than show up empty-handed. Ahead, 13 thoughtful V-Day gift ideas for the budget-conscious (most fall under $30) that still look like you put plenty of thought into it.

<p>Poketo's cult favorite planners are expensive because they're so chic and well-organized. But they're so worth it—<span class="redactor-invisible-space" data-verified="redactor" data-redactor-tag="span" data-redactor-class="redactor-invisible-space"></span>your giftee will thank you for helping them stick to their 2017 resolutions. </p><p><strong data-redactor-tag="strong" data-verified="redactor">Moment Planner, $30; <a href="http://www.poketo.com/products/moment-planner-in-large" target="_blank" data-tracking-id="recirc-text-link">poketo.com</a>.</strong></p>

The Rolls-Royce of Planners

Poketo's cult favorite planners are expensive because they're so chic and well-organized. But they're so worth it—your giftee will thank you for helping them stick to their 2017 resolutions.

Moment Planner, $30; poketo.com.

An Upgrade to Your Indoor Plants

A twee cement planter that's shaped like an avocado. Aw!

Avocado Fruit Planter, $24; needsupply.com.

A Prettier Pour-Over

A fancy marigold glass pour-over filter that's easier on the eyes than your average V60 Chemex.

Yield Double-Wall Pour-Over, $34; ingodwetrustnyc.com.

Aromatic Rosebud Tea

A little subtler than a bouquet, gift these fancy green tea sachets infused with rose petals. Mmmm.

Rose Green Tea, $16; kusmitea.com.

A Sleek Japanese Cold Brewer

For the S.O. who thinks that "cold brewing" means putting ice in hot coffee and refrigerating.

HARIO Cold Brewer, $25; store.moma.org.

Golden Goals

A golden water bottle from the cult-favorite S'Well company that looks like $$$ money.

S'Well Yellow Gold Water Bottle, $42; swell.com.

<p>Plant Apothecary created this body wash with scents which are meant to enhance desire—<span class="redactor-invisible-space" data-redactor-tag="span" data-redactor-class="redactor-invisible-space" data-verified="redactor" style="line-height: 1.6em; background-color: initial;" rel="line-height: 1.6em; background-color: initial;" data-redactor-style="line-height: 1.6em; background-color: initial;">like</span> sandalwood to cedar—for an extra steamy shower experience. As a bonus, proceeds from each product go to BKLYN UNTD, an organization dedicated to giving work to those with mental and physical disabilities. </p><p><strong data-redactor-tag="strong">Plant Apothecary Organic Bodywash, $20; <a href="https://plantapothecary.com/product/get-it-on-bodywash-9-5oz-281ml/" target="_blank" data-tracking-id="recirc-text-link">plantapothecary.com</a>.</strong></p>

Aphrodisiac Body Wash

Plant Apothecary created this body wash with scents which are meant to enhance desire—like sandalwood to cedar—for an extra steamy shower experience. As a bonus, proceeds from each product go to BKLYN UNTD, an organization dedicated to giving work to those with mental and physical disabilities.

Plant Apothecary Organic Bodywash, $20; plantapothecary.com.

<p>The prettiest cookbook that's been released in the age of Instagram, <em data-redactor-tag="em">Everything I Want to Eat</em> (written by the owner of California's Swirl restaurant) is a must-own. Its ingredients are super accessible (no pretentious ingredients here) and its food porn pages make you want to kick your Seamless habit.
</p><p><strong data-redactor-tag="strong">Everything I Want to Eat: Sqirl and the New California Cooking, $28; <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Everything-Want-Eat-California-Cooking/dp/141972231X" target="_blank" data-tracking-id="recirc-text-link">amazon.com</a>.</strong>
</p>

Coffee-Table Cook Book

The prettiest cookbook that's been released in the age of Instagram, Everything I Want to Eat (written by the owner of California's Swirl restaurant) is a must-own. Its ingredients are super accessible (no pretentious ingredients here) and its food porn pages make you want to kick your Seamless habit.

Everything I Want to Eat: Sqirl and the New California Cooking, $28; amazon.com.

A No-Frills Card Case

A chic envelope-style card case for the minimalist who wants to keep things compact (read: doesn't hoard receipts).

i ro se Card Case, $40; needsupply.com.

<p>Because everyone needs more <a href="http://www.marieclaire.com/beauty/news/a22899/urban-decay-rainbow-palettes/" target="_blank" data-tracking-id="recirc-text-link">rainbow accents</a> in their utensil drawer. </p><p><strong data-redactor-tag="strong" data-verified="redactor">Beta Pastry Server, $15; <a href="http://www.cb2.com/beta-pastry-server/s600331" target="_blank" data-tracking-id="recirc-text-link">cb2.com</a>.</strong></p>

Psychedelic Server

Because everyone needs more rainbow accents in their utensil drawer.

Beta Pastry Server, $15; cb2.com.

<p>Yes, you could get Moon Juice's ever-popular <a href="http://www.marieclaire.com/sex-love/a19993/i-tried-sex-dust/" target="_blank" data-tracking-id="recirc-text-link">sex dust</a>, but we think the power of a <a href="http://www.marieclaire.com/health-fitness/news/a13230/new-national-sleep-foundation-guidelines/" target="_blank" data-tracking-id="recirc-text-link">good night's sleep</a> is truly underrated, too. Custom blended super herbs are purported to help induce sleep naturally, whether you believe or not, and it's otherwise just a nice bedtime treat. </p><p><strong data-redactor-tag="strong">Dream Dust, $30; <a href="http://needsupply.com/womens/beauty/dream-dust-by-moon-juice.html" target="_blank" data-tracking-id="recirc-text-link">urbanoutfitters.com</a>.</strong></p>

Better Sleep in a Jar

Yes, you could get Moon Juice's ever-popular sex dust, but we think the power of a good night's sleep is truly underrated, too. Custom blended super herbs are purported to help induce sleep naturally, whether you believe or not, and it's otherwise just a nice bedtime treat.

Dream Dust, $30; urbanoutfitters.com.

Cake Stand for Minimalists

A beautiful porcelain cake stand to help the bakers in your life literally elevate their craft.

Graduate Cake Pedestal, $15; cb2.com.

<p>Because there are really only mixed results (no pun intended) when you try to eyeball measurements for your favorite cocktails, this kit makes it easier to recreate them accurately with specified measurement marks. Each kit comes with four different drink glasses, from a Bloody Mary to a Mojito. </p><p><strong data-redactor-tag="strong">Bartending Glasses Kit of Four, $20; <a href="https://store.moma.org/museum/moma/ProductDisplay_Bartending-Glasses_10451_10001_238399_-1_26715_11593_238432" target="_blank" data-tracking-id="recirc-text-link">store.moma.org</a>.</strong></p>

A Kit for Budding Mixologists

Because there are really only mixed results (no pun intended) when you try to eyeball measurements for your favorite cocktails, this kit makes it easier to recreate them accurately with specified measurement marks. Each kit comes with four different drink glasses, from a Bloody Mary to a Mojito.

Bartending Glasses Kit of Four, $20; store.moma.org.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below