You’ve slogged through January. You’re officially back at work but you’d far rather be in bed, and your algorithm is full of ‘good habits’ you really don’t have the energy for.

We’re all in need of something to look forward to. This year, we’re going to approach Valentine’s Day a bit differently. Instead of reducing it to something ‘cringe’, let’s make it our shared light at the end of the winter-y tunnel. Because showing your favourite people you care is always a good idea.

I often find the best Valentine’s gifts are those that enable quality time, this could be a guide book for a city you want to go to together or a board game that is the perfect excuse for a night in with your besties.

Each item has been linked, but more importantly less than items, think of this as a list of ideas. We might have chosen a caramelised milk chocolate bar, when you know your partner or bestie eats nothing but dark chocolate. Trust that you know them well enough to find something they’d really love.

Please note: some of these links are affiliate links. While this doesn’t cost you any extra money, if you do choose to buy an item using one of our affiliate links it means that we’ll get a small percentage (usually no more than 3% of the purchase).

Handwritten card

While gifts are always lovely to receive sometimes immortalising your feelings with a card is the best way to mark Valentine’s day. Here are some of our favourites. The majority are from small, independent businesses like Emmy Lupin Studio, Rumble Cards and Lisa Jones Studio.