I’m a Gift-Giving Expert, And These Are the Best Valentine’s Day Gifts This Year

Senior Shopping Editor

If there's one thing about me, it's that I'm a really good gift giver. I want the people I love to feel loved, too, so sentimental value is a must. With Valentine's Day coming up, shopping for the right gift can feel particularly nerve wracking, and although it's hard to go wrong with flowers or chocolate, a thoughtful gift catered to your significant other's uniqueness is a hit from Cupid's arrow. The holiday isn't exclusive to romantic love, either—it's the perfect time to treat all your loves, whether that's your best friend, favorite niece, or even yourself.

So, where to start? As Real Simple's senior shopping editor, I'm an expert on all things gifting-related—and I have a few products up my sleeve for foolproof Valentine's Day gifting.

1. Best for partners: Celebrate your partner with the Birthdate Co. Anniversary Candle, featuring your names, the day you got together, and a gorgeous blend of sage, frankincense, and oakmoss. The soy and coconut wax candle has a 50-hour burn time and even comes with a personalized zodiac reading that's special to your date. For something even more personalized, you can't go wrong with Minted's Classic Heart Snapshot. The one-of-a-kind collage features 30 of your favorite snapshots arranged in a heart with a museum-grade mat and white wood frame.

2. Best for friends: For your best friend who loves plants, this Hoya Heart Succulent is a unique and downright adorable option for their window sill. The white ceramic planter comes with your choice of one or two heart-shaped succulents that require just a spritz of water every now and again to keep them vibrant and healthy.

3. Best for kids: Delight the youngster in your life who likes to get creative in the kitchen with the Baketivity Kids Baking Set. It comes with everything you need to make festive red velvet cupcakes, complete with heart-shaped candy melts. With easy-to-follow illustrated instructions and educational games to play while the treats cook, it's a yummy way to bond with your favorite little one on Valentine's Day.

4. Best for yourself: Treat yourself, too! The Laneige Berries 'N Choco Kisses Set is the sweetest kit for keeping lips plump and hydrated around the clock. The cute collection of minis features the Lip Glowy Balm in Berry for on-the-go use in the daytime, and the Lip Sleeping Mask in Chocolate for working magic overnight. Or, engaging in some self-love can take the form of new jewelry, too. The Mejuri Charlotte Bold Hoops can take you from the office to a night out, and they're made with a thick 18-karat gold layer on sterling silver, meaning they'll last longer at the fraction of the price of real gold.