Valentine’s Day Gifts for a New Relationship

When you’ve been in a relationship for a long time, it’s easy to see Valentine’s Day gift-buying as something of a chore that comes around every year and costs too much. But in those ‘butterflies in the tummy’ early dating days, everything is exciting, especially buying Valentine’s Day gifts for a new relationship. But the question is what to buy?

If you’ve only been together for a short time, it’s understandable that you might be nervous about getting it right. You could keep it simple and just go with chocolates and flowers for her. But what on earth do you buy a guy for Valentine’s, especially when you’ve only known them for a few weeks?

The stakes are high, because it’s your opportunity to prove that you GET and understand them. And of course, the thought always counts more than how much you spend!

You will also need to think about what message you’re sending with the gift - you need something that highlights where you are (or want to be) in your relationship. Get something too casual and you risk looking like you’re not committed enough. Get something too full-on and you could give them a scare.

So here’s our guide to the best Valentine’s Day gifts for a new relationship:

We’ll start with a caveat here. We’ve split these sections up between his and her gifts for ease, but that doesn’t mean you have to stick to them. Even after a few weeks or months you should have a good idea what they’re into and which of these sections have the stuff they’d like. It could be both, especially if you’re lucky enough to be dating a non-binary connection. The dating world is more fluid every day, so the gifts you buy certainly can be too.

But on to the kind of Valentine's Day gifts for her in a new relationship. Here are some ideas:

Valentine’s Day might seem like it’s part of the start of Spring but it’s still very much winter, especially if you live somewhere that gets cold. She will be sure to appreciate anything that’s warm and cozy - choose from slippers, blankets or any other kind of wearable coziness. And, best of all, when you’re not there and she needs to snuggle up, she’ll be thinking of you.

Flowers are traditional but can be so expensive around Valentine’s Day. They also don’t last and can seem a bit corny or half-hearted unless you go all-out and spend a small fortune on a ridiculous bouquet. So why not get something that will last? House plants come in all shapes, sizes and colours, including heart-shaped bamboo and will bring lasting joy. Just like you!

Who doesn’t love scented candles? If you can find out her favorite scents (floral or fruity) and get a candle that encompasses them, you’ll be sure to score some extra bonus points! What’s more, it’s another thing that will remind her of you every time she lights it…

Wondering what to get him for Valentine’s Day in a new relationship is a common problem. It’s hard enough buying a man a Valentine’s gift when you’ve known him for decades, let alone only a short time. Ask yourself what sort of things he prefers?? Would he prefer something heartfelt or more useful?

Whatever he’s into, here are some suggestions:

Wait, what? Stick with us. There’s loads of subscription boxes out there to meet everyone’s needs, so whatever he’s into, there will be something for him and this is the Valentine’s gift that keeps on giving. So whether it’s monthly shaving essentials, foodie treats, or his favorite magazine, you’ll be making him happy all year round.

You can never go wrong with a bottle of his favorite aftershave or a fancy grooming kit he probably wouldn’t buy himself. 

Yep, this was in our suggestions for her too, but even the manliest of men likes a good set of slippers or a sharp dressing gown to relax in when he gets home from a hard day’s work. Something for you to borrow too… 

You’ve secured the gift but now you need to plan how you are going to spend your first Valentine’s Day? Well, there are a few options. As it’s your first one in a new relationship, you can go down the traditional route. Book a table at a fancy restaurant and then go see a movie. But if that feels a bit much at this stage, you could opt for a lower stakes kind of date.

Why not have a picnic during the day time and let the evening be whatever it turns out to be? Or do something like going bowling together, focusing on the fun rather than the pressure to be super-romantic? Best of all, be open and talk to each other about your expectations and any anxieties. There’s nothing sexier than vulnerability and openness.

What if you can’t actually spend the day together? If you met online, or on vacation or one of you has to be away, you’ll be desperate for ideas for Valentine’s Day for long distance relationships.

Of course, there’s a video chatting date, something that has become a bit less weird than it used to be. Streaming a movie together and chatting through it might not be the same as snuggling up on the same sofa, but it’s a way to get closer and share the experience.

And finally, if time zones allow, why not share the sunset together? Remember that, no matter how many miles are between you, you’re both looking up at the same skies.