Valentine’s Day is all about love, but let’s be real: some gifts just don’t say “I adore you” the way they used to! While romancenever goes out of style, it’s easy for certain Valentine’s Day gifts to feel more like a last-minute grabthan a compassionate, heartfelt expression of love.
If you want to impress your special someone this Valentine's Day, it’s time to retire these 7 “outdated” and overdone gifts that scream predictable.
The Glorious Studio / PEXELS
Now don’t get me wrong – heart-shaped jewelry can be super cute, but oftentimes, it can feel a little cheesy and predictable for Valentine’s Day.
Instead, consider your Valentine’s personal interests and search for some jewelry that way. Whether it’s sports, animals, or astrology, you’ll surely be able to find something that suits them more closely.Hassan Ouajbir / PEXELS
Those big teddies – or even just the cheap stuffed animals from the drugstore – are not practical whatsoever and tend to collect dust. Unless you know of a very specific plush that your Valentine's been wanting, it’s okay to skip the stuffed animals.
Picjumbo / PEXELS
While red roses can be a romantic gesture, there are so many other flowers to consider. Roses are simply generic AF and very expected – instead, get to the bottom of what your Valentine’s favorite flower is and run with that! From lilies to mums, you could even create your own bouquet with just a little extra effort.
Ksenia Chernaya / PEXELS
The same idea goes for fake plants. Why invest in a fake plant when a real one can be so much more meaningful? This way, every time your Valentine goes to water the plant you gave them, they’ll be thinking of you. ❤️
Matching t-shirts, mugs, socks, and the like are honestly pretty cringeworthy, unless you’re really into them. Your Valentine will definitely appreciate a unique gift a lot more this year.
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Cheap chocolates are good for a last-minute gift, but if you want your gift to feel special to your Valentine, please take the extra time (and money!) to opt for a fancier box. They’ll look better and taste better.
Jill Wellington / PEXELS
All of this goes to say that anything impersonal makes a cliche and outdated Valentine’s Day gift. You don’t even have to go insanely above and beyond for your date this year – just a little extra consideration will definitely make them feel loved.
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Emma Roberts and Karah Preiss are the bestie duo whose book club Belletrist became an instant favorite of ours. After they couldn't stop asking about each other's reading habits, they created this book club in 2017. The astounding part is that it's grown to feature over 80 books — we counted — and it looks like it's poised to expand even more this year!
Based on their picks so far, we expect to see great things from Emma and Karah's vivacious Belletrist book club. Scroll to find out all the books they've picked so far this year!
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It's there he begins to find his inspiration for art and even falls in love after thinking he'd never get over the woman who left him.
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Don't miss out on Reese Witherspoon and Jenna Bush Hager's 2025 book club recommendations!
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Waited 'til the last minute to snag a Valentine's Day gift for your boo? Fret not, my friend! Amazon has a ton of great gift options, and the 15 items I've hand-selected below will all arrive before Feb. 14. You'll find a little something for every kind of Valentine here, from cute kitchen finds to stunning beauty products like makeup and fragrances.
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This mug warmer will keep their morning coffee fresh all day long. Snag it in a V-Day-friendly color to really embrace the holiday!
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This super buttery blush comes in plenty of different shades to suit your Valentine's skin tone. The texture is simply amazing, plus it's considerably pigmented, so a little goes a long way.
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With notes of creamy vanilla and tonka bean, this is quite literally the sweetest scent to gift this Valentine's Day. The bottle itself is a work of art!
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You can't really go wrong with a classic Stanley tumbler for the person who loves to stay hydrated.
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This adorable Coach bag is more of a splurge when it comes to last-minute Valentine's Day gifts, but there's no doubt it'll make your Valentine feel special as ever. This red color is also ideal for commemorating the holiday!
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Snuggle up with your S.O. in this lavish faux fur blanket! It's a gift for them and for you. Score.
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This French press will help your giftee craft the perfect brew. Plus, it's adorably covered in heart cut-outs!
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In favor of live flowers that'll wilt quickly, snag this cutie little plant plush to remind them of your undying love.
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For the bougie beauty lover, the Shark FlexStyle is a must for locking down the perfect hairstyle!
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These plush slippers feel like luxury during every wear. They'll keep your giftee's feet and toes expertly warm in these cold winter months!
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This set of body cream, body wash, and perfume smells so delicious. The bottles are perfectly travel-sized, so your Valentine can take 'em on the go for a nice refresh.
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This cult-fave lipstick is guaranteed to get good reception from your beauty-loving Valentine!
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This electric kettle is as much a practical kitchen piece as it is a work of art. Think of it as counter eye candy that you and your boo can enjoy together for fresh teas, coffees, and more!
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Build them this adorable Lego rose bouquet to gift alongside any beauty pick, fashion find, or homemade treat to truly impress your S.O.
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We've all met people who appear destined to take charge, inspire others, or navigate challenges with ease. Whether they're able to effortlessly command a room or rally people toward a common goal, leadership seems to be ingrained in their DNA.
It's true that through strong communication and initiative, anyone can hone leadership skills. Even so, certain zodiac signs are just naturally wired for the role.
So, from ambitious Capricorns to charismatic Leos, here are eight zodiac signs that are undeniably born leaders.
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Capricorns are driven by ambition and discipline, so they have an unshakable work ethic. They are excellent at setting long-term goals and practicing patience in the pursuit of success.
When it comes to their leadership style, Capricorns value structure and responsibility. They also respect hierarchy, instinctively recognizing people who command authority versus those who require guidance.
Every step they take is calculated and purposeful, whether they're in the boardroom at work or trying to attain a personal ambition.
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Symbolized by the headstrong ram, Aries epitomizes brave leadership. Individuals with this zodiac sign don't wait around for opportunities; they create them.
Aries are known for their confidence, charisma, and willingness to take risks. It's these same traits that make them natural leaders who thrive in fast-paced and high-energy environments.
They're not afraid to take charge, making tough decisions when the going gets rough. Aries' leadership style can be a bit intense, but they forge ahead with ambition and courage until they win.
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Leos are represented by the mighty lion, and for good reason. This sign exudes confidence, charm, and natural authority. Their presence is practically magnetic, drawing people in with a juxtaposition of warmth and power.
While Leos don't always seek out leadership roles, these positions also tend to find them anyway. When direction seems to be lacking, they step in and help forge a path forward.
Their sense of self-assurance helps inspire both admiration and loyalty. And even though they thrive in the spotlight, they know how to empower others, too.
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Sagittarians have an unrelenting desire for exploration and adventure, so their leadership style tends to be fueled by curiosity and ambition. They don't want to control others; rather, they want to help people dream bigger, be bolder, and step outside of their comfort zones.
For them, it's not just about reaching the destination. It's about embracing the journey.
They like to lead with enthusiasm, embracing the unknown that lies ahead. They're optimistic and forward-thinking, pushing boundaries by challenging conventional norms and encouraging others to see the bigger picture.
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Similarly, Aquarians are motivated by innovation and the wish for progress. They don't just want to be leaders to get recognition or power; they actually hope to make a difference.
Where other signs might see obstacles, Aquarians see possibilities. They embrace change, challenge the status quo, and desire evolution for the collective good of society.
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Cancers value intuition, heart, and loyalty. Symbolized by the crab, their leadership style is more about protection and guidance rather than dominance.
They're very emotionally intelligent and strive to create environments that are safe and supportive to help people feel valued. That's why Cancers excel at building tight-knit teams that almost function like a family.
However, don't mistake their compassionate approach for weakness. Cancers are fierce, especially when it comes to defending those they care about.
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Scorpios have no problem taking charge. This sign, represented by the scorpion, is known for intensity and unwavering determination.
They are both analytical and intuitive, which helps them navigate even the most complex scenarios.
To top it all off, Scorpios lead with a mix of mystery and authority. Their quiet confidence and sheer presence tend to draw others in, and they're able to steer teams through high-pressure situations.
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Last but not least, Pisces leads with intuition as well as empathy. They truly value connection and have the innate ability to sense what others need. So, this sign is naturally able to step into mentorship or management roles.
Pisceans help create environments where people feel heard and inspired. They rely on their kindness and emotional intelligence, meaning they're great at promoting unity and teamwork.
Plus, their seemingly gentle approach has a profound impact. People don't just follow Pisceans out of obligation; they truly feel understood and valued.
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Do you love dogs yet dread the constant cleaning that comes with shedding? Countless people can relate.
But while every dog owner knows a little fur is inevitable, certain breeds are known for being lower-shedding.
Whether you suffer from allergies or just want to reduce the time you spend cleaning up hair around your living space, here are 12 low-shedding dog breeds that'll make great additions to your household (without the mess).
Poodles are known for their hypoallergenic coats, so they shed very little and are ideal for anyone seeking a low-shedding pet.
This breed also comes in three sizes, the Standard, Miniature, and Toy, and is easy to train due to its high intelligence. Just keep in mind that, regardless of their size, all Poodles require regular grooming to keep their curly coats free from mats and tangles.
Just like the Poodle, the Bichon Frise is another breed that features a hypoallergenic coat. These dogs are tiny, cheerful, and popular due to their friendly nature.
Plus, they're known for being very smart and trainable, making them great family pets that keep clean up around the house to a minimum.
Originally bred as a hypoallergenic service dog, the Labradoodle is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle.
These dogs inherited low-shedding coats, thanks to Poodle parents, and are favored for their friendly and affectionate nature. They thrive when given plenty of exercise and early socialization.
Malteses are adorably tiny and cuddly hypoallergenic dogs prized for their silky white coats. They make playful and loving companions, but owners have to stay on top of their grooming routine.
If you prefer that your Maltese has a longer coat, regular maintenance is important to prevent any mats. Otherwise, keeping a shorter "puppy" cut can make grooming much easier.
Affectionately referred to as "Yorkies," Yorkshire Terriers are little hypoallergenic dogs with big personalities. They crave attention and are very loyal to their owners.
These pups also shed minimally and can adapt well to a range of households, from cozy apartments to spacious homes.
You may not know that there are three Schnauzer breeds, including the Miniature Schnauzer, the Standard Schnauzer, and the Giant Schnauzer. Despite their size differences, all three are low-shedding.
Miniature Schnauzers are revered for their intelligence and typically weigh between 10 and 20 pounds. Standard Schnauzers, on the other hand, are also known for their smarts and enjoy long walks and mental stimulation. They just can weigh as much as 45 pounds.
Giant Schnauzers can reach up to 85 pounds and are some of the largest hypoallergenic dogs. To keep these pups happy, give them a lot of playtime and exercise.
Paul Groom Photography Bristol
The Havanese is a little, playful breed that's popular for its charming personality and silky coat that doesn't shed much.
These furry friends adore human interaction, making them devoted companions, and are considered low-shedding. All they need is some regular grooming to keep their coat smooth and tangle-free.
Italian Greyhounds are sleek and elegant, featuring short, smooth coats that barely shed. Contrary to what their graceful appearance might suggest, these dogs are also very playful, affectionate, and sensitive.
If you're searching for a sophisticated yet loving dog that doesn't require a lot of cleanup, this breed may be your perfect match.
Portuguese Water Dogs were first bred to work alongside fishermen. Today, they're regaled for their energy and athleticism, making them a great option for active families.
These dogs also have hypoallergenic fur and don't shed much. If you're an outdoor enthusiast who wants to maintain a fur-free home, the Portuguese Water Dog might be the pet for you.
This unique, cat-like breed is famous for its barkless nature. It actually makes a distinctive "yodel" sound!
Basenjis are very intelligent, playful, and sometimes mischievous, with a high prey drive. Additionally, they don't shed a lot, have minimal grooming requirements, and are often free from usual canine odors.
The Shih Tzu was initially bred as a companion pet in China and has remained a famous lap dog to this day. They love human company and usually stick to their owners' sides.
But while they're low-shedding, these dogs will still grow a long, luxurious coat that requires regular grooming. Otherwise, you can keep it trimmed shorter for easier maintenance.
Lastly, the Brussels Griffon is a small breed with a rough coat that's non-shedding and simple to groom. That's why these dogs are stellar choices for anyone seeking a low-maintenance pet.
In terms of temperament, Brussels Griffons are smart, affectionate, sensitive, and quite cuddly.
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