The 40 Strangest Valentine’s Gifts Ever

As much as we love finding those super special somethings for our super special someones, how could we resist turning this gift-giving holiday into an excuse to curate the weird, the strange, and the bacon-flavored? This Valentine’s Day, give your best friend, your coworker, or your partner a totally weird gift that they’ll instantly Instagram, guffaw about, and love you for. It’s like a White Elephant Gift Guide for February 14th!

1. Oversized Faux Paws, Set of Two ($38): Love getting cozy with furry friends? So much that you want to become one…?

2. Money Bean Bag ($98): For your favorite old moneybags.

3. Bacon Jelly Beans ($6): We cannot possibly imagine these tasting good, but we’ll give them the old college try.

5. Panda Party Bean Bag Chair ($160): Sitting on a spherical panda is too weird to be cute.

6. Painless Piercings ($2): The ’90s called, they want their ear cuffs back.

7. Ask Me About My Zombie Disguise ($33): The perfect excuse for the exhibitionist in your life to take their top off, over and over again.

8. Mullet On-the-Go Wig ($5): Available in medium length wavy or long sort of stringy varieties.

9. Heart of Gold Metallic Plush ($39): Okay okay, we’ll admit that this stuffed heart is pretty darn cute.

10. Morphsuit ($30): Get a couple of these and get really, really weird on Valentine’s Day.

11. Tattoo Notebook ($13): Thinking about getting some matching ink? Sketch it out in this body part-filled notebook before you go under the needle.

12. 2 Carat Cup ($13): If you’re not ready to put a ring on it, you can at least put a ring cup on it?

13. Bacon Sticky Tie ($5): If a Post-It Note, bacon, and a necktie had a crazy night out together, this stick-on tie might be the result.

14. Rubber Chicken Purse ($42): Don’t be such a chicken about it.

15. Pug Face Shirt ($19): Giant animal faces that you can wear are always a hit.

16. Creepy Horse Man Hand Puppet ($17): As if Horse Head costumes weren’t creepy enough… we recently discovered a Horse Man Hand Puppet. Wow.

17. Oversized Inflatable Tiger ($300): Always dreamed of being Jasmine and Aladdin? Or perhaps Mike Tyson? Then you obviously need this tiger.

18. Duff Beer 24-Pack ($50): Throw a Simpsons-themed rager and impress everyone you know.

19. Coq Au Vin Bottle Stopper ($3): We kind of love this quirky colorful stopper.

20. Cat Doorstop ($33): Cat got your… door?

21. Hot Dog Leash ($12): O.M.G. This is the best leash ever.

22. Purr Your Heart Into It Cat Pajamas ($24): But why? Why does your cat need pajamas? Is it just so you can say the old-timey “he really is the cat’s pajamas” expression over and over again?

23. Blushing Bridle Wedding Cake Toppers ($15): These extremely creepy horse toppers would actually make a pretty hilarious anniversary present.

24. EMT Lunch Bag ($24): Ahhh! Imagine seeing this in your office fridge.

25. Wilson Cast Away Volleyball ($22): For the lonely hearts, Wilson is always here to keep you company.

26. Hello Kitty Roller Skates ($199): Go for a nostalgia double whammy in the form of these hot rollers.

27. Dog Butt Magnets ($12): Magnets, in dog butt form. Why not?

28. Finger Candle, Pack of Five ($14): No. Just… no. But wait, can I get your digits? ;)

29. Heart Gelatin Mold ($7): Imagine the finger candles IN a heart-shaped mound of Jello? It’s so weird that it’s perfect.

30. Batstache ($6): It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s batstache!

31. T-Rex Wall Sculpture ($89): We need this in our office, like, yesterday.

32. First Aid Coffee Cup ($15): To go with your EMT lunch bag, a first aid mug.

33. Beer Belt ($16): It’s not the most romantic accessory you can give, but it certainly is practical.

34. Das Horn Drinking Vessel ($30): It’s a horn-shaped drinking vessel that you can hang around your neck. Done and done.

35. Pac-Man Color Changing Ghost Lamp ($70): Okay this is seriously awesome! You can change the colors with an itty bitty remote.

36. Giant Googly Eyes ($10): Turn anything in your home into a googly-eyed monster.

37. Cupcake Floss ($3): This is taking your love of cupcakes way too far.

38. Devil Inside Sriracha Chocolate Bar ($8): Cue INXS and spice up your sweet tooth.

39. Sea-Nic Adventures ($250): We have one of these in the office just waiting for a totally ridiculous photo shoot.

Clown

Skeleton Masks ($18 and $10): And finally, the creepiest thing you could possibly get someone for Valentine’s Day: a mask that makes them look like a member of Insane Clown Posse.

We don't always get to show our appreciation and care for our loved ones in the ways we would like to, but Valentine's Day and the surrounding season of love gives us the perfect excuse to be loud and proud about how we feel. Maybe you're preparing a thoughtful homemade dinner to enjoy under candlelight with your partner, venturing out on a new experience for date night, or hosting a charcuterie party with your gal pals. However you choose to celebrate the romantic love, platonic love, and self-love radiating in your inner circle, finding the perfect Valentine's Day gifts can help express your feelings where words fall short throughout your love day celebrations!

Though gifting doesn't have to be the only route you take to express your feelings this year, it can be a great way for your friends, parents, or partner to feel deeply appreciated. Up the ante on your gifting beyond the normal roses and chocolates this year and delve into these Valentine's Day gifts that are suitable for practically anyone deserving of your heart eyes!

No matter how you plan to celebrate, be it an epic Galentine's Day brunch, baking your besties some heart-shaped cookies, or treating yourself to a slow, relaxing, self-care night, here are some of the best Valentine's Day gifts to give (and get) this season!

Valentine's Day Gifts For Anyone

Chocolove Gold Dusted Caramel Filled Dark Chocolates Gift Box

Because who doesn't love chocolate? This elegant chocolate box will give them something to snack on all month.

Threshold Stoneware Love Ya Mean It Splash Mug

This mug can be used for their morning coffee (or tea) and is a great, easy reminder of your love.

Simple Pleasures Body Care Gift Set

This lively gift set delivers all the tools your Valentine's Day gift recipient needs to give themselves a little TLC. It comes complete with a moisturizing soap, a lotion bar, and a rich lip balm for everyday use!

Halter Ranch x Mama Ganache Valentine's Bundle

Make Valentine's Day sweet by pairing organic, ethically-sourced chocolate from California-based Mama Ganache with Halter Ranch wine. The HR Libelle sparkling wine tastes amazing with the Fresh Meyer Lemon & White Chocolate and the Halter Ranch Ancestor, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Malbec, pairs perfectly with the Dark Classic. Cheers!

Heart Bouquet Puzzle

One thing about this Valentine's Day gift is that they definitely won't be left puzzled about your feelings for them!

Mala XOXO Mini Candle Gift Set

Complete with three sweet scents, this gift set will fill their space with Valentine's Day-themed aromas to spark the holiday mood!

The Milk Bar Sampler

Satisfy your special someone's sweet tooth (because everyone has one) with this decadent dessert sampler from the renowned Milk Bar! It's packed with delicious truffles, cookies, and more.

Vitruvi Essential Oil Diffuser

Diffusing oil can significantly reduce stress, pain and fatigue. Thoughtfully gift this diffuser along with a calming essential oil like lavender to someone that really needs some zen in their life.

Valentine's Day Gifts For Couples

Le Puzz Lighten Up! Puzzle

Pour out some of your favorite wine, crank up the romantic tunes, and do a fun puzzle together for an easy, rewarding screen-free date night!

Boarderie Valentine's Diletto Cheese & Charcuterie Board

Consider V-Day dinner covered! With this premium snack collection, they'll get a fresh, fully-arranged board packed with artisan cheeses, meats, dried fruits, nuts, olives, and chocolates. Plus, once the treats are devoured, the happy couple can keep the wood board for future snacking sessions!

Parks Project Shrooms Two Person Hammock

This double hammock ensures you two get some cozy together time on any outdoor adventure.

Date Night Fondue Set

This snacking set is the perfect small size, making it easy to whip out on spontaneous date nights. Whether your spread is savory or sweet, this is one gift that you and your partner can both enjoy past V-Day.

We're Not Really Strangers Couples Edition

Dive deeper into your relationship this Valentine's Day with this introspective card game that'll make you think harder about you and your partner's connection.

heyday 35MM Camera with Built-in Flash

Cop this film camera to permanently capture all of the sweet memories you make as a couple!

"Best of Magnolia Bakery" Date Night Sampler Pack

This decadent pack is ready for date night! With two tubs of Magnolia Bakery's famous banana pudding and an assortment of cupcakes that get delivered right to the front door, this is one of the best Valentine's Day gifts with a sweet (and shareable) twist.

Valentine's Day Gifts For Singles

Self Love Poetry: For Thinkers & Feelers By Melody Godfred

Because sometimes, as a single person, all you really need is to tap into yourself in order to navigate the insane and always confusing dating landscape.

Baggu Cherry Crew Sock

These darling socks will be there for you on the go, no matter what, or where.

TIMEFOTO Flower Vase

This modern vase will be the new home for all the self-bought flowers that your beautiful self deserves!

Really Good Boxed Wine 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon

When in doubt, wine it out. This boxed wine tastes ahh-mazing, and will provide you with the best night(s) in of your life.

Loops Night Out Hydrogel Face Mask Set

Make self-care nights a regular routine with this trio of replenishing face masks.

Valentine's Day Gifts For Foodies

Brightland Ardor Olive Oil

This chili-infused olive oil flavor will help them bring the heat to any Valentine's dinner. Spicy vodka pasta, anyone?

Mani Me x Magnolia Bakery Nail Sticker Bundle

They're a foodie. Of course they're gonna know what Magnolia Bakery is! These cute, sweet treat-inspired nail stickers pay a perfect homage to the famous kitchen and will instantly inspire them to make their next dessert.

Le Creuset Heart Shaped Cast Iron Cocotte

This heart-shaped cast iron pot turns any meal into one that's literally made with love.

Croissant Candle

The baker at heart will adore this unique croissant-shaped candle in their space.

DEUX Not-So-Red Velvet Donuts

These healthy red velvet donut holes are made without any artificial dyes or food coloring (hence the "Not-So-Red" description). Just pure goodness here.Your food V-Day gift recipient will be anxious to try these unique sweet treats for a mid-day pick-me-up or bedtime dessert!

Wine Cork State Wall Hanging

If they tend to pop open a bottle each time they cook a fancy meal, then this is one of the best foodie Valentine's Day gifts for them. This wall art displays wino keepsakes beautifully, and comes in all 50 states!

MuellerLiving Immersion Blender

We love a practical gift. Immersion blenders are the perfect item for homemade soup and sauce lovers.

Sugarwish Valentine's Treats

Send them a Sugarwish this V-Day – it's basically a box full of treats that *they* get to pick themselves! All you have to do is choose the size of the gift, then they'll get a notification from Sugarwish once you finalize the fine details. Happy snacking ahead!

Valentine's Day Gifts For Your Girl Friends

Skylar Perfume Dreamy Discovery Set

Gotta keep the girls fresh and clean! This perfume set samples a range of scents for your girl to spritz.

Birthdate Zodiac Pendant

For the astrology girly in your life, consider this stunning pendant that lays down a customized pairing of gemstones + crystals based on their birthday! Aside from being truly tapped in to the constellations, this accessory goes with any look for any occasion. They won't wanna take it off!

Cowboy Kush Boy Smells Candle

Your bestie will love this sweet scent to burn during her hot baths and self-care nights.

Book Person Ceramic Mug

A cute mug is guaranteed to make drinking coffee before work at least 10 times more fun!

Kitsch Satin Pillowcase for Hair & Skin

This silky-smooth pillowcase set is key for a comfortable night's sleep, and the fact that it's great for anyone's hair and skin is just a bonus. Each sleep your girl friend takes on it will help reduce frizz and maintain healthy, wrinkle-free skin.

Best Valentine's Day Gifts For Your Guy Friends

Dos Hombres Joven Mezcal

If your guy bestie is a Breaking Bad fan, he'll go nuts over this Dos Hombres Mezcal crafted by co-stars Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston.

Compartés 9-Piece Valentine's Chocolate Heart Gift Box

The taste of these Valentine's chocolates are just as appealing as the packaging they come in, though the guy in your life might just wanna gobble up all of the raspberry and strawberry-flavored treats the moment he opens the box!

Katin Sunfire Hat

Keep your guy friend stylish as ever with this fashionable trucker hat that can be paired with pretty much anything he leaves the house in.

Assouline Art Deco Style by Jared Goss

Everyone loves a good coffee table book, and this pick was made for your guy friend that wants to impress. Gift him this intriguing conversation starter for his guests!

Edie Parker Diner Ashtray

This durable ashtray will bring some elevated design (and much-needed color) to any guy's space.

Rabbit Freezable Beer Glasses

No more complaints about warm beer. These glasses makes having a good drink easy – just pop them in the freezer overnight for a guaranteed chilled glass.

The Best Valentine's Day Gifts For Yourself

Harper Wilde Luxe Mesh Plunge Bra

Feel super sexy and confident in this sheer bra! This piece will enchant your Valentine's Day wardrobe for that luxurious self-date you have planned.

Kaja Cheeky Stamp Blush

This sweet blush makes for a perfect V-Day gift to yourself because one, it's heart-shaped for getting in the spirit, and two, it gives you the cutest flirty flush.

Henry Rose Mini Playdate with Windows Down Fragrance + Torn Candle

These two scents (one for your home, one for your bod) play off one another for some delicious around-the-clock smells. Light the candle to perfectly set the mood.

Queen Musia Matte Creme Lipstick

Give yourself that empowering boost of confidence that comes with putting on a stunning makeup look, and splurge on this clean beauty lip shade that looks amazing any time of the year!

Révolution Lovestruck Print

Fill your spaces with gentle reminders of self-love like this simple print!

Parade Sheer Sculpt Bustier

Being able to celebrate V-Day alone means you get all the more time to celebrate YOU! Up your confidence in a matching set from Parade.

Glamnetic Sugar Rush Nail Set

Let your inner nail artist shine with this easy at-home manicure set! The multicolored hearts are *so* adorable for Valentine's Day.

Kendra Scott Ari Heart Rose Gold Pendant Necklace

This darling necklace design is fitting for V-Day, but will still look super cute beyond February!

Valentine's Day Gifts For Him

LEGO Flower Bouquet

Unlock your man's inner child (and maybe engineer) with this LEGO bouquet set that both of you can enjoy building, and marvel at after it's finished.

Nalgene Sustain Tritan BPA-Free Water Bottle

Your man can take this brightly designed water bottle to work, the gym, during errands and on outdoor adventures. With this Valentine's Day gift in tow, he'll be thinking of you no matter where he goes.

Happy Nuts Man Slab Natural Soap

This slab of soap tackles your man's below-the-belt area with a refreshing scent that he'll actually like. The fragrance is long-lasting and great for chafing, sweat, and odor all over.

Gap Quarter Crew Socks

These retro-inspired socks are super good quality, plus they add some unique flair to any of your gent's outfits.

Insulated Blender Bottle

Your gym-loving guy can never have enough blender bottles for his pre-workout rituals. This model is insulated so that cold liquids stay cold.

Combler Whiskey Glasses

Save your sips for these classy glasses that your man will love drinking whiskey out of, and you'll love looking at.

Valentine's Day Gifts For Her

A New Day Plastic Round Sunglasses

A fun pair of sunglasses will always boost your girl's mood. She can take this bold pair into her spring fashion looks and beyond!

Ochre Objects Queen of Hearts Charm

This darling heart charm will soon become her go-to piece to wear anywhere!

Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey

Your girl will be obsessed with this oh-so kissable, soft, viral gloss shade.

Venus et Fleur Love & Chocolates Gift Set

This gift set is a perfectly subtle yet sleek way to show her you care! It comes filled with half a dozen chocolate bonbons and a small rose arrangement for added romance.

Chefman Iceman Portable Mirrored Personal Mini Fridge

You've never seen a fridge this cute! It's pretty small and compact, meaning she can fit all her beauty essentials in one central place. Plus, the cool temps in this tiny fridge will prolong the shelf life of certain serums, face masks, and creams. There's also a heating function for heating up towels – a la spa day!

The Sill Pink Anthurium

Forget about flowers, deliver-to-your-door house plants are the new coolest gift.

Glossier You Eau de Parfum

Gift the sweet scent that all the 'It girls' are sporting to your other half. We love how unique Glossier You is since it's designed to suit everyone a little differently!

Oomiay Vintage Pearl Heart Earrings

Your girl will adore these dainty pearl earrings because they match with any look, plus look super elevated for V-Day.

Essie Mini Nail Polish Trio

This nail polish set makes sure your girl can always stay on point with her nail art game and feel her best!

Valentine's Day Gifts For Mom

Self-Watering Planter & Propagation Station

This minimalist planter puts in the work for mom when she forgets to water the plants. It'll match any plant-loving mom's space!

Burga Emerald Pool Phone Case

Keep mom looking sleek and in the loop with this eye-catching phone case.

Anthropologie Zaza Lustered Stemless Wine Glasses

The elegant finish on these glasses is just what the wine mom wants for her kitchen.

Johnny Was Desert Night Rollerball Perfume

This travel-size scent emits nothing but a beautiful balance between woody smells and florals. Mom will love having this in her bag for those midday refreshes.

Artifact Uprising Color Series Photo Book

If you're aiming to gift something more sentimental this Valentine's Day, a curated photo book is always a great way to go. Fill it with pictures of your favorite memories with mom. Don't be surprised when she starts tearing up!

Duo Baguette Birthstone Ring

Add your mom's birthstone alongside your own on this unique, sleek ring design for a way for her to always feel close to you.

Compartés I Love You Valentine's Chocolate Heart Gift Box

Nothing says 'I love you' like a box of chocolates, and lucky for you, this one literally says it for an easy, direct, and heartfelt message.

Luxail Margarita Cocktail Glasses

The marg-loving mom will surely appreciate how helpful these freezer-friendly glasses are, especially when she feels like slow-sipping. This duo is made with crack gel that keeps cool and stays in place to keep those frozen bevs, well, frozen for longer!

Valentine's Day Gifts For Dad

Nextmug Temperature-Controlled Self-Heating Coffee Mug

This self-heating mug will make sure dad's coffee stays hot all day, making his workday a whole lot easier.

KOHO Kona Coffee Bon Bons

Dad will want to eat all six of these artisanal Hawaiian chocolates in one go. They earn a caffeinated boost from Kona coffee, which pairs deliciously well with the chocolatey shell!

Wideboy Alarm Clock

Save pops from that same-old iPhone alarm ring tone and help him elevate his morning routine with this design-forward clock.

Retrospekt Refurbished SONY Walkman Cassette Player

Dad will not stop obsessing over his childhood, "when music was better," when he sees this Walkman in his Valentine's gift.

Bosca Dolce Credit Wallet

Upgrade your dad's old, trusty wallet with a new sturdy design like this one. It's also super easy to access with an I.D. case and bi-fold design.

North Drinkware The Teton Tumbler

Perfect for the outdoorsy dad, this glass is made with an imprint of a famous US mountain range to remind him of your adventures together whenever he pours himself a drink!

Valentine's Day Gifts For Kids

GUND Snuffles Plush

Snuffles will become your kid's new BFF. Gift him to give them a cute plush to play and cuddle with. Just look how cute he is! We def want one for ourselves.

YumEarth Valentine's Day Variety Box

Treat your little one to these yummy, naturally-flavored lollipops and gummies that they can also share with friends or classmates!

Smiley Face Lamp

Brighten up your child's room with a delightful reminder of happiness, and decorate with this iconic smiley face lamp.

Spritz Valentine Fabric Figural Duo Coffee & Donut

This stuffed toy makes the perfect pair look pretty yummy!

Gap Kids Cotton Crew Socks 7-Pack

This set of socks is perfectly practical – they can sport the colors any day.

Pottery Barn Kids Love Bug Heirloom Baby Blanket

Say "I love you" in the sweetest way by gifting your babe an heirloom piece like this Valentine's blanket that they'll get to cherish for the rest of their lives.

Sugarfina Sugar Lips Small Candy Cube Gummies

Your kiddo will have fun with these kissable (and edible) lips for V-Day. They might just be gone in one sitting!

Want more Valentine's Day gift ideas? Subscribe to our newsletter for more ways to show your love this year.

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This post has been updated.

This edible crescent-roll cornucopia is our way of making a normal cheese boardmore festive — and definitely more fun — during the holiday season. Our go-to this time of year is a massive cheese plate that can stand alone and be the main attraction, or the starter for a larger meal. Press on for the surprisingly easy steps to braid a breaded cornucopia.

Chris Andre

Materials + Tools:

  • 1 roll of tin foil
  • 2 packages of crescent rolls
  • 1 egg (for egg wash before cornucopia goes into the oven), optional

Chris Andre

Instructions:

Start by sculpting tin foil into the shape of a cornucopia (it looks like a cone with an upturned tail). Pro tip: Lightly pack tin foil so it's easier to remove later from your baked cornucopia. Crescent rolls should be buttery enough that this shouldn't be difficult.

Chris Andre

Your tin foil mold should look a little something like this.

Chris Andre

Pop open the crescent rolls and cut the triangles into strips. Pinch together the ends of strips to make strips longer.

Chris Andre

Braid crescent roll strips. You can make these as fancy as you want. Not a braiding pro? Skip this step and leave those strips alone.

Chris Andre

Wrap tin foil cornucopia with braids/strips. Make sure you cover all the tin foil. Leave a little wiggle room at the opening of the cornucopia, so that when you’re done baking you can pull some of that tin foil out.

Chris Andre

Use any extra dough to cover the bottom of your cornucopia. Pinch the sides and anchor those braids/strips in.

Chris Andre

Brush on egg wash before placing your cornucopia in the oven. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. Take out of oven and cover spots of cornucopia that are already golden brown with extra tin foil. Bake for another 20 minutes at 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

Chris Andre

Let it cool down until it’s easy to handle. Remove tin foil.

Chris Andre

Place cornucopia in corner of your cheese plate. Arrange cheese on your serving tray.

Chris Andre

Add crackers — we like to have two or three options.

Chris Andre

Don’t forget to fill up your cornucopia. It's called "the horn of plenty" for a reason. Fill with fresh fruit like grapes, apples, and pears.

Chris Andre

Add nuts like walnuts and pistachios to fill in any empty spaces. Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary and sage to finish it off.

Chris Andre

Voilà! Invite over your friends, open a bottle of wine, and dig in!

Chris Andre

A cornucopia cheese board will become your new favorite holiday tradition.

Show us your crescent-roll cornucopias on Instagram and check out our baking classes (and our Easy Thanksgiving Desserts piece) for more holiday food inspo!

DIY Production and Styling: Paris Fried

Paris Fried: Paris loves any excuse to celebrate and throw a themed party. She loves experimenting in the kitchen and has a terrible sweet tooth. When she's not crafting in her studio, she's at the farmers' market buying seasonal produce or at her favorite local theater watching double features.

This post has been updated.

While the idea of a fabulous getaway sounds amazing, sometimes it’s nice (and less stressful) to have a romantic date night in. If you and your boo plan on cozying up at home, these products will help you make the most of the evening, as well as many evenings to come.

Dr. J Professional Mini Projector

Move the TV over and project some of your favorite movies on the wall for a home theater vibe. This mini projector also makes a great gift for future date nights.

Ausein Smart Light Bulb

Most likely, you two spend a lot of time at home — surprise your boo by setting the mood with this smart light bulb that is remote- and voice-controlled. Whenever the time feels right, go from natural lighting to a romantic shade of pink.

Homesick Northern California Candle

The warm scents of vanilla, pear, and cinnamon of this candle will have your place smelling like fresh-baked goodies all night.

Golden State Fruit Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Chocolate covered strawberries are a classic dessert to show you care, and they’re a delicious way to start the night.

Majestic Pure Gold Facial Mask

If you didn’t get a chance to stop by the jewelry store, this mask will take the place of a pair of earrings. Couples who glow together stay together, right?

Amazon Echo Smart Speaker

We’re all pretty familiar with the many ways we can use Alexa; this V-Day, use the Echo to order flowers or more Champagne when you start to run low. It’s a plan and a backup plan all in one.

Chef’s Choice Heart Shaped Waffle Iron

Nail breakfast in bed with this super cute waffle iron. Serve them with strawberries, whipped cream, and morning mimosas.

Polaroid Mint Instant Print Digital Camera

Remember all your sweet moments relaxing together with this handheld camera and printer. It prints your photos on sticker paper, so you can put them on the fridge or in your wallet immediately.

Herbivore Botanicals All Natural Coconut Milk Bath Soak

Valentine’s Day is all about showing your loved ones you care. After breakfast or before bed, draw your partner a coconut milk bath to help them relax.

Elite Home Products Super Soft and Silk Satin Sheet Set

While satin sheets might not seem practical for every night, make up the bed like a romantic hotel getaway with these silky soft sheets. You can return to your cotton basics after the weekend, we promise.

Though Black Friday is traditionally the official start of the holiday shopping season, we argue that it’s been kicking since mid-October. We know, we know: it still feels extremely early to start thinking about the holidays, but they’ll be here before you know it! Plus, many brands and retailers are already promoting their holiday goodies with plenty of sales and discounts available right now.

If you’re ready to embark on your holiday shopping journey, but still need answers to questions like ‘when’s the best time to shop?’ and ‘where should I shop for gifts?’ and even ‘how the heck do I save money this season?’, you’ve come to the right place. Consider this your go-to guide for holiday shopping in 2024.

Scroll on for our best guidance on navigating this busy time of year and finding the best gifts possible!

When's the best time to do holiday shopping?

Kaboompics / PEXELS

The best time to do holiday shopping really all depends on your personal shopping goals. Do you want to get a jump on items you know will sell out soon? Do you want to save the most money possible? Do you want to focus on handmade, personalized gifts? These factors will undoubtedly influence your holiday shopping schedule.

Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS

Shopping early can be advantageous for all of the aforementioned goals. A lot of retailers start promoting their holiday products early on, giving you ample time to snatch up that limited-time lip kit or fancy water bottle you’ve been eyeing way before the holidays.

Plus, some of the best deals for holiday shopping happen ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday – in 2023, Experian observed a surge in early spending in October, thanks to early discounts, a trend likely to continue in 2024.

Finally, shopping early can be especially helpful if your plan is to focus on handmade or personalized gifts, giving the artisan you buy from (or yourself, if you’re DIY-ing your gifts) plenty of time to craft the item with love and care.

Gallup reported in 2023 that one in four shoppers start shopping as early as September, a trend likely to continue in 2024 – so you might already be embarking on your shopping spree!

Mikhail Nilov / PEXELS

If right now is just still too darn early for you to start holiday shopping, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are some of the best times to shop since so many retailers offer their largest discounts of the entire year. Plus, the late November-early December timeline can feel a bit more appropriate for the gifting season opposed to late October-early November, when everyone’s still recovering from Halloween.

The only thing to consider during this time is the shipping timelines for the items you purchase – but most retailers will typically advise their specific shipping schedules, so you don’t risk your goodies arriving late.

Where should I shop for gifts?

Ron Lach / PEXELS

You have three main options when it comes to where to shop for holiday gifts: online, in-store, and via our amazing gift guides. Of course, each method has its advantages and disadvantages.

Shopping in-store offers a tangible experience: the opportunity to hold specific items in your hands and gauge exactly what they’ll be like when you give them as a gift. The pitfall with shopping in-person is that it typically requires a commute and journeys through potentially very busy malls and shopping strips, which can add to the already-stressful holiday experience.

In-store shopping can be more physically exhausting, but it’s all about preference! Sometimes strolling through the stores that get all dolled up for Christmas is the best part of the season.

Andrea Piacquadio / PEXELS

Per Google, 65% of those planning to shop for the holidays say they will shop online more. Shopping for gifts online can be super helpful since you can centralize your findings in your browser’s bookmark tab or via virtual cart(s). Plus, shopping online can pose more opportunities for saving some money: lots of retailers typically offer discount codes for online users, especially if you sign up for their digital marketing channels (like email and text) and make a purchase.

Shopping online isn’t just shopping, either. The internet can be a stellar research tool to help you vet whether certain products are worth it, where they can be bought, and when they’ll be available. In fact, Google reported that more than half of U.S. holiday shoppers who went into a store last year say they looked up product reviews online and/or located an item in-store by checking it online.

Kaboompics / PEXELS

Last but not least, scrolling gift guides has to be our favorite place to shop for gifts – and not just because we write and publish them.

At their very core, gift guides help streamline the holiday shopping process, alleviating the stress that bubbles up when you’re wondering what the heck to shop for in the first place. Our gift guides are backed by real people, real experiences, and real opinions from our editorial team. We only promote products that we really love and believe in, oftentimes ones we’ve tested and reviewed ourselves.

We have gift guides for just about everyone on your list, with more on the way! Check ‘em out:

What are the best kinds of gifts to give?

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The best kinds of gifts to give are thoughtful gifts that consider the giftee’s interests, wants, and needs. These gifts can be sentimental, practical, or both simultaneously. What matters most in a gift is that it’ll be meaningful to them past just the holiday season, whether it’s helping them get through daily tasks, reminding them of a memorable trip or event, or giving them small doses of joy.

“Shoppers are increasingly looking for personalized and unique gifts that reflect the recipient's personality and interests,” says Mia Anderson, Owner of ChicSew. “With the rise of online shopping, many consumers are opting for curated gift boxes or experiences that add a special touch.”

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Gift boxes, personalized items, books of interest, self-care goodies, and even gift cards can all be thoughtful gifts depending on the recipient. If you have no clue what your giftee is into, it’s not a bad idea to ask them what they want the most!

“My idea of a great gift is something that is in tandem with the recipient's interest and offers something new to the person, be it learning a new skill, enjoying a calming activity, or simply spending quality time with the family,” says Alfred Christ, Sales Manager & Marketer at Robotime. “This season, we encourage shoppers to shift their focus on quality and the memories their gifts will create and not just merely material aspects.”

When is Black Friday?

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Black Friday is always the Friday after Thanksgiving. This year, Black Friday lands on November 29.

When is Cyber Monday?

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Cyber Monday is typcally the Monday after Thanksgiving. This year, Cyber Monday will land on December 2. Oftentimes, retailers and brands extend their online offers through the week (coined Cyber Week) after the event. Salesforce reported that 67% of shoppers in 2024 plan on shopping during Cyber Week!

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The holidays at Starbucks are creeping up on us, people! Peppermint Mocha season will return on November 7. If you’re a die-hard Starbucks fan, you know Red Cup Day is a whole holiday in itself – the frenzy for a free reusable cup is truly no joke. There’s even an entire website dedicated to counting down the madness! Even though there’s no official word on when Red Cup Day 2024 will be, there are several clues that cue us into the annual event. Scroll on for details!

What is Red Cup Day?

Starbucks

Red Cup Day is Starbucks’ highly-awaited annual event that marks the start of holiday beverage season at the coffee chain. For one day only (and while supplies last), customers who order any of Starbucks’ holiday drinks will receive a reusable red cup that features a bespoke design for the respective year.

Starbucks

Here’s a list of all the drinks rumored to be available on the Starbucks holiday menu starting November 7:

  • Peppermint Mocha
  • Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha
  • Caramel Brûlée Latte
  • Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte
  • Chestnut Praline Latte
  • Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew
  • Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai

What do the red cups look like for 2024?

Starbucks

Starbucks hasn’t officially announced when Red Cup Day will be for 2024, let alone what the famed red cups will look like this go-around. The one obvious point is that the cups will be red! They’ll also likely feature some festive motifs that echo the holiday season. Last year’s red cups boasted playful white and green stars and ornament-like shapes.

Why should I participate in Red Cup Day?

Starbucks

Red Cup Day = freebies, which can feel really rewarding if you’re really into receiving free goodies. Plus, it’s just a fun way to lean into the holiday spirit. The red reusable cup keeps giving beyond Red Cup Day, though! Every time you use the reusable cup for future Starbucks orders, you get a 10-cent discount as well as 25 bonus stars toward your Starbucks Rewards account to save up for more discounts on drinks, food, and merchandise.

When is Starbucks' Red Cup Day 2024?

Starbucks

Again, Starbucks hasn’t alerted us on when Red Cup Day will be for 2024, but based on previous Red Cup Days, we can infer it’ll land on the third Thursday of November. In 2022, Red Cup Day happened on November 17, and for 2023, it was November 16. The third Thursday of November in 2024 hits on November 21, so mark your calendars, everyone!

Additionally, check back here for official info as Red Cup Day approaches.

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This post has been updated.