7 Favorite Valentine’s Day Gifts
Valentine’s Day gifts come in all shapes and sizes, but the most memorable ones often hold special meaning. We asked seven thought leaders to share the most cherished Valentine’s Day gifts they’ve ever received—and the heartfelt reasons behind them. From sentimental surprises to grand gestures, their stories might just inspire your next gift idea!
- Perfume Experience Boxes
- Killua Zoldyck Model
- Personalized Leather Journal
- Engraved Personalized Toolbox
- Custom Skateboard
- Bridal Bouquet Flower Arrangement
- Handwritten Letter and Playlist
Perfume Experience Boxes
My favorite Valentine’s Day gift are Perfume Experience Boxes, Fragrance Libraries and Discovery Boxes.
As a perfumer, I treasure the chance to explore a variety of fragrance profiles. These boxes contain a library of scents that allow you to discover your perfect match. My wife chose it because it turns perfume selection into a personal journey rather than a simple purchase.
We enjoy spending time together smelling and comparing each fragrance, discussing which notes feel romantic or invigorating. The process is fun, interactive and surprisingly revealing about our preferences. It is a thoughtful gift because it goes beyond a single bottle and offers a deeper connection to scent.
Huib Maat
In-House Perfumer, Pairfum London
Killua Zoldyck Model
My favorite Valentine’s Day gift was a real-life model of Killua Zoldyck from the anime Hunter x Hunter. This is such an important gift because it showed how much my girlfriend truly understands me. Killua has always been my favorite character. He is independent, sharp, and carries himself with a confidence that makes him stand out. He is special because of his loyalty. He grew up in a family that shaped him to be ruthless, yet he chooses his own way, valuing his friendships more than anything. That balance between strength and heart is something I’ve always admired. My girlfriend knew this, and that’s what made the gift more than just an anime figure. It was a reminder that she pays attention to the things that matter to me.
Eli Itzhaki
CEO & Founder, Keyzoo
Personalized Leather Journal
One of my favorite Valentine’s Day gifts was a personalized leather journal. It wasn’t flashy or extravagant, but it was thoughtful and practical—something I could use every day. The cover was handcrafted from high-quality leather, aged beautifully over time, and even had my initials subtly embossed on the front.
What made it special wasn’t just the item itself, but the meaning behind it. The person who gave it to me knew I loved writing and sketching ideas, so it wasn’t just a generic gift—it was tailored to my interests. Every time I use it, I’m reminded of the thoughtfulness behind it. That’s what makes a great Valentine’s gift: not the price, but the personal connection.
Marios Pitsillidis
COO, Limassolian Leathers Ltd
Engraved Personalized Toolbox
My favorite Valentine’s Day gift that I received was a personalized toolbox engraved with my name. It wasn’t flashy or expensive, but it was something I could use every day, which made it special.
What made it even better was that every tool inside was carefully chosen based on what I needed. Over the years, I have collected plenty of tools, but this set included high-quality replacements for the ones that had seen better days. It was a thoughtful mix of practical and personal, and the engraving made it something I would never mistake for anyone else’s.
Daniel Vasilevski
Director & Owner, Bright Force Electrical
Custom Skateboard
My favorite Valentine’s Day gift was a skateboard. It was completely unexpected, which made it even better. Most people think of chocolates or fancy dinners, but this was something that showed real thought. It was a custom deck with a design that matched my style, and the fact that someone took the time to pick something so personal made it stand out from anything else I had received before.
It was even more memorable because I had not skated in years. Life got busy, and I stopped making time for it. Getting that skateboard reminded me how much I enjoyed it. It pushed me to get back outside, clear my head, and have fun again. Instead of being a gift that sat on a shelf, it was something I actually used, which made it meaningful long after Valentine’s Day had passed.
Adam Bushell
Director, AB Electrical & Communications
Bridal Bouquet Flower Arrangement
My favorite Valentine’s Day gift was when I designed the same flower arrangement for my wife as her bridal bouquet for the occasion. It was special because it symbolized our journey together—bringing the beauty and meaning of that moment in our lives back to celebrate our love.
Serge Samoylenko
Owner, In Bloom Flowers
Handwritten Letter and Playlist
One of the most meaningful Valentine’s Day gifts I ever received was a handwritten letter paired with a playlist of songs that reminded the person of us. It wasn’t about the price-it was about the thought behind it. The letter captured little memories and inside jokes, and the playlist felt like a soundtrack to our relationship. Every time I listened to it, it brought back those feelings of connection and appreciation.
It stood out because it was deeply personal and timeless. Flowers wilt and chocolates disappear, but words and music last. It reminded me that the best gifts aren’t about extravagance-they’re about understanding someone and making them feel seen. That’s what made it unforgettable.
Staci Anderson
Director of Marketing, Raynor Garage Doors