20 gifts women actually want for Valentine’s Day

If you’re hoping to stray from the typical flowers and perfume for Valentine’s Day this year but don’t know where to start, we’ve got you covered.

We asked coworkers and friends what they’re truly hoping for this year, from the practical to the extravagant. Whether you’re getting her a special keepsake or creating unforgettable memories, we’ve rounded up gifts your sweetheart will actually appreciate.

Get sentimental with a token from your first date.

For many couples, dinner and a movie is typical first date fodder. Relive the beginning of your relationship with a throwback to those early moments by buying her a poster from the first movie you saw together or a copy of the soundtrack.

These minimalist prints from Redbubble are playful without feeling like they belong in a college dorm room.

Buy it: $12 – $20

Make her laugh with a memoir from her favorite actress.

Sure to keep her laughing for days, Amy Poehler’s recent memoir, “Yes Please,” is a must-read for every woman.

Been there, done that? Tina Fey, Lena Dunham, and Mindy Kaling all have autobiographies she’s sure to love as well.

Buy it: $18 on Amazon

Treat her to a relaxing spa day at home.

Few things are more satisfying than a warm bath after a long day. And with one of Lush’s curated gift boxes, which contain everything from their signature bath bombs to massage bars to scented shower gel, your Valentine will find everything she needs to unwind.

Buy it: Valentine’s Day collections from $15 to $100

Show her how much you care with customized M&Ms.

Step up your candy game with M&Ms tailored especially for your sweetheart. You can customize the colors and add a special message, such as the names of places you’ve visited together or your pet names for each other.

Cheesy, yes, but also a cute way to show her how much you care.

Buy it: Gift boxes starting at $30

Empower her to wear her favorite mantra.

Sometimes the simplest jewelry makes the biggest impact. From “fearless” to “hope” to “courage,” a sleek necklace from Speakable will allow your sweetie to proudly wear her words.

You can also opt for a custom nameplate — “taken” or “loved,” perhaps?

Buy it: Starting at $30

Surprise her with a spotless apartment.

Surprise your sweetheart with an immaculate home, without either of you having to lift a finger. After all, there’s no greater feeling than coming home to a spotless apartment.

If you’re in New York, try Handy, a website that lets you book a professional to clean — or put together furniture or paint your living room — at a moment’s notice.

Buy it: $35 for your first 2-hour appointment

Help her make a statement with bold earrings.

If your sweetheart has a bolder style, pick out jewelry that demands to be noticed. Think bright colors, daring shapes, and chunky designs.

We’re fans of BaubleBar — these colorful earrings add instant sparkle to any outfit.

Buy it: $32 at BaubleBar

Skip the flowers and upgrade to a long-lasting bonsai tree.

Take a break from flowers and buy her a bonsai tree. Not only do they live for ages, but they also represent the traditions of truth, goodness, and beauty.

Bonus points if you get it delivered to her office as a workday surprise.

Buy it: Starting from $40

For the fashion-obsessed, buy a nail color that will make every day feel glamorous.

Even if you can’t afford a pair of killer Louboutin heels, your sweetheart can still show off their signature red with this branded nail polish.

Inspired by the point of a stiletto, the bottle itself is enough to turn heads.

Buy it: $50 at Sephora

Help her stay warm with a luxe cashmere scarf.

Give her an extra layer of warmth this winter with a comfy cashmere scarf.

Nothing beats the coziness of snuggling up to a boyfriend, but a little piece of luxury isn’t a bad substitute in the meantime.

Buy it: $58 at Nordstrom

Spice up her apartment with a fashionable scented candle.

Every candle lover has lusted after votives from Diptyque at one time or another. Spoil your sweetheart with a luxurious scent that’s as trendy as it is fragrant — it’s something she likely wouldn’t purchase for herself.

Buy it: Starting at $60

Complete her kitchen with an upscale blender.

Whether your Valentine loves to cook or just enjoys a good smoothie, she’ll appreciate a quality blender. This Magic Bullet doubles as a food processor, and prepares food into single-serving mugs.

You can also give this practical gift a romantic twist by surprising her with a night of fun frozen cocktails. Margaritas, anyone?

Buy it: $67 on Amazon

She’ll never miss a flirty text with a case that keeps her phone charged all day.

Perfect for the girl who’s always on the go, a charging case will keep her phone from ever running out of juice.

Mophie’s “juice packs” are available for almost all smartphones and deliver up to 130% extra battery power.

Buy it: $79 – $119

Capture every moment together with a camera that instantly prints photos.

Turn any moment into a keepsake with a modern version of the once-ubiquitous Polaroid camera.

This mini version from Fujifilm is easy to use, instantly spits out prints, and is small enough to take anywhere, from a romantic dinner date to an adventurous vacation.

Buy it: $100 at Urban Outfitters

Keep her feet warm with a pair of luxurious slippers.

Cozy enough to wear around the house, yet durable enough to keep on for a quick errand, these Alena slippers from Ugg will keep her feet warm wherever she goes. She’ll be thanking you until spring.

Buy it: $120 at Ugg Australia

Make her the most stylish girl in the office with a chic tote.

For the significant other who’s both stylish and practical, this Madewell carryall is the perfect everyday bag. Add a personal touch by getting it monogrammed with her initials.

Buy it: $168 at Madewell

Encourage her inner adventurer with a Camelbak hydration pack.

Help your outdoorsy Valentine stay hydrated throughout all her hiking, biking, or climbing adventures.

A classic Camelbak hydration pack makes remembering to drink water easy and convenient, and has space to hold all her other essentials.

Buy it: Starting at $98 on Amazon

Cook her a romantic fondue dinner.

What’s even better than enjoying a home cooked meal together? One that takes minimal effort to prepare.

With an at-home fondue kit, all you have to do is add cheese (or chocolate!) and start dipping. Skip the hours of prep work and savor an indulgent night together.

Buy it: $48 on Amazon

Plan a romantic night she’ll never forget.

Gifts are always great, but a special night together is unforgettable. Treat your sweetheart to a memorable experience, such as dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant or a night in a luxury hotel like the Four Seasons.

Not sure where to go? Check out our list of the best restaurants in America. Tasting menus at NYC’s Le Bernardin — our top pick — start at $155 per person.

Splurge on a posh handbag she’ll treasure forever.

Trust us — you can never go wrong with a classic purse like this quilted bag from Chanel.

Though it’s definitely a splurge, a signature handbag is something she’ll use for decades to come.

Buy it: $4,400

On a budget?

25 thoughtful Valentine’s Day gifts under $50 »

Read more stories on Business Insider, Malaysian edition of the world’s fastest-growing business and technology news website.