I’m a home editor and these are my favorite Valentine’s Day gifts to give and receive

"I heat my coffee up in the microwave thousands of times a day. Fine, I'm exaggerating, but I deserve better! Self-care!!!! I need this to keep my joe steaming at any hour, and have been wanting to treat myself but it's not a cheap splurge." 

—Nicole Sforza, Executive Editor

There’s just something that feels special about gifting — and especially receiving — Le Creuset. What better time to start or expand their cookware collection than on Valentine’s Day? This heart-knobbed version of the brand’s adorable (and fairly affordable, at least when compared to other pieces in the collection) cocotte will add a charming touch to hearty soups, mini soufflés and more. The iconic brand also sells heart-shaped serving plates and skillets for those looking to gift something extra special.

For another beloved bakeware item, consider this darling ruffled pie dish from Emile Henry, a popular wedding registry item, also crafted in Paris, France. I use mine to not only make pies, but tarts, egg bakes and pot pies. It also doubles as a special serving dish for presenting sandwiches, cookies, brownies and sides (also available in white and red, as well as a classic round dish).

What could be sweeter than a berry colander brimming with cute little heart cutouts, particularly for the health-conscious giftee? Pottery Barn also sells Painted Heart Tea Towels and Painted Heart Mugs, both of which would make a great gift for couples and families.

Just as sweet is this mini waffle maker from Dash, which has over 1,000 five-star reviews on Target’s website alone for its ability to turn a puddle of batter into crispy, chewy — heart-shaped! — waffles in a matter of minutes. I’m personally purchasing one to make a surprise breakfast for my niece (it was available in pink and red last time I checked but going fast). Be sure to check out the multi-waffle maker for larger gatherings.

For a smaller gesture, consider a heart-shaped bamboo mixing spoon, which will make a sweet addition to any kitchen counter and can also be purchased in two-packs and trios, in addition to heart-shaped spatulas, for those looking to spread the love. I’m personally planning to scoop one of these up for my grandmother.

If you’re lucky enough to have an avid cook as your S.O., consider a “lucky pan” that will up their game in the kitchen and serve as a shiny reminder of your love. Material’s bestselling coated pan is constructed of five layers of copper, aluminum and stainless steel (bonus points if you opt for the copper coating, the chef’s equivalent of a lucky penny; also symbolic of a couple’s seventh anniversary) so you can ensure it’s meant to endure. The brand’s bestselling knife trio and (grippy) reBoard — now available in pink — are great options, as well.

Nothing turns an evening into a celebration like a striking set of champagne glasses. These fluted silhouettes from West Elm lay on the vintage charm. I also like these top-rated whiskey glasses for the dapper dude in your life, where you can pour in an uplifting spirit like Amante 1530 — “a celebration of lovers and friends” — to get the party started.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: one can never have too many throws, especially when it comes to colder seasons. This blanket from UnHide feels like a dream and is made of materials that are 100% cruelty-free and vegan. A nurturing gift for girlfriends, wives, kids — pretty much anyone who could use a hug. It also happens to be super easy to maintain; just throw it in the washing machine when it could use a cleaning.

Consider completing your — or their — cozy scene with a coveted candle from Diptyque. The brand’s Roses scent is one of my favorites for recreating the scent of fresh petals whenever you want. Even more, it lends an air of romance to dinner or an otherwise average night. I also like Yankee Candle’s Fresh Cut Roses for a fragrant gift at a lower price point. Up the ante with a bougie cloche of matches. 

Diffusers are another popular route for those looking to spruce up a place sans the flame — and this one from Nest Fragrances is about as elevated as they come. Gift it to the significant other or family member who’s always stopping to smell the roses or always cleaning and decorating their space. For those who like to think ahead, this would also make a great Mother’s Day gift.

Turn any bathroom into a spa with this variegated, heart-shaped tray, which can be used for stowing bath bombs, soaps, healing stones and more, not to mention putting decor and jewelry on display. Handcrafted of solid rain tree wood in Indonesia as part of Pottery Barn’s efforts to support artisans around the globe, it’s not only thoughtful but each piece is truly one-of-a-kind.

Perhaps nothing invokes nostalgia like a picture to serve as a reminder of one of your favorite memories — even better when it’s preserved in a shiny, gold, heart-shaped frame. This one from Kate Spade, which can be hung on a wall or placed on a table, is one of my personal favorites for making an impression without breaking the bank.

Frantoio Muraglia, based in Italy, has made a name for itself for delicious, heart-healthy olive oils encapsulated in beautiful, handpainted vessels you’ll want people to see (I have a color-striped version and it brightens my morning). Once they've finished the peppery olive oil inside, they'll likely want to keep the beautiful bottle on display as a statement piece.

I count Mrs. Meyer’s among household essentials. Every year around Valentine’s Day, I swap my winter scents out for Rose. It’s soft without reading too powdery or stuffy, and the pretty labels go with a wide range of Valentine’s Day aesthetics. This year, I’m also gifting the hand soaps to my mom friends, paired with some Scrub Mommy heart-shaped sponges, as a small token of love and support.

Looking to show some love to your animal friends? Look no further than this adorable goody box from Chewy, which features a variety of treats for cats (or dogs), along with a cuddly mix of themed toys that will make your pets happy (read: keep them busy), all while doubling as extra Valentine’s Day decor.

Some say chicken soup warms the soul — but for me, it’s cookies. Maman in particular is among my favorites, proving the perfect mix of salty and sweet, chewy and crispy. Even more, the brand's signature Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Chip Walnut and Oatmeal Raisin cookies are now available in a heart-shaped box (along with a limited-edition White Chocolate Raspberry Rose flavor) for a delightful gift they'll (hopefully) be happy to share.

Prefer to go the DIY route? Don’t sleep on the vegan cookie dough jars from Deux, featuring four of the brand’s bestselling flavors (Texas Sheet Cake, Cinnamon Roll, Space Brownie and Buttercream Sugar Cookie) in one very snackable set. The cookie dough can be baked to whip up a batch of warm, gooey cookies in no time or eaten as is for a quick fix. It makes a good gift for vegans, date nights, families and kids (I recently had fun baking up pure magic with my 10-year-old niece).

If they like ice cream, they’re sure to appreciate this Valentine’s Day-themed bundle from McConnell’s, boasting five of the richest, creamiest creations you’ll find — including my personal favorite Sea Salt Cream and Cookies and limited-edition Chocolate Covered Strawberries. (See also: “Drunk In Love” from another one of my go-to ice cream brands, Tipsy Scoop, for something a little boozy.)

For a more conventional, yet still slightly untraditional, treat, feast your eyes on this Essential Valentine’s Heart Box from Compartés, dripping with chocolate-covered fruits, peanut butter cups and anything else your (or their) heart could desire. I’ve been known to gift their chocolates for both Valentine’s Day and birthdays (and try to keep a few on hand as a fun dessert fixture at parties). The brand also just partnered with Woodford Reserve on some bourbon-infused chocolates for a more masculine take.

Vosges is another chocolatier that masters the art of presentation, with a colorful assortment of truffles that are almost too pretty to eat. Opt for a Love Note, including 17 striking truffles infused with delicacies such as fruit, tea and champagne, as a more grandiose gesture or the Pink Champagne Truffles (perfect for sisters and girl friends) as a little, yet still very fancy way to show you're thinking of them. Vosges’ Exotic Truffle Collection is another welcome gift for tantalizing someone’s taste buds on Valentine’s Day and beyond.

Want to send a heartfelt message but not sure where to begin? Why not let a billowy bundle of biscuits do all the talking? This gift package from Biscuit Love includes the restaurant's homemade biscuits, along with three signature jams, for a crowd-pleasing breakfast that aims to please, whether shared with your S.O. or delivered to your favorite family (I’ve had them delivered and can confirm they’re just as tasty as the ones I’ve eaten in Tennessee). The brand also offers a special Valentine’s Brunch Box for bigger budgets and appetites.

For something a bit more savory, I can confirm that these dumplings from Dumpling Daughter are beyond tasty. I recently split a few packs with my family during a visit and we couldn’t get enough, with every box and flavor a new discovery. Opt for a pre-made bundle like the one shown (it has a solid variety, great for dumpling-loving daughters or really anyone) or pick out a few dumplings you think will really resonate (the Roasted Port and Chicken Cabbage were among our faves). You can also purchase the brand’s signature Spicy Sweet Soy sauce on Amazon separately … they will want to drizzle it on everything.

Last but not least is Pat LaFrieda’s infamously engraved “I Love You” tomahawk steak — prime for carnivores and anyone who has a penchant for fine dining sans the traffic or fussy reservations (yes, a bit pricey but of premium quality, and this thing is huge). Additionally, the premium meat purveyor offers a tomahawk steak sans sentimental message for those looking to shave some of the cost or who aren’t quite there yet. As someone who loves a good steakhouse but also loves staying in, I recently tried and would also highly recommend their prime filets.