As CNET’s resident food and drink guy, I may biased, but I do think edible and drinkable gifts make the best ones. No disrespect to a fresh bouquet of flowers or a shiny smartwatch — which at least can tell you when it’s time to eat again — but food gifts are superior in almost every way.
Food is soulful but also practical — I mean, everybody’s got to eat. And while not everything on this list is edible (I threw some cooking tools in there), the ones that are don’t take up any permanent space, which is perfect if you suspect your Valentine is flush with “stuff” or running low on closet space.
Now that you see it my way, finding the right food gift for Valentine’s Day is all that’s left. I’ve included my favorite calming tea, a few addictive spice mixes and chocolate truffles so good, they’ll make your sweetheart melt.
All of these eats and drinks clock in at under $25, too. But I’ve tested and tasted every last one and there’s nothing cheap about ‘em.
Best Valentine’s Day food gifts under $25
This sampling of Nuts.com snacks has 11 of its offerings including a power mix, granola, cacao goji energy squares, almond salted caramel bitty bars and more.
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A relaxing blend of herbal teas including chamomile, rosehips, raspberry leaf, lemongrass and clove. I don’t drink tea all that often but when I do, it’s Evening in Missoula or bust.
Chocolate on Valentine’s Day? Groundbreaking, I know. But if you’re going to give it, give the good stuff. I’m partial to creamy truffles and La Maison Du Chocolat takes the craft very seriously. These handmade truffles aren’t overly sweet, which I prefer but dense with rich chocolate flavor. A two-pack is $10 or you can spring for a 13-piece box for $50.
“Umami” jokes aside, these two spice mixes will take your ramen or rice bowl to a very tasty place.
If you’re going the chocolate route, do better than the drugstore swill.
Sugarfina has the market nearly cornered when it comes to adorable sweets. As a bonus, they all taste great and the confectioner features some unusual flavors. For Valentine’s Day, nab a box of these charming Champagne-flavored gummies. The price might seem steep for candy but that’s because they’re made with actual Dom Perignon Champagne, flavored with Brut and rosé.
If bears are too scary, there are also Sugarfina Lips, and Rosé Roses to consider.
Wagyu is rich, fatty and completely delicious. You can nab a 6-ounce chuckeye for under $22.
If normal convo hearts candy seems a little tame and a tad boring, try a box of the adult version to get some giggles — and maybe more.
I’m far too dignified to list these salacious sayings out loud, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t just order a few boxes.
This spicy, citrusy salt is excellent around the rim of a margarita but it’ll liven up chicken and fish, too. Pair it with a special bottle of tequila and offer to mix your Valentine the classic cocktail.
Speaking of margaritas, how about saddling your main squeeze with the best handheld citrus squeezer money can buy? Oh, and you won’t even need much money to buy it.
Rosé is already an easy Valentine’s Day win, but this Cote des Roses with a rose-shaped bottle bottom takes things a step further. The wine itself is from Languedoc in the South of France with “notes of raspberry and peony.” Best of all, the bottle takes on the appearance of a rose. Sneak one upside down nestled into a dozen roses for a charming presentation.
Can you spot the wine bottles in this bouquet?
This salty-sweet treat also happens to be a cheeky way to let them know you think they’re the best. They can drizzle this honey on everything from fried chicken to cake, but if they’re more of a spicy little number, there’s also a Bees Knees hot honey with habanero peppers.
Smart gardens may get faster results, but in terms of style, they don’t have anything on these teeny tiny burlap bags for growing herbs on your windowsill.
If your Valentine likes the occasional steak or burger but hasn’t tapped into the wonder of cast iron yet, this is a perfect chance to alter the course of their cooking forever. Cast iron is the optimal indoor cooking material for most meats, as it gets screaming hot and holds heat for magazine-cover-worthy sear marks.
This set of boutique lollipops (flavors include lavender lemongrass, vanilla hibiscus, Champagne and roses and strawberry basil) is already sweet enough, but don’t toss those sticks in the trash. Pot them in soil and they’ll sprout into various plants, from herbs to baby blue eyes blooms. Does this count as buying flowers?
More Valentine’s Day gifts