Back when I was in high school, I used to dread Valentine’s Day as a single girl; the swarms of affectionate couples, the over-the-top Valentine exchanges, the underlying shame of not having a boyfriend to celebrate the occasion with. I never craved a relationship until I was confronted — often in the form of gaudy heart-shaped balloons and flower bouquets — by just how much I was missing without one.
Fortunately with age, I’ve come to relish celebrating the holiday on my own. At 26, I’m more fulfilled in my life than ever before, and more hellbent on reclaiming Valentine’s Day for singles everywhere — because self-love is worth celebrating, too. In the weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day, I’ve been deliberating over how exactly I should celebrate the love-filled holiday this year: a day to disassociate at the spa? A luxe dinner somewhere special? A splurge purchase on something that’ll delight me long after V-Day ends?
As someone who shops for a living, the latter option (unsurprisingly) felt like the most fitting choice. And with a little browsing, I’ve curated the ultimate Valentine’s Day gift guide for singles, with products that I’ve personally bookmarked or bought as a treat for myself. Consider this roundup your directional road map for ideas on what to give yourself for Valentine’s Day — from editor-loved blankets and silky pajamas to more indulgent treats like chocolate mushrooms (yes, that’s a thing) and a solo vibrator.
Keep reading for gifting inspiration that’ll help you be your own Valentine this year.
