Last-minute Valentine’s Day gifts under £20, from Neom to Hotel Chocolat

From chocolate to skincare, these gifts won’t break the bank

Lois Borny
Monday 12 February 2024 12:30 GMT
We’ve found perfect present ideas from Mac, Le Creuset and more
We’ve found perfect present ideas from Mac, Le Creuset and more (iStock/The Independent)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Purchasing a Valentine’s Day present (big or small) is a nice way to show loved ones you care. With Cupid’s time to shine almost upon us, you’ll need to get a wiggle on if you’re yet to pick up the perfect gift for 14 February. But fear not, as we’re on hand to help you find affordable presents that will arrive in time.

If you’re keeping things cheap and cheerful this year, we’d recommend opting for a supermarket dine-in meal for two rather than heading to a pricey restaurant. Similarly, you may be choosing to keep your presents low-key – and luckily, the best gifts don’t need to cost the earth.

From fancy chocolate treats courtesy of Hotel Chocolat to affordable beauty buys from Mac, we’ve found a whole range of presents that cost less than £20. And, with Amazon being a reliable port of call when it comes to speedy and next-day delivery times, particularly if you’re signed up to Amazon Prime, our pick of gifts will arrive in time for Valentine’s celebrations on 14 February – so you won’t need to subject anyone to a petrol station bouquet after all.

Keep reading for our pick of the best gift ideas that will make hearts flutter, without costing a fortune.

Hotel Chocolat everything pocket selection: £9.95, Amazon.co.uk

(Hotel Chocolat)

You can’t go wrong with chocolate on Valentine’s Day, and Hotel Chocolat is a go-to for a reason. This sweet-looking selection from the boutique chocolatier sounds as scrumptious as it looks. Your giftee will enjoy a whole host of different flavours, such as billionaires shortbread, raspberry pannacotta, caramel cheesecake made with mascarpone, vanilla and French butter caramel, and an Eton mess-inspired chocolate. Let’s hope the special person in your life is happy to share.

Buy now

Neal’s Yard Remedies invigorating skincare set for men gift set: £18.17, Amazon.co.uk

(Amazon)

Treat them to a pampering skincare set from Neal’s Yard, a champion of natural and organic ingredients. This cruelty-free, vegan and organic skincare trio comes with a purifying face wash, a moisturiser and the brand’s invigorating hair and body wash, scented with grapefruit, bergamot and bay essential oils. Arriving ahead of Valentine’s Day, it’s sure to go down a treat.

Buy now

Lego cherry blossoms: £12.99, Amazon.co.uk

(Lego)

If you’re looking for a present the two of you can enjoy together, consider a build from Lego – and what could be more fitting for the occasion than a floral set? Adorned with a collection of pink and white buds, the 438-piece cherry blossom design makes for a lovely piece to display. If your giftee is an avid Lego fan, they may even choose to elevate this set with other blooms from Lego’s botanical collection.

Buy now

Ferrero collection: Was £11.50, now £8.50, Amazon.co.uk

(Ferrero)

With this Ferrero collection deal, Amazon is really spoiling us. The selection comprises 32 of the much-loved spherical chocolate delights and is sure to score you serious brownie points. There are three varieties to devour: the coconut raffaello with coconut and almond praline; the dark chocolate rondnoir, and the classic.

Buy now

Molton Brown rhubarb and rose hand cream: Was £14.99, now £12.49, Amazon.co.uk

(Amazon)

When it comes to pampering buys for your Valentine’s Day giftee, luxury fragrance and bath goodies brand Molton Brown is sure to go down a treat. A small but sweet gift that comes in at less than £15, this rhubarb and rose hand cream is vegan, paraben- and cruelty-free, and made with rhubarb, rose and grapefruit, while white truffle works to leave mitts feeling moisturised.

Buy now

Mac retro matte lipstick in ruby woo: £18.50, Amazon.co.uk

(Mac)

When the way to their heart is beauty, consider showing your affection with a lipstick in rouge. In our review of the best red lipsticks, this Mac option was our beauty editor’s favourite formula. They found that the “strong pigment lasts an incredibly long time (around six hours, even when eating and drinking)”. What’s more, “the blue-toned colour was hands down our favourite shade”, as it makes teeth look whiter, without drying out your pout.

Buy now

Neom scented candle, de-stress: £20, Amazon.co.uk

(Neom Organics London)

With a scent to bring a sense of calm into their space, this candle from Neom is bound to be a hit with home fragrance fans. While the larger sizes are a little more expensive, this travel-size option could prove to be a nice pick as a smaller gift for less than £20. Made from natural fragrances, marrying 19 essential oils such as lavender, sandalwood and jasmine, Neom’s de-stress scented candle promises a decent burn time of two to four hours.

Buy now

Sarah Jessica Parker Lovely eau de parfum spray, 100ml: £18.47, Amazon.co.uk

(Amazon)

Here’s a pocket-friendly eau de parfum you can find at Amazon. Housed in a pretty, classic-looking bottle, you could be fanning the flames of love with this scent, which marries notes of mandarin, bergamot, rosewood, lavender, apple martini, blossom, patchouli, cedar and more.

Buy now

Le Creuset stoneware coffee mug: From £14, Amazon.co.uk

(Amazon)

If, like us, your giftee can never have too many mugs in their life, this Le Creuset option is bound to be adored. With the brand’s distinctive three-ring design around the base, the mug features a thick rim and a high-shine finish. Depending on their preference, it’s available in a range of hues, including shell pink, cerise red, and the cookware queen’s signature volcanic orange shade.

Buy now

Scentology pomelo and neroli perfume for women, 100ml: £12.99, Amazon.co.uk

(Amazon)

A new signature spritz doesn’t have to break the bank. Landing a spot in our review of the best cheap perfumes, the pomelo and neroli perfume for women was dubbed the best for a fruity floral fragrance. In their review, our writer noted how the “sleek minimalist bottle” makes it look more expensive than it is, while the scent is “light and airy yet still packs a punch”, capturing “the sweetness of flowers with the sharpness of fruit”.

Buy now

All Occasions strawberries and cream bouquet: £26.49, Amazon.co.uk

(Amazon)

While it does fall a little above our £20 budget, it’s safe to say pretty much everyone will love to receive a beautiful bouquet of flowers, so you really can’t go wrong with a fresh bunch. ​​If you’re in need of speedy delivery ahead of Valentine’s Day, this pastel pink and cream bouquet of blooms will arrive in time, and it’ll look the part, coming hand-tied and gift-wrapped.

Buy now

Voucher codes

For the latest offers on beauty, chocolates and more, try the links below:

For more gift recommendations, read our Valentine’s Day 2024 gift guide

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in