80+ sneaky and sweet Secret Valentine ideas for Valentine’s Day

A collection of gifts at a Secret Valentine party, decorated with different kinds of wrap in shades of pink, red, white and kraft paper brown, wrapped with ribbons of different widths and materials in pink, red and white patterns, and covered in fun Valentine's Day-themed stickers.

Valentine’s Day is all about showing care to others, and if you want to ramp up the excitement of that with the friends, family or co-workers in your life, a secret Valentine gift exchange is the way to go.

What’s that? You thought February 14 is merely a day of cringe PDA? Well, fear not! Modern Valentine’s Day hype includes showing the love for colleagues, neighbors, friends, family and…well, just about anyone. It’s all love and it’s all good.

So grab your wings and your trusty bow and heart arrows. 💘 Because you’re about to play Cupid!

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How to set up a Secret Valentine gift exchange  

Setting up guidelines will help your Secret Valentine exchange hit its target better than Cupid’s arrow—and Cupid doesn’t miss.

  • First, decide on the gift price range ($20-25, for example).
  • Decide if your group would have fun with a gift theme. There are many to choose from like nostalgia, baked goods or fandoms. More on that in a bit!
  • Your selection process can be as simple as writing each participant’s name on individual slips of folded paper and taking turns drawing from a bowl. For an office exchange, you might have each participant add a few interests, and any allergies, to their slip before putting it in the bowl.
  • For the gift exchange or the big reveal, you can keep it breezy and simple by gathering with your group and exchanging gifts. To do a bit extra, after each gift is opened, have the giver tell a little about why they selected their gift.
  • For more ideas on creating a memorable big reveal, keep reading.

 

Those are the nuts and bolts, or chocolates and nougats in this case, of a Secret Valentine gift exchange! Check out the lists to find the right gifts or gestures for your group of Valentines.

A collection of gifts at a Secret Valentine party, decorated with different kinds of wrap in shades of pink, red, white and kraft paper brown, wrapped with ribbons of different widths and materials in pink, red and white patterns, and covered in fun Valentine's Day-themed stickers.

Secret Valentine gift ideas for friends  

You’ve got options. This group knows each other so well, it’ll be easy to lean toward ultra-personalized gifts, but you can also go for the more universal items.

  • Wine exchange. Do they prefer red or white? What’s their fav varietal or region?
  • Floral bouquet. Here are some tips on building a bouquet that speaks to them.
  • Guided journal with stickers. Especially if you know of any exciting goals they have for the year ahead.
  • Hallmark+ gift subscription. A great way to keep the feels going.
  • Book exchange. Spice it up by choosing from the romance genre.
  • Snacks and treats. Choose from their favorites for a snack-tastic gift.
  • Framed photo or photo book. Pick a favorite pose featuring your friend group.
  • Golden Girl fandom. Personalize your gift by choosing pieces that feature their Golden Girl alter ego.
  • Better together PB&J plushie. This gift represents the heart of friendship.
  • The perfect card with a sweet message about how much they mean to you.

Secret Valentine gift ideas for co-workers  

You spend a lot of time with the people at work, and now’s the time to show them a little love for the special light and expertise they bring to your day.

  • Stationery set. You can personalize it with their initials if you want!
  • Quality pencils. These come in handy, even in the digital age.
  • A potted plant. Gift a small, low-maintenance variety for their workspace.
  • Fidget toy. Help them keep away stress or keep focus close.
  • Picture frame. So they can keep loved ones near all day long.
  • Wall calendar. Find one with a theme that reflects their interests or hobbies.
  • The perfect card will help tie it all together.
A table set up for a Secret Valentine party, including a heart-shaped pizza, white chocolate-covered strawberries, white chocolate-covered pretzels, pink and white paper straws, pink plates and napkins, as well as popcorn and candy; the table is surrounded by pink and red pillows and blankets; nearby is a white tub filled with ice and beverages in pink and red cans.

Creative Secret Valentine gift ideas  

Browse this list for creative gifts or ideas that let the recipient use their own creativity.

  • Charcuterie board. To do extra, fill it with samples of their favorites.
  • Needlepoint kit. Choose one with a sweet scene. It might inspire a new, relaxing pastime.
  • Candle-making set. Go for a starter set that includes basic instructions along with the materials they’ll need.
  • Custom scent. Think of things like lotions or small perfumes.
  • Custom puzzle. Use a photo of the recipient to make the puzzle.
  • Ingredients box. Fill it with ingredients for a great baked dessert, plus the recipe. Include a shopping list of any perishable items they’ll need to add.
  • Inspiration set. Write out thoughtful affirmations on little slips of paper. Place them all in a small bag and include a journal along with a few great pencils or pens.

Affordable Secret Valentine gift ideas  

No need to break the bank. Try one or a combo of these ideas for a super-affordable, super-kind gift or a series of small gifts to give out leading up to the big reveal.

  • Votive candles. Get a variety of colors and scents for a super-affordable scent bouquet.
  • Tea packets. With so many types to choose from, a mix ’n’ match set might lead them to a new favorite.
  • Jelly beans. Package them in cellophane tied with a colorful ribbon then place it all in a Val-themed mug.
  • Lip balms. These are in demand year-round. Chapped lips know no season.
  • Bath bombs. Encourage your recipient to practice a little self-love!
  • Travel-size care items. Lotions, pain relievers and stain remover sticks come in handy in a pinch.
  • Card games. Help them keep the fun going even after Valentine’s Day.
A downshot of a small white table top surrounded by a group of girlfriends who are decorating their Secret Valentine gifts before their exchange.

Funny Secret Valentine gift ideas  

Who says Valentine’s Day can’t be all fun and games? Certainly not us. Besides, a smile can be the best gift of all.

  • Novelty socks. Why not give something to warm their heart, funny bone and feet all at once?
  • An original poem. No pressure here. It’s supposed to be funny, after all.
  • Funny mug. Look for ones with cheeky quotes and unconventional advice.
  • Gag gift. Silliness never goes out of style.
  • Novelty slippers. Hot dog or taco feet? Yes, please.
  • Cake. Bake them an ugly, but delicious, dessert.
  • T-shirt. One repping their fave snack or nostalgic brand. Or a rival sports team!
  • Or go custom. Get them a T-shirt with one of their favorite/silliest sayings.
  • itty bittys®. They might be small, but they’re big on fun.
  • A funny card. Get ideas for what to write inside here!

DIY Secret Valentine gift ideas  

If you prefer to be hands-on with gifting, browse this list for gift ideas that let you add your own flair.

  • Origami flower bouquet. This can be as simple or elaborate as you like.
  • Knitted gift. Create something warm in their favorite colors.
  • Original prompts. Write prompts at the tops of journal pages to inspire their writing time.
  • Painting canvases. Gift a few table-top-size canvases and a set of paints.
  • Picture frame. Find one with a wide, blank trim. Add small decorative pieces in a baggie for them to use to decorate the frame. Think shells, beads and other craft store goodies.
  • Unassembled friendship bracelets. Gather string, beads and charms, and package them in a small, colorful mesh bag.
  • Build-a-Bouquet. Give the cutest pop-up paper flowers for a no-water-needed bouquet.

Personalized Secret Valentine gift ideas  

Get them a gift that literally has their name on it and says to them, “Be mine.”

  • Bookmark. A great gift idea if they’re in a book club or always recommending new titles.
  • Acrostic poem. Write one that spells their name or spells out a favorite hobby.
  • Charm bracelet. Spell their name or add charms that symbolize things important to them.
  • Gear and supplies. Encourage their downtime with things related to their interests or hobbies.
  • Puzzle. Find one that depicts a place they’ve visited or that they want to visit.
  • Personalized card. Add photos and a sentiment to give it just the right touch.

 

A woman's hands hold a pink journal with the words,

Fandom Secret Valentine gift ideas  

Get to the heart of it all by giving something they’ll love all year long. Check out all the gift ideas we have featuring these pop culture favorites:

We hope your gift exchange brings all the fun and suspense your heart desires. And it’s no secret that we wish you a Happy Valentine’s Day.

 

For more Valentine’s Day and gifting inspiration, check out these articles!