20 Valentine's Day gifts she'll actually love

Flowers die after just a few days, but a plant will stick around forever — assuming you take care of it. Consider a low-maintenance option, like a pothos ivy or philodendron, and tuck it inside a cute pot for a gift that will keep on giving. 

Because they can last as long as three years without wilting or fading, preserved roses are all the rage on Valentine's Day, and for good reason. Everyone loves fresh flowers, and these stick around well beyond February 14. They're a little pricier than regular roses but definitely worth the splurge if your love is really into cut flowers. 

Those cheap Russell Stover boxes just aren't going to cut it anymore. Find a local chocolatier in your area to score the best chocolates, or head to a shop like Sugarfina for treats that feel even more special. 

Everyone loves a spa day, and it's the perfect way to help the person you love to treat themselves on Valentine's Day. Plan a day of massages and facials together, or give your partner a gift card so they can pamper themselves on a day when they really need it most. 

It might seem a little cheesy, but curating a great playlist for someone is a really thoughtful gift. Fill your playlist with songs that remind you of your partner, and plan a date night where you can spend a little time listening to the playlist together. 

Everyone has to shower, but the right products can make the experience feel so much more luxurious. Splurge on high-quality body wash, lotion, and bath bombs, and arrange them together with a cozy robe for a Valentine's Day gift that encourages self-care. 

Skip the boring dinner and a movie routine, and get out of town on Valentine's Day. Even if you can only plan a staycation or short road trip, changing up the scenery and planning some fun activities together is a great way to spend the holiday with the person you love. 

Scope out Ticketmaster and other ticketing websites for live music in your area, and score tickets to your partner's favorite band. Even if the show's a few months away, you'll have something to look forward to and another date night in the works. 

Whether your partner's into pricey makeup or fancy wine, there is a slew of subscription services that will deliver a little treat to your partner all year long, making this a perfect Valentine's Day gift that will show them how much you care beyond February 14. 

Whisk your partner out of the house for a day, and pay someone to deep-clean your house. Not only will you get to enjoy a fun day date together, but you'll come home to a sparkling clean home, and there's no better gift than that. 

Whether it's learning to cook a new meal or trying pottery for the first time, learning a new skill together can be both romantic and fun. At the very least, you're bound to get some good laughs when one of you makes a rookie mistake. 

Sexy lingerie certainly has its place, but really nice pajamas are practical all year round. Consider splurging on silk or cashmere, and pair it with a cozy pair of slippers or a nice blanket for a gift that encourages everyone to get in bed. 

Gold hoops are a truly timeless piece of jewelry, perfect for any collection. They're available in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and finishes, which means that you can find a pair that will fit your partner's style without a ton of shopping. 

Lelo's flickering touch massage candles, made with skin-safe wax, serve multiple purposes. They can help set the mood for a romantic evening, scent your space, and moisturize the skin while you give your partner a much-needed massage. 

Valentine's Day is the perfect time to splurge on something that your partner might not ordinarily buy for themselves, like a fancy perfume. Score Diptyque's Do Son, a lush floral scent, or Tom Ford's Lost Cherry, for a sultry and sophisticated addition to your partner's fragrance repertoire. 

So many of the Valentine's Day "deals" at traditional jewelry stores feel like a total rip-off, and it's unlikely that your partner wants yet another heart necklace. Hit your nearby vintage shop for a fun piece that will be totally unique. It doesn't even have to be fancy and loaded with gemstones. Even a great piece of costume jewelry or a simple and versatile gold bangle is a solid Valentine's Day gift. 

If your partner is the do-gooder type and doesn't really care about trinkets, use Valentine's Day to make an impact in the world — and on her heart. If she loves her pets, consider donating cash to a local dog rescue or perhaps consider a charity like St. Jude's Children's Hospital. 

If your partner wants to level up their coffee game, Valentine's Day is a great time to help them out with that. If they prefer espresso, splurge on a fancy machine, or if they like to keep it simple, a gorgeous French press is always a good gift. Don't forget to pair it with some great coffee beans, either. 

Alternatively, you can always make your partner feel a little bit better about their daily splurge by simply buying them a gift card to their favorite coffee shop. 

Above all, Valentine's Day isn't about pricey gifts. It's about spending time with the person you love. If your budget is strapped this year, grab a blanket, pack a picnic and spend some time hiking or stargazing with the one you love at your favorite outdoor destination.