A day of love marked by mush and roses, Valentine’s Day gifting does a somersault with a wide variety of practical gifting options ranging from gadgets and gizmos to jewellery, fitness and wellness options
By Namrata Kohli
Modern expressions of love go beyond traditional flowers and chocolates. They incorporate personalization, digital experiences, and experiential gifting that cater to evolving lifestyles. Couples are using creative reels, carousels, and heartfelt captions to express love publicly. Some are using AI tools to craft personalized poems, messages, or even customized AI-generated couple portraits. A growing trend includes compiling past memories into short cinematic clips shared online.
Its fitness over food for Generation Z and gyms are more likely the places for prospective partners to meet or dating partners to spend time rather than lounge bars and cafes. Bumble’s recent research highlights an emerging trend in modern dating, where fitness plays an important role. According to their latest study, half of singles in India (49%) are eager to combine fitness with dating, and 42% are open to trying it if suggested by their partner. This trend is particularly popular among Gen Z singles, with 52% expressing interest in fitness-centred dates. Moreover, 95% of singles find sporty first dates appealing, and for 44%, a lack of interest in sports is a dealbreaker. Wearable tech such as smartwatches with custom engravings, matching fitness bands, or even smart rings that track emotional well-being are top trending V-day gifts amongst these fitness freaks.
According to Avi Kumar, Chief Marketing Officer, FNP (Ferns N Petals), “We’re witnessing a clear shift towards premiumization, with customers increasingly investing in high-end lifestyle gifts, tech-driven indulgences, and wellness-focused selections. Luxury hampers, available exclusively at FNP Luxe, are seeing a growing trend and receiving a strong response. Thoughtfully curated with top-tier brands like Dyson, Marshall, Kama Ayurveda, and even iPhones, these hampers cater to consumers seeking a seamless blend of luxury and thoughtfulness.”
Experience-based gifting is the mood of the season. Instead of material gifts, couples are opting for boutique resorts, glamping sites, and heritage hotels for an intimate getaway. Wellness gifting is on the rise, with couples indulging in couple’s spa experiences, yoga retreats, and wellness vacations. Even fine dining has gone for a twist- instead of just booking a dinner date, people are opting for private chefs at home, gourmet food subscriptions, or Michelin-starred restaurant experiences.
Love for Technology
Smartphones, laptops, headphones, tablets, cameras and smartwatches are a rage this Valentine season. The love for smartphones continues unabated with improved hardware and faster wireless communication. For a Bengaluru based twenty-year-old humanities student Madhu Gupta, the gift of a smartphone from a dear friend is all that she wants- “In today’s day and age, my Valentine is my smartphone as it allows one to do everything that a full-sized computer does and more. I can stay without my boyfriend but not without my phone.” Of the top models, an iPhone 16 pro max (256 GB) costs Rs 1,37,900, Samsung Galaxy S25 ultra 5g Rs 1,29,999 and Devialet Gemini 2 true wireless earbuds Rs 59,999, Bowers & Wilkins p18 true wireless in ear headphones - Rs 63,999, Apple Watch SE Rs 24,900.
Valentine Staples
Valentine’s Day is still not complete without the V-day staples of flowers, chocolates, jewellery. Rings and pendants with heartbeat engravings or digital love messages are gaining popularity. 3D-Printed love sculptures are also trending, and some couples are getting miniature 3D-printed figurines of themselves as keepsakes.
E-commerce portal MISHO’s curated ‘With Love, From MISHO’ includes juicy love locket, bow earrings, textured initial necklace, mini bow pendant and such like. According to Suhani Parekh, Founder & Creative Director, MISHO, “This Valentine’s Day, the mood is all about meaningful, timeless gifting—pieces that go beyond the occasion and become cherished keepsakes. Classic options like jewellery remain a top choice, but we’re seeing a strong preference for personalised and statement designs that reflect thoughtfulness. Enamel pieces from our Juicy collection are among the top picks. Personalised jewellery is another favourite, with pieces like the memento pendants and rings, textured name necklaces, and zodiac pendants resonating deeply with those looking for gifts with a personal touch. When it comes to budgets, we see a wide range of preferences. Younger clients often gravitate toward playful, enameled pieces like the Juicy Love Ring that are usually under Rs 10,000, while more mature buyers invest in timeless designs like the Memento Round White Pendant which are around Rs 20,000 and above. Overall, MISHO’s Valentine’s selection ranges from Rs 5,000 to Rs 30,000.”
Roses and cakes continue to be cherished. Says KN Srikanth, Director, Home, Kitchen and Outdoors, Amazon India, “The continued growth of Amazon.in’s “Fresh Flowers” category highlights our commitment to offering a seamless and delightful gifting experience. This January, we recorded an impressive 40% growth, and with Valentine’s Day around the corner, we anticipate close to 45% growth in February, reflecting the increasing preference for online flower deliveries. Our selection has expanded significantly, now featuring over 6,200 options, a 2X increase since March 2024 including classic red roses and premium luxury bouquets from trusted brands like FlowerAura, Shades of Spring, and The FloralMart.”
There is also a trend of preserved flowers. Says Pawan Gadia, Global CEO, FNP, “Gifting today is about thoughtfulness as much as luxury. Personalization transforms a gift into an experience—whether through bespoke hampers curated to individual tastes or preserved roses that symbolize timeless emotions. Luxury hampers now blend fine craftsmanship, gourmet selections, and monogrammed keepsakes, while preserved roses redefine floral gifting with their year-long longevity and exquisite appeal. At FNP, we’re championing eco-friendly choices—biodegradable packaging, plantable seed paper, and ethically sourced artisanal products. Preserved flowers, reusable gift boxes, and indoor plants are also redefining sustainable luxury.”
Home and living items, bespoke art pieces and personalized gifts are doing well. Brands like India Circus have released its "Bloom" collection and the "Love Birds" range. Says the spokesperson from India Circus- “Imagine a romantic dinner set with the "Petal Perfection" dinnerware, adorned with captivating floral patterns and delicate gold accents. Create a cozy ambiance with the "Love Notes" cushion covers, featuring heartfelt messages and enchanting designs that whisper tales of affection. The Blushed Orchard dinner set 20 pieces Rs 13, 869. Or Merlot embossed champagne glasses set of two.
But be careful about what you give. “A truly special gift isn’t just received; it’s remembered,” says FNP’s CMO Avi Kumar, “Gifting is an emotion, Not just a transaction. This year, we’re seeing a shift towards gifts that combine meaning with indulgence. The best gifts are planned, not rushed. Pre-booking allows for better curation, personalization, and a delightful experience.”
Ultimately, Valentine’s Day isn’t just about giving—it’s about making someone feel loved in a way that stays with them, long after the day is over.
PRICE CHART:
Surfing for gifts for your valentine. Sample some premium options below:
OnePlus 13 Smartphone
A durable and feature-rich smartphone with advanced capabilities, perfect for staying connected.
Price: Rs. 75,000
Boox Palma 2 E-Reader
A compact e-reader with a Carta 1200 e-paper display and Android 13 support, ideal for avid readers.
Price: Rs. 23,000
M4 Mac Mini
A powerful mini-computer with a 10-core processor, up to 24GB RAM, and 512GB storage, suitable for demanding applications.
Price: Rs. 78,000
Sonos Ace Noise-Cancelling Headphones
High-quality headphones offering active noise cancellation and customizable sound profiles for an immersive listening experience.
Price: Rs. 35,000
Dell Inspiron 14 Plus Laptop
A robust laptop featuring up to a Snapdragon X Elite processor, 16GB RAM, and a 1TB storage drive, ideal for work and play.
Price: Rs. 79,000
Tiffany & Co. Heart Pendant Necklace
This elegant necklace showcases a heart-shaped pendant in sterling silver, embodying timeless elegance.
Price: Around Rs. 45,000
Cufflinks and Tie Gift Set
A versatile set including gold-toned 3D carved cufflinks, a printed white tie, and a dual-toned motif lapel pin.
Price: Rs. 9,500
Bose Sound Bar
Enhance the home entertainment experience with this high-quality sound system, delivering immersive audio for movies and music.
Price: Approximately Rs 50,000 – Rs 1,00,000, depending on the model.
Apple Series 10 Smart Watch
A state-of-the-art smartwatch offering advanced health monitoring and seamless connectivity.
Price: Rs 60,749
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