Valentine’s Day—the one day a year when love is in the air… along with a whole lot of questionable gift choices. Look, we’re not saying your gift-giving skills are bad, but let’s be honest—some presents should never see the light of February 14th.

If you’re thinking of grabbing something last-minute (we see you, gas station flower buyers), consider this your official warning. And because we’re not just here to roast bad ideas, we’re giving you some way better alternatives. Let’s get into it.

1: Lipstick (filled with Lead)

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In a recent study, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics found "lead in 61% of the 33 lipsticks tested, with levels ranging from 0.03 ppm to 0.65 ppm." Need a translation? While medical authorities say there's no safe level of lead in the blood, the FDA doesn't currently view it as a safety concern.

Considering the FDA spent the past 3 decades trying to scare the tar out of us on the dangers of lead-based paint, we're a bit skeptical . . . Dangerous makeup has to be one of the worst Valentine's Day gifts!

Chuck the lead-ladened lip color and try an organic lip balm instead. Her lips will totally thank you!

2: (TOXIC) Bath Bombs

You just adore your sweetie and want her to enjoy a long relaxing soak ... in toxins. . .

No, really. That bedazzled rainbow sparkle pop of a bath bomb is just brimming with junk. Sure, some mainstream shops say it's a "safe synthetic" ingredient, but that's all spin, babe. There's nothing "safe" about synthetic dyes, fragrances, and polluting glitter.

We've already done an in-depth post about this, so we won't belabor the point. Take our word for it (or the scientific community's word, for that matter): these babies are a definite NO for Valentine's day. That's why we're putting these bad boys as number 2 on our list of worst Valentine's Day gifts.

Toss the toxic-ingredient-filled bath bombs and choose an organic, all-natural, and totally safe bath bomb instead.

3: A Pack of Cigarettes

"My girlfriend gave me a pack of cigarettes because I was trying to quit smoking, and she thought it would help me relax," writes u/samohkt/. Ouch. This one just hurts. We've all been there, trying to break a habit we hate. It's already so hard without anyone actively threatening your success. If your special love is trying to quit, don't sabotage them! Be their support group, babe, not an enabler!

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We recommend encouraging your special someone with a gift that will lift his spirits. Try this Geniuous Caffeine extended-release caffeine pill. With 5 stars and 3,400 reviews, it's hard to go wrong!

4: Flowers (That Trigger Her Allergies)

There are few things better than fresh flowers! They're aromatic, vibrant, and lift the entire vibe of a room from "meh" to "LOOOOOO-V-E IT!" But watch out there, bucko, because flowers also contain a lot of allergens. Gifting allergies to your beloved totally makes the list of worst Valentine's Day gifts.

First, there's the kind you think of when your boo gets seasonal allergies--the sneezing, runny nose, and puffy eyes. Nothing says "I Love You" quite like severe nasal congestion. The big culprits here are dioecious flowers, (those with male and female parts) since they produce much greater quantities of pollen. And with an estimated 25 million Americans susceptible to this type of allergy, it's best to be very sure your special someone isn't one of them before you purchase those lilies.

Similarly, the strong floral scent--magnified by being in an enclosed space--can often trigger nasty headaches. Oh, and don't forget that freshly cut flowers just aren't great for the environment either.

So ditch the pre-cut flowers and go for some outdoor ones! We recommend trying some environmentally conscious brands like Green Promise Farms. Or if you must buy cut flowers, check out the Slow Flowers registry, listing florists who grow local, seasonal, and sustainable flowers.

5: (Boring) Chocolates

Who doesn't just LOVE chocolate?! I'll tell you who, crazy people! Joking, aside, while chocolates are delicious, they are a bit cliché for Valentine's day. Why not surprise your guy or gal with something totally original? Check out this acupuncture pain relief matt, for instance. Pretty sweet and calorie-free!

6: A Pencil Sharpener (And Other Thoughtless Gifts)

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"My dad bought my mom a pencil sharpener one year for Valentine’s Day. It was the only gift he ever bought her on that day,” remembers u/gfjq23. “My sister and I pestered him relentlessly saying it was weird he had never bought her a Valentine’s Day gift, so he listened for what she wanted. She had been complaining that her pencil sharpener was junk, so he went out and bought this really nice electric one.”

Yikes! That's pretty bad . . . Thoughtless gifts are just the worst. Sure he "listened" to what she said she needed, but come on, bro. . . a pencil sharpener? It doesn't take much consideration to know that's probably not going to fly.

Don't get him something thoughtless! "Thoughtless" is always the worst Valentine's day gift. Instead, try something that will show you value him. 

7: Gift Card for a Tanning Salon

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We get it! No one wants to look ghostly pale. But with tanning beds come dangerous UVA rays that are even more harmful than regular, ol' fashioned sunshine. It's just not worth it. That's why we're naming this number 7 of worst valentine's day gifts!

Try our fan-favorite sunless tanner, instead! It doesn't stain, streak, or leave you looking orange. Better still, add in our new Face Self Tanner for getting that perfect glow, head to toe.

8: A Gym Membership (a.k.a. “Get in Shape” Gift)

Unless your partner specifically asked for it, handing them a gym membership on Valentine’s Day basically screams, “Hey, I think you should work out.” Save yourself the couch-sleeping and go with chocolates instead.

Instead of that, couple’s spa day, a fun dance class, or an active experience together (like rock climbing or hiking) can be a great gift! Make it fun, not judgmental!

9: Surprise! Here’s a Live Animal!

A puppy or kitten might seem like the cutest, most heart-melting Valentine’s Day gift ever… until you realize that you’ve just handed your partner 10+ years of responsibility they weren’t prepared for. Not to mention the allergies, pet deposits, and wait, you got me a snake?! Instead, try a trip to an animal sanctuary or a personalized plushie that looks like their pet (if they already have one).

10: Here, Have Some Cleaning Supplies

Oh, you shouldn’t have. No, really. You shouldn’t have. A vacuum, mop, or God forbid a set of dish sponges is not a Valentine’s Day gift—it’s a passive-aggressive attack. If they love organizing, get them something stylish, like a luxury candle or cute home decor. If not, steer clear of anything that screams “chore.”

And if you think you’ve received the worst Valentine’s Day gift ever, our community has some hilarious (and tragic) stories to prove otherwise:

💔 Joan: “Worst was a Valentine for a friend! The guy was too shy, so he wanted me to deliver it for him. 😠”

💔 Kortney: “Super heavy, ugly earrings from a boyfriend in high school. They had fake gems and little metal swirls. Not my style at all, but I knew he tried and really hoped I liked them. 🫣”

💔 Linda: “The worst gift I’ve received was a black, plain pleather hat. They were so excited and said, ‘I saw this and thought of you.’ OHMYWORD!! It was the ugliest hat I’ve ever seen! 🤣”

I hope this list has inspired some better gift-choices (and laughs!), spurring you on to truly awesome Valentine's Day gift selections!

All the kisses + V'day high-fives,

Jenny