Creative and Unusual Valentine's Gifts for Your Sweetheart

Valentine's Day is less than one month away! Time to think about the perfect gift for your sweetheart. Need help with a few ideas that he or she is sure to love? Here are 15 picks to suit just about any taste and budget. Plus 15 more small (under $5) add-ons at the end!

This Personalized Constellation Map ($15 from Amazon) depicts the constellations in the night sky at any specific date and location to commemorate an event such as your first date, engagement, wedding, etc. Personalize it even further with your names and the date in elegant gold script. 

Send your sweetheart an impromptu love note through the app and the heart will spin until they retrieve your message with this Lovebox Spinning Heart Messenger ($100 from Uncommon Goods). 

Plan your future adventures together with the "Our Bucket List" Journal ($7 from Amazon). Brainstorm ideas to add to your shared bucket list, then include the completion date, along with photos and stories, as you work through the items on your list. 

Cut flowers die, but this Lego Flower Bouquet ($60 from Lego) will last forever! The two of you can build the colorful 756-piece set together. 

Answer the prompts in the "What I Love About You By Me" Journal ($15 from Walmart) to tell your partner what about them makes your heart skip a beat. 

Dinner for two is a Valentine's tradition, but you know what's even more romantic? Cooking that dinner for two together, with the "Dishes for Two" cookbook ($30 from Macy's). Includes both everyday and special occasion recipes! 

If cooking is not your strong suit, go for a Steaks and Cakes Dinner for 2 ($150 from Goldbelly). Only minimal cooking skills are required to prepare this elegant gourmet meal, which includes heart-shaped filets mignon, Maryland crab cakes, and red velvet cake. 

Fancy chocolates are another traditional Valentine's Day gift, but you can up your game with a Make Your Own Chocolate Truffles Kit ($40 from Uncommon Goods). Customize your 15 truffles with your favorite flavors. 

Set the mood with this Maude Burn No. 1 Massage Candle ($32 from Sephora). Let the candle burn for 15 minutes to release the scent of amber, cedar leaf, clove, lemongrass, medjool date, and tonka bean, then blow out the candle and use the melted jojoba and soybean oil-infused wax as massage oil. 

If your sweetheart enjoys a good cocktail, surprise them with a Cocktail Smoker Kit ($36 from Amazon), which includes a hexagonal glass-top smoker (fits glasses from 1.6" to 3.5" diameters), four tins of flavored wood chips (apple, oak, pecan, cherry), and a hand-held kitchen torch. 

You can adjust the temperature of this Coffee Warmer and Mug ($40 from Cosori) to your preferred beverage temperature and it will stay hot all day long. The mug includes a lid in case you want to carry your mug around - then you can reheat it on the warmer. 

Need some fancy teas for that mug warmer? This Instant Colorful Tea Latte Kit ($30 from Uncommon Goods) is available in Pink Latte, Matcha Latte, or Golden Latte flavors. Simply drop a cube into either hot water or hot milk for a colorful and delicious beverage! Make it extra fancy with the ruby tea, vanilla sugar, and rose petal garnish cubes from the included Latte Art Kit. Each kit makes six lattes. 

Team up with your partner to solve this immersive murder mystery game, "Death at the Dive Bar" from the Hunt a Killer series ($30 from Target). The game includes props and clues for added fun. 

For the Valentine who sings in the shower (or even if they just like to listen to music there), this portable, waterproof, mini shower speaker ($16 from Amazon) is appropriate for home, travel, even camping. A single charge lasts for 10 hours, and the 33-foot Bluetooth range will easily connect to your phone or other compatible devices. 

Turn up the heat with this portable indoor/outdoor tabletop fireplace with flame guard ($50 from Wayfair). The ethanol fuel is safe to use, even indoors. At 12" high and 8" in diameter, it's small enough to put on a table for two and still have room for drinks and food. 

Small Treats To Add To Your Gift (All Under $5)

Marshmallow Conversation Hearts, 6-pack

Van Gogh's Starry Night Notebook

Cheers Bottle Opener

Incense Sticks

Scalp Massager

Elegant Brush Style Felt Pen

Scrabble Letter Tile Keychain

Air Plant

Milk and Dark Chocolate Hearts in Foil

Strawberry Dipping Kit with Edible Glitter

Heart-Shaped Pasta

Stemless Champagne Flute with Hearts

Stemless Wine Glass with Hearts

Strawberry and Creme Trail Mix

Sweet and Sour Gummy Hearts

"Wicked" Cosplay

When I reviewed the new movie of "Wicked" recently, I didn't discuss the costumes (or the costume designer, Paul Tazewell) very much. But I thought they were a highlight of the film. They were less bizarre than the stage versions (which I also loved), but instead were more quirky and steampunk-y. The costumes were used well to demonstrate the personalities of the various characters, and how those personalities changed over time. 

If you enjoyed the costumes as much as I did, you may be looking ahead to next Halloween, thinking about an Elphaba costume - or maybe a little further, to the November 2025 release of "Wicked: For Good", with plans of attending a screening in Glinda cosplay. Maybe you simply envy the Wizard's fabulous waistcoat or one of Madame Morrible's impressive gowns. Whatever your reasons for wanting something from the film in your own wardrobe, here are some commercially available pieces that channel the spirit of the Ozians!

Glinda entering Oz in the opening of the film

The creators putting the finishing details on the actual gown used in the film

A close-up of Glinda's "bubble crown", which was created using a 3-D printer

The original design sketch for the dress, 

with a fabric swatch in the upper right corner

Glinda's frothy pink gown from the opening sequence is deliciously huge, but a slightly less voluminous version can make a similar impression, especially if you pair it with a big ol' tiara and wand. 

This pale pink tiered ruffled strapless gown from Kissprom ($270) has a similar silhouette to Glinda's gown, as well as a pretty gathered bodice, a flattering fitted waistline, and a little bit of a train. Top it off with a tall bubble-and-starburst-patterned tiara from Amazon ($20) and a large crystal-and-silver scepter, also from Amazon ($37). 

Galinda arriving at Shiz

The actual costume waiting a final fitting

A closer look at Galinda's hat

Galinda arrives at Shiz wearing a chic tailored dusty pink-and-grey striped suit over a pink blouse and an adorable grey saucer hat with a pert ribbon bow. Don't forget the bright pink purse. 

The suit is a tough piece to approximate with "standard" clothing, but you can get this cosplay version from RetroStage ($55; top photo), which includes the jacket, skirt, and blouse. Then add some pink ribbon to this graceful gray saucer hat from Kentucky Derby Hats 4U ($104; center photo). For the finishing touch, carry this vivid pink Kate Spade crossbody bag ($89; bottom photo). You just know Galinda has dozens of designer bags in her closet. 

A pink peignoir trimmed with giant rosettes, at the end of "Popular"

 

About to meet the Wizard in Emerald City

One of Galinda's many school "uniforms"

Another tailored jacket in Emerald City

We see a number of Galinda's other pink outfits (with varying degrees of frothiness) throughout the film. 

The peignoir from Popular requires combining several pieces: first, a neon pink mini halter dress from Amazon ($32; top photo), topped with a sheer pink belted peignoir with bell sleeves and feather trim from Amazon ($34; center photo), then add a pair of 10-inch diameter organza rosettes from Ali Express ($1 each; bottom photo) to the shoulders. 

This open-front tailored blazer with standup collar and flared hem from Amazon ($27) is similar to Galinda's school jacket. 

This sleeveless pink lace top from Nordstrom Rack ($35) has a slightly raised collar and a semi-sheer yoke reminiscent of the top Glinda wears to meet the Wizard. 

The most unique feature of Glinda's curved-front jacket in Emerald City is the ruffled, square-shouldered, leg-o-mutton sleeves, which are echoed in the silhouette of this open front puff sleeve jacket from Amazon ($53). 

Elphaba and Galinda at the Ozdust Ballroom

The Ozdust dress on a mannequin

The designer's original sketch and fabric swatch for the Ozdust dress

The off-the-shoulder ruffled pink and yellow gown that Galinda wears to the dance at the Ozdust Ballroom would look at home on the dance floor at a wedding or prom. 

The pink-with-just-a-hint-of-yellow color combination in Galinda's dance dress is particularly striking, and this ruffled ombre tulle cocktail dress from Couture Candy ($130) has the same lovely color combination, as well as a sweet and frothy feel and the same soft movement that's perfect for dancing the night away. 

Glinda is not alone in dressing in beautiful flame colors for the Ozdust dance: Pfannee and Shenshen also wear fancy clothes in shades of gold, orange, and pink. 

The pale gold velvet lapels, cuffs, and pocket flaps of this elegant paisley baroque blazer from Contempo Suits ($180; top photo) echo Pfannee's velvet-trimmed jacket, as does the metallic brocade embroidery. Instead of the copper satin pants that pair with the more vivid shades of Pfannee's jacket, pair the blazer with the champagne satin joggers from this two-piece lounge set from Amazon ($36; center photo). For a really classing finishing touch, top your black dress shoes with these gold jacquard button spats from Historical Emporium ($39; bottom photo). 

Shenshen's copper dress has a multi-tiered skirt with a hem that is slightly raised at one side, short full sleeves, and a scoop neckline, and is accented with a wide pink lace sash topped with a narrow dark pink belt. This burnt orange Mac Duggal dress from New York Dress ($119; top photo) also has a slightly raised multi-tiered skirt, and short sleeves, plus a flattering v-neck. Add the same splash of contrasting color in this skinny leather rose belt from Kohl's ($13; bottom photo). 

Nessarose's father gives her a gorgeous pair of sparkly silver shoes. Like Glinda's tiara, the shoes used in the film were created using a 3-D printer!

These rhinestone sequin kitten heels from Amazon ($40) have a similar curlicue design, albeit not quite in a pump style. 

If you prefer the pump style and don't mind a high stiletto heel, these Betsey Johnson rhinestone evening pumps from Macy's ($139) might be a better choice. 

The outfit that Elphaba wears to escort Nessarose to Shiz is decidedly less chic than Galinda's. 

Elphaba's black prairie dress features long sleeves with severely puffed shoulders that are tight at the wrists, a fitted waist, and a full, ruffled skirt. This smocked, empire waist maxi dress from Amazon ($52) has similar styling, lacking only the high collar of Elphaba's dress. 

Nessarose, on the other hand, arrives wearing a gorgeous teal velvet jacket that is to DIE for. And which, along with her wide-pleated grey skirt, echoes the uniforms that the other students are already wearing. Nessa is PREPARED. 

As much as I love the seaming down the shoulders and the brass buttons on the front and sleeves, the most eye-catching elements of Nessa's jacket are the rich color and texture of the teal velvet. This teal velvet long-sleeved three-button blazer from Target ($54) is the same gorgeous shade and elegant texture. Pair it with a charcoal grey box-pleated knee-length uniform skirt from Lands' End ($44). 

Boq and Nessa at the Ozdust Ballroom

Nessa also wears a lovely gold-trimmed white dress to the Ozdust, with a corset-style top, two-tiered skirt, and a cropped jacket with modified leg-o-mutton sleeves. 

Another look that requires combining a few elements, start with this cream dropped-waist midi dress from Azazie ($139; top photo) and this ivory tweed cropped bolero jacket from Lulu's ($45; center photo), then add some gold lace trim (try this antique gold 1-inch lace trim from JoAnn, $5.99 per yard; bottom photo). 

Fiyero outshines everyone at the Ozdust in an elaborate gold-trimmed military-style jacket with dozens of brass buttons.

This blue and gold Regency brocade suit jacket from Wonderland by Lillian ($369) has the proper military feel, the requisite brass buttons, and plenty of gold trim everywhere. 

Elphaba's simple smocked nightdress is probably the prettiest thing she owns. 

The tiny vertical pintucks down the bodice, combined with delicate embroidery along the neckline, create the surprising femininity of Elphaba's nightgown, details shared by this lovely Nicolette nightgown from Favorites ($49). 

Elphaba in her room

Elphaba's "school looks"

The designer's sketch of one of Elphaba's looks, along with fabric swatches

Most of the time when we see Elphaba at Shiz, she's wearing a charcoal-gray pin-striped school uniform jacket and skirt. 

Like Galinda's suit, it's hard to approximate Elphaba's school uniform with street clothes, but this cosplay version from Light in the Box ($61) will do nicely. You can accessorize with a black satchel purse from Coach Outlet ($159) and a pair of black calf-length Journee Collection Nikki boots from DSW ($35). 

Elphaba in Emerald City

Elphaba's costume on a mannequin

Designer's sketch and swatch for one of Elphaba's dresses

Elphaba's signature black hat

When she's not wearing a school uniform, Elphaba is generally wearing a black dress, or a shirt with a blouse or jacket.  

This funky bead-embellished blazer from Chic Star ($138; top photo) features a three-button wrap closure, raised shoulders, double peplum, beaded sash, and asymmetrical embellished lapel - very Elphaba! Pair it with this tea-length A-line ruffled skirt with tulle overlay from Walmart ($18; bottom photo) and the Nikki boots above and you're Ozian from head to toe. 

Madame Morrible welcoming the new students to Shiz

The designer's original sketch for the embroidered robe, 

along with several fabric swatches

Madame Morrible's gorgeous gold-embroidered burgundy duster was my favorite costume piece in the entire film. 

Depending on your budget and taste, you can approximate Madame Morrible's look with a sparkly cardigan duster from Amazon ($30; top photo), a caftan with golden work and stand collar from Arabic Attire ($150; center photo) or luxurious burgundy embroidered caftan from Gipci ($69; lower photo). 

Madame Morrible in Emerald City

The designer's original sketch plus swatches of the incredible fabric

Madama Morrible's deep green gown read as nearly black, with metallic embroidery, a wide belt with a large round gold and green disc-shaped buckle, and A-line skirt, and a structural collar. 

This A-line, V-neck, floor length, lace sequin gown with beading from JJ's House ($239; top photo) is the perfect base for the dark dress with the architectural lapel jacket. Top it with a floral sequin pattern jacket from Draper's ($100; center photo). Then cinch it in with a wide black snake belt with coiled gold buckle from Nordstrom ($205; lower photo). 

The Wizard wears a long emerald green velvet jacket with matching tweed pants and a waistcoat with brass buttons and multiple watch chains over a white shirt with a wing collar. 

This three-quarter length green velvet tuxedo jacket from Suit USA ($189; top photo) features satin lower lapels and a single brass button. Layer it over a five-pleat tuxedo shirt with wing collar from Jos. A. Bank ($65; second photo) and a five-button green velvet waistcoat with satin trim from Historical Emporium ($84; third photo). Finish the look with green plaid wool dress pants from Amazon ($30). 

So go out there and shop, then go out and cosplay!!