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The history of Valentine’s Day is a dark one — too dark to recount here. However, there’s consensus that the holiday came from the Romans and the Normans, and that it eventually turned into a celebration of love. In the Middle Ages, people gave cards on the holiday, and it was known to be a favorite of Shakespeare’s, as well.
In the early 1900s, a now well-known company called Hallmark started making Valentine’s Day cards, inspiring lovers young and old to participate in the holiday by giving tiny, often heart-shaped notes. At some point, jewelry, chocolate, and flowers became the more popular gifts, and for those without a significant other, there’s the oft-joked about “Singles Awareness Day,” which also falls on Feb. 14.
Today, Valentine’s Day has become big business with themed candies, sneakers, T-shirts, and other items to make gift-giving easier than ever. It’s not uncommon for drugstores to put out the Valentine’s Day stuff on Dec. 26. Christmas usually takes all our money for gifting, so it helps to be extra creative and resourceful by the time Valentine’s Day rolls around, when your significant other is expecting much more than just a card.
If you wanna go all out without breaking the bank this year, Amazon Prime is a great place to get gifts, especially last-minute ones that offer guaranteed one- or two-day shipping. Unsurprisingly, they have an almost endless selection of all the usual suspects, including many kinds of flowers and chocolates. However, there are gifts for all kinds of people according to one’s interests, and that’s where our filtering comes in. In the list below, you’ll find everything from balloons to wine glasses to books, and yes, toilet paper. There’s chocolate that will last a matter of minutes, and a rose that will literally last forever.
Check out the best last-minute gifts on Amazon Prime this Valentine's Day, and good luck.
Heart-Shaped Balloons
Where to buy: Amazon
Price: $19.99
Nothing says “I love you” like actual balloons that say, “I love you.” Whether you’re gifting for the ‘gram or literally blew all your money on Christmas gifts, balloons are a simple way to surprise your special someone on Valentine’s Day.
King and Queen Wine Glasses
Where to buy: Amazon
Price: $24.99
These wine glasses are the gift that keeps on giving. Get a bottle of your favorite wine, put on some music, and surprise your valentine with this gift.
Silver Everlasting Rose
Where to buy: Amazon
Price: $59.99
Put a "forever" twist on a classic gift with this everlasting rose. It’s a real, hand-picked rose with its stem and leaves intact, sealed in silver-plated resin. Though real flowers will die after a few days, the everlasting rose lives on.
Love Poems by Pablo Neruda
Where to buy: Amazon
Price: $6.70
Looking for the right words to say, as well as the right gift to give? Try a book of love poetry by the inimitable Pablo Neruda. Lines like, “I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where,” will make Valentine’s Day feel extra romantic.
Chocolate Rose Bouquet
Where to buy: Amazon
Price: $17.82
Chocolate is never a bad idea for Valentine’s Day, whether in the form of a classic assortment box or otherwise. However, combining chocolate and roses is an unprecedented move. Try a rose bouquet made of chocolate for a gift that’s beautiful and delicious.
The Little Black Book of Sex Postions
Where to buy: Amazon
Price: $15.26
Valentine’s Day is usually a great time to spice things up, and that’s exactly what The Little Black Book of Sex Positions is for. Only get this one for your valentine if they won’t take it the wrong way!
The Best of Sade Vinyl
Where to buy: Amazon
Price: $19.68
Classic love albums by Marvin Gaye, John Legend, Lauryn Hill, or in this case, Sade, make for a great reminder of your love — and your shared love for music — on Valentine’s Day. It’s never too late to bring back a classic.
Beats Solo2 Wired On-Ear Headphone
Where to buy: Amazon
Price: $125.00
Pink headphones not only scream “Valentine’s Day,” but they’re also a fire color and easy to keep track of. They also come with a matching case. Plus, who wouldn't wanna match Cam?
"I Love You" Toilet Paper
Where to buy: Amazon
Price: $16.71
If your significant other can take a good joke, then surprise her with this roll of toilet paper the morning of Valentine’s Day. It’s printed with soy-based ink, so yes, you can actually use it.
Romantic Basketball
Where to buy: Amazon
Price: $29.71
The sports fan in your life will appreciate the surprise of a ball that affirms they made the right choice to be with you. There are basketball, football, soccer ball, baseball, and golf ball options. Ball is life and ball is love, right?