10 Valentine’s Day Gifts for Your Home That Say “It’s Not Me — It’s You”

Relationships can be complicated, but there’s a union I know I’ve leaned on more in the past year than ever: the one with my apartment. Sure, my place is inanimate and far from perfect, but I’ve come to really appreciate its adaptability. Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, or have gone back to your childhood home to roost, if you’re lucky enough to have a roof over your head or to call some corner of the world yours, what better time to show that space a little gratitude than Valentine’s Day? When your love language is gifts (like yours truly!), it makes perfect sense.

A present that honors your home really provides an upgrade for your life in it. With that in mind, I started thinking about all the quirks a house can have and those decorating issues that come up from time to time, too. Of course, a gut reno or total room redo would be nice, but these 10 store-bought items will put a little pep in your place’s step and address a laundry list of little grievances you might have with your home. Even better, your home won’t know — or care — if the package lands after the 14th!

Who says you have to buy all new linens to give your bedroom a refresh? Start small and gift yourself new pillowcases to perk up your current duvet or comforter and favorite sheet set. Brooklinen’s Luxe line comes in a variety of colors and seasonal patterns and is almost as smooth as silk but costs half the price.

Buy: Luxe Pillowcases, Starting at $46.00 for a pair from Brooklinen

It’s not too late to hop on the weighted blanket bandwagon — I promise it’ll pay for itself in spades! This 15-pound model is reversible, so you get two looks in one, but its warmth and function provide the real value. It’s the perfect napper if your living room always feels just a tad too chilly, and it’s heavy enough to keep you toasty and prevent you from tossing and turning in bed, too.

Buy: Ella Jayne 15lb Reversible Anti-Anxiety Weighted Blanket, $196.00 $93.59 from Macy’s

Mid-century modern meets minimalism in this cute bulb enamel lamp. This little green guy’s battery-operated, so you can put it anywhere you need a little extra glow and may not have access to an outlet or the wiring for an overhead fixture. For $12, they’re a steal. I’d keep one on my bookshelf for reading and another in the bathroom to use as a nightlight.

Buy: Bulb Table Lamp, $12.00 from Urban Outfitters

Not only does the Moxie Showerhead and Speaker offer a spa-like spray, but it also comes with a Bluetooth-enabled Harman Kardon speaker. Shower to your favorite playlist or podcast and take the tunes on the road for your next picnic; the speaker portion of the DIY- and rental-friendly showerhead easily pops in and out of its housing.

Buy: Moxie Showerhead and Speaker, Starting at $199.00 at Kohler

I’ve had a soft spot for Bath & Body Work’s candles since high school, and there’s something nostalgic about almost all of their scents. Pick your old school favorite or find a new signature smell for your home. Even better, give your 3-wick a modern makeover by adding this artsy, mixed material pedestal to your setup and removing your candle’s label. There’s even a cute ceramic face stand available, too!

Buy: Mixed Material Pedestal, $16.95 from Bath & Body Works

You’ve amassed quite the plant collection over the past year, but did you know that misting can be just as important as watering? Give yourself — and your green babies — the gift of quick hydration with a colorful glass mister that’ll also look lovely when sitting out on your windowsill.

Buy: Purism Style Plant Mister, Starting at $5.80 from Amazon

Custom framing doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg — or be boring either. For just $49, you can elevate a meaningful photo from your feed or camera roll to gallery wall status with this heart-shaped mat and frame. If red feels too sweet or bold for your color palette, four other neutral frame shades are available, too.

Buy: The Heartstagram, $49.00 from Framebridge

When you don’t have space to carve out a corner for a desk, IKEA’s new laptop stand will turn your sofa or a spare chair into a full-fledged workstation. Think of this baby like a C-table only better; its height is fully adjustable, and the top tilts so you can fold it up and store it flat. There’s even a removable cup holder!

Buy: BJÖRKÅSEN Laptop Stand, $24.99 from IKEA

What if I said you could have a 100-inch screen for streaming and gaming that fits in the palm of your hand and can even be taken outdoors? That’s the flexibility a tiny wireless projector offers. The good models are far from cheap, but I made the switch to one in my bedroom a few years ago, and I’d never go back. The picture is better than the TV I had before, and I’ve gotten back so much real estate in my room, which is a true gift.

Buy: LG CineBeam LED Projector with Built-in Battery, $399.99 $359.99 from LG

You can’t go wrong with a stack of books, but if you really want to up your coffee table styling game, try Assouline’s x-shaped acrylic bookstand. It’s a splurge, but it’ll instantly turn any design book into what looks like a sculptural piece of art by putting your favorite spread on dramatic display. You can also use the stand in a kitchen, too, since it’s great for bookmarking and reading recipes.

Buy: Assouline A Bookstand, $95.00 from 1st Dibs