20 Weirdest Valentine’s Day Gifts Ever Given
From cockroach naming to canned air, these bizarre Valentine’s Day gifts prove that love has no limits, so does creativity.
- Chris Graciano
- 5 min read
While chocolates and roses are classic Valentine’s gifts, some people take romance in an entirely different direction. Over the years, lovers have exchanged everything from outlandish pranks to outright disturbing presents. Here are 20 of the strangest Valentine’s Day gifts ever given.
1. Naming a Cockroach After a Lover
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The Bronx Zoo offers a unique Valentine’s gift: naming a cockroach after someone. Whether it’s a romantic gesture or a subtle insult depends on the recipient. Either way, it’s a gift that truly lasts forever.
2. A Potato with a Love Message
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For those who like their romance with a side of carbs, companies now allow you to mail a potato with a custom love note. It’s weird, slightly hilarious, and definitely unexpected. Nothing says, “You have my heart” like a spud in the mail.
3. A Heart-Shaped Meatloaf
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Why settle for chocolates when you can mold ground beef into a symbol of love? Some people have surprised their partners with heart-shaped meatloaf, proving that romance can be meaty. It’s a dinner and a gift all in one.
4. Personalized Face Socks
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A pair of socks featuring your partner’s face is equal parts adorable and creepy. While some find it charming, others feel it’s like being constantly watched. Either way, it’s a gift they’ll never forget.
5. Taxidermy Animals
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Some lovebirds believe nothing says “forever” like a preserved rodent or bird. Whether it’s a stuffed squirrel holding a rose or a tiny mouse dressed in a wedding attire, it’s certainly a gift for those with unique tastes. It’s a little eerie, but undeniably memorable.
6. Canned Air from a Romantic Destination
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Want to give your partner a piece of Paris without the plane ticket? Some companies sell canned air from famous romantic locations. It’s possibly the most expensive way to own… well, nothing.
7. A Giant 6-Foot Teddy Bear
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A teddy bear sounds sweet, but a 6-foot version quickly becomes a space-consuming nightmare. While it’s cute for the first five minutes, finding a place for it is another story. Some even say it feels more like a roommate than a gift.
8. A Love Contract
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Instead of a heartfelt card, some people have received legally binding “love contracts” outlining relationship expectations. While it’s meant to be funny, it often comes off as overly serious—or even alarming. Romance shouldn’t feel like a legal obligation.
9. A Romantic Grave Plot
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Some lovers have taken “forever” too literally by gifting their partner a burial plot next to theirs. While it’s a grand statement about lifelong commitment, it’s also incredibly morbid. Nothing kills the mood faster than a reminder of mortality.
10. A Real Star Named After Them
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While buying someone a star sounds dreamy, the reality is less exciting. The International Astronomical Union doesn’t officially recognize these purchases, making it more of a novelty than an actual gift. Still, it’s a sweet—if slightly pointless—gesture.
11. A Custom-Made Bobblehead
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Some partners have received bobbleheads designed to look like themselves or their significant other. While it’s a creative idea, seeing a tiny, wobbling version of yourself might be unsettling. Love should be steady—not shaky.
12. A Pickle Bouquet
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Forget roses—some pickle enthusiasts prefer a bouquet of their favorite briny snack. Pickle bouquets have become a quirky alternative for those who prioritize flavor over flowers.
13. A Personalized Toilet Paper Roll
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Yes, some people have given their significant other toilet paper printed with love notes, pictures, or even their own face. While it’s funny, it’s also a gift that’s quite literally disposable. It’s love… with an expiration date.
14. A DNA Testing Kit
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Instead of a sentimental present, some people have received an ancestry or genetic test as a Valentine’s gift. While it’s interesting, it’s not exactly romantic. Nothing says “I love you” like checking for genetic diseases.
15. A Bouquet of Bacon Roses
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For meat lovers, flowers are unnecessary when bacon is an option. Bacon bouquets have gained popularity as a delicious yet unconventional Valentine’s gift. At least, it’s a present you can eat.
16. A Life-Sized Cutout of Themselves
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Some partners have received life-sized cardboard cutouts of their significant other. While it’s meant to be a fun surprise, waking up to a 2D version of your loved one can be unsettling. It’s romantic but creepy.
17. A Date Night Jar Filled with Chores
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Some well-intentioned partners have gifted a “date night jar”—but instead of fun activities, it’s filled with household chores. Nothing says romance like “clean the gutters together.”
18. A Personalized Voodoo Doll
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While meant to be funny, gifting a voodoo doll with your partner’s likeness might not go over well. It’s cute until the wrong person receives it; then, it’s just terrifying. Maybe save the doll-making for another occasion.
19. A Box of Crickets
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Some people have received live crickets as a Valentine’s gift—whether as a joke or a sign of affection is unclear. While they’re a great snack in some cultures, for most, they’re just an unwelcome, chirping nightmare. It’s romance with a side of insect horror.
20. A Romantic Message in a Bottle… Thrown into Their Yard
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Some partners have tried to recreate the classic “message in a bottle” moment—except they threw the bottle into their lover’s yard instead of the ocean. While the intention is sweet, broken glass and an unexpected thud aren’t the best way to say “I love you.”