Valentine’s Day is very popular in Australia and lands in the middle of our much-loved summer season.
Enjoying the sunshine is even sweeter with someone to share it with, and if you’re wondering what to get your Australian boyfriend or girlfriend for Valentine’s Day this year without falling back on the usual chocolates and flowers, there are heaps of gifts options suitable for all budgets.
Adventure
Low budget ($50 & under)
Exploring a hiking trail together
A quick search for hiking trails near you will offer many options to go on an adventure. National parks/reserves will usually offer multiple trails to explore, each with varying difficulties for different fitness levels. Venturing through clifftop waterfalls, conquering high outlooks and discovering Australian wildlife is a totally unique Valentine’s Day experience. You may need to purchase a day pass or vehicle fee (of approximately $15), and should pack plenty of water – it’s important to stay safe while outdoors!
Mid budget ( $50 – $100 )
Hiking shoes
We are all guilty of bringing our old, run-down shoes that definitely aren’t meant for Australia’s unique terrain on the hiking trail. Hiking boots and good quality footwear is an investment that makes sure you don’t have to massage your partner’s feet at the end of the day! Mountain Warehouse and Northside are brands that sell quality hiking shoes for under $100 and can improve the hike immensely.
If you’d like to get your partner shoes that are suitable for the outdoors and the city, buy them a voucher for stores that sell R.M. Williams or Blundstone – two iconic Aussie footwear brands.
High budget ($100+)
Skydiving
For adrenaline seekers, jumping out of a plane is an epic Valentine’s Day gift you won’t forget! Skydive Australia has 17 locations across Australia and New Zealand with prices starting at around $250. Like the beach? Skydive over open water! Prefer the country? The outback is endless! They also offer video and photo packages for an added fee. Make sure you document the shock on your partner’s face.
Creative
Low budget ($50 & under)
Tickets to art galleries/museums
The Australian art scene has a mixture of contemporary, international and First Nations art across all mediums and themes on display in all cities. Art galleries and museums are usually free to enter, although access to some special exhibitions may require a fee. Getting a souvenir from the gift shop such as merchandise from the exhibitors or trinkets by local artists is a special Valentine’s Day keepsake to remember the day by.
Mid budget ( $50 – $100 )
Pinot & Picasso
Art classes are a common gift for couples, but Pinot & Picasso deviates from traditional lessons. With events across Australia, Pinot & Picasso offers a relaxed, social environment where you can enjoy a glass of wine and make carefree art. They have different painting styles/themes to choose from and offer Valentine’s Day exclusive events. Show your partner you love them by painting them!
High budget ($100+)
Couples photo-shoot
Hitting up a local photo studio near you or hiring a photographer to have a couples photoshoot means you can capture the love this year! Some couple bundles include wardrobe styling, hair and makeup, and a photographer’s keen eye will bring out the best in both you and your partner! Some studios include The Photo Studio in both Sydney and Melbourne, and Ammon Creative in Perth. Exploring social media or a Google search is also a good way to find local photographers that are happy to capture your special day.
Homewares
Low budget ($50 & under)
We Are Not Really Strangers – Couples Edition card game
Chances are you’ve played the infamous Cards Against Humanity or What Do You Meme? card games with friends, but We Are Not Really Strangers has released a couples edition of their wildly popular card game. With this, you’re encouraged to have deep conversations with your partner. Although disguised as a card game, this is an intimate gift that encourages deeper communication with your partner whether you are newly in a relationship, or have been together for a while.
Mid budget ($50 – $100)
Handmade ceramics/stonework
Handmade ceramics can be bought from many talented local artists in your area, and are a personal touch to your partners living space. Ranging from jewellery dishes, incense holders, oil burners, coffee pots, mugs and plate sets, these are quirky gifts for partners who have oversaturated their place with IKEA products and need something more unique and memorable.
High budget ($100+)
Build-your-own bedding sets
Linen bedding sets are optimal for Australia’s infamously hot summer. With the weather this year reaching record temperatures in some cities, linen sheets that are fully customisable not only look good but feel good when surviving those hot summer nights. Bed Threads have a build your own bedding bundle option in up to 21 colours to suit anyone’s taste.
Lifestyle and wellbeing
Low budget ($50 & under)
Wellness cards
Wellness and mental wellbeing have been a big focus for most people during the pandemic, and while we have a gift guide for what to send your friends in lockdown, an option for Valentine’s Day could be wellness cards. Whether it be oracle or affirmation cards, tarot cards or morning mantras, buying a wellness journal to accompany any of these is a thoughtful way to say ‘I care about you’.
Mid budget ($50 – $100)
Local care package
Australian-made soaps, natural body scrubs, washes and moisturisers all included in a pamper hamper for your partner will make them feel spoilt! Artisan soaps are sold at many local businesses across the country, but Byron Bay Gift’s “I Care Package”, Artisan Soap’s Gift Basket and Kindful Gifts’ Namaste Home are some hand-picked care packages we love to get you started.
High budget ($100+)
Yoga classes
Give your partner the gift of yoga this year for Valentine’s Day. Power Living is an Australian yoga community that provides yoga workshops, classes and retreats across the country. Unlocking your partner’s inner zen this Valentine’s Day is as easy as taking a beginner-friendly class that is catered to newcomers, or giving it a go in the comfort of your own home through their online classes, making it a versatile gift that will help your partner relax and unwind.
