It can be easy to hate Valentine's Day: Prix-fixe meals are expensive and hard to book, cards all come pre-filled with overly cheesy messages, and if you haven't been shot by Cupid's arrow there's a whole different set of messaging to deal with. Suffice it to say the day of love can be a tough one, no matter what your relationship status might be.
But there's no reason not to use it as an excuse to buy something for your special someone, whether that's a significant other, best friend, family member, pet, or the girl who brews your coffee every morning.
Ahead, we've pulled together eight gadgets and gifts that are equal parts heart-filled and playful. There are ones for a weekend away or a night at home; a day-of dance session or future dance-offs — and it's all V-day appropriate.
Choosing a smart speaker can be stressful — which virtual assistant do they like? Do they prefer one brand versus another? Instead, skip the hassle and go for this slightly more retro option.
Trntbl wireless record player, $499, available at Trntbl.co.
Get the perks of an instant camera in a more classic camera format with Polaroid's touchscreen instant print digital camera.
Polaroid Snap Touch Red Instant Print Digital Camera, $179.99, available at Target.
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Long gone are the days when watches were used only to tell time. Now, with a flick of the wrist, you can also track your fitness goals, send a quick text, or even pay for coffee on the go — all amazing things your tech-obsessed pal will surely appreciate.
Samsung, $299.99, available at Samsung
Want to gift a more permanent photo? Choose an image from Instagram or your photo album and upload it to the Framebridge app. Choose the heartstagram option to have your image appear in the shape of a heart and pick the frame of your choice.
Framebridge heartstagram, $39, available via the Framebridge app.
This clip-on, Bluetooth tracker says, "I love you, but I don't love how often you lose your keys." It promises to ease the search process before you leave the apartment in the morning.
Tile Style, $35, available at Tile.
If you live somewhere warm, take Nebula's soda-can size projector outdoors to stream your favorite rom-com. If you're stuck in the cold, just use an empty white wall inside, instead.
Nebula Capsule, $349, available at Amazon.
Bring on the beats with a three-month subscription to record company Vnyl. Your love will get three new records each month, though you may want to give the gift card with an Etta James album for some day-of dancing.
Vnyl three month membership, $79, available at VNYL.
Sure this heart projector is a little kitschy, but then again, isn't that what Valentine's Day is all about? Plug it in, and let your love light up the room.
Urban Outfitters Heart Projector Light, $24, available at Urban Outfitters.
Even if you don't have an upcoming getaway planned, Raden's glossy red case hints at trips to come. It comes equipped with a phone charger and you can connect to the accompanying app to make sure you aren't over the weight limit.
Raden A22 Carry, $295, available at Raden.
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