Last Minute Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Teens, College Students (2026)

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Surprise your teen or young adult with one of the Valentine’s Day gifts. ( Shuttersock ORION PRODUCTION)

Valentine’s Day is a great excuse to send a college care package or surprise your teen with a small but unique gift. Sending a little present is a wonderful way to show your older kids that you’re thinking of them on this day…and every day.

We found these cute gifts we think your son or daughter might enjoy. But if you’re looking for more ideas (and savings), save $10 when you buy $50 on select Valentine’s Day gifts on Amazon…shop here. Don’t delay…some of these gifts arrive as late as February 13.

Best Valentine’s Day gifts for teens and college students

1. Neliblu Heart Stress Balls – 12 pack (Amazon)

Send a dozen (or more) Valentine’s stress balls to your college student and let them share with roommates and hall mates.

2. Lumarice Motivational Stress Balls (5 Pack) (Amazon)

These stress balls have motivational messages – also showing them you care!

3. Kate Spade Heart Pens – Set of 5 (Amazon)

Kate Spade has a Valentine’s Day Gift Guide where you can find lots of cute festive gifts. This black ink pen set could be a practical choice.

4. Glamnetic Press-On Nails (Amazon)

Choose from dozens of different designs and lengths with Valentine’s themes. Glamnetic is an award-winning brand with durable nails that last up to two weeks per wear. Easy to remove, too.

5. Carhartt Women’s Heart Patch Beanie (Amazon)

Carhartt beanies are practical and popular and we love this heart patch style for Valentine’s Day. Machine-washable. (Note: not all colors will arrive before Valentine’s Day.)

6. The Woobles Crochet Kit (Amazon)

Cold weather months may make an indoor activity more interesting for your teen and The Woobles crochet kits could be a good idea for a Valentine’s Day gift. Not only are there animals to choose from but also Hello Kitty, Minecraft, Harry Potter and more. This is the #1 bestseller in Crochet Kits on Amazon.

7. Rugged and Dapper Lip Balm – 4 pack (Amazon)

rugged and dapper

This brand of lip balm was incredibly popular with Grown and Flown families this past Christmas and we know if would be an equally popular gift for your son for Valentine’s Day.

8. The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse (2019) (Amazon)

The boy, mole, fox and horse

This book is an international best-seller by British illustrator, artist, and author Charlie Mackesy and is filled with a powerful message about home, kindness, and friendship. It is a classic, all about love.

9. Sol de Janeiro Lip Butter (Amazon)

This lip balm can help your daughter keep her lips nourished and moisturized, especially during the cold winter months. This flavor has notes of caramelized vanilla and toasted macadamia.

10. Kendra Scott Valentine Jewelry (Amazon)

Find necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, many with heart-shaped stones, from Kendra Scott.

11. Touchland Mist Hand Sanitizer Spray – Rosewater Scented (Amazon)

This award-winning spray sanitizer has blend of rose petals,  blackcurrant buds and a refreshing infusion of rosewater that makes it much more likely to be used than any hum-drum medicinal smelling sanitizer.

12. Ocoopa Rechargeable Hand Warmer – Artist Series (Amazon)

Screenshot

Trudging across campus in frigid cold weather can made a tiny bit warmer with these rechargeable hand warmers. The Artist Series have pretty floral patterns in mini sizes which would be a lovely and practical gift for your daughter. Here’s where you can find all the Ocoopa hand warmers in case you prefer a solid color or larger pair.

13. Hanes Ecosmart Hoodie for Men (Amazon)

Super-soft and fleecy hoodie that is available in 30 colors. Find Hanes women’s hoodies here.

14. LEGO Orchid Plant (Amazon) 

Our big kids love LEGO’s and this orchid plant is a perfect gift for this holiday that can brighten up their apartment or dorm room into the spring and beyond.

15. LuSeren Hair Clips – Pack of 8 (Amazon)

Oversized claw clips and banana clips make styling long hair a breeze. There are sets in many different colors but we think pink for Valentine’s Day works well.

16. Casegrace Travel Jewelry Box (Amazon)

These lightweight and tiny jewelry boxes have been very popular, well-priced gifts. This one has a transparent top and comes in three pretty colors. For an additional Valentine’s treat, slip in a gift card to Starbucks or some money where your daughter can treat herself and friends for a coffee or a quick bite to eat.

17. Kitsch Satin Heatless Curling Set (Amazon)

 

This heat-free curling set makes it easy to wake up to soft, frizz-free curls without damaging hair with hot tools, making it perfect for busy mornings, dorm life, or overnight styling. Made with smooth satin and designed to be comfortable to sleep in, the 34″ curling rod and matching scrunchies work on all hair types. These are the #1 bestsellers in Hair Rollers on Amazon.

18. Korcci Microwave Silicone Popper Maker (Amazon)

Add kernels, pop it in the microwave, and enjoy freshly popped popcorn in minutes — no oil or mess required — ideal for dorm rooms, cozy nights in, or cute snack dates. Stores flat which makes it practical for a dorm or college apartment.

19. LEGO Looney Tunes Tweety Bird (Amazon)

This 412-piece set lets your teen or young adult assemble Tweety Bird holding flowers or a bow and arrow on a cloud pedestal. Perfect LEGO set to display on a desk, shelf, or dorm room.

20. Mother Daughter Bracelets – Desimtion Store (Amazon)

These cute bracelets celebrate the special bond between moms and daughters, even when you’re apart. Featuring adjustable, stainless-steel hearts and message cards that read “Never Truly Part, Maybe in Distance, But Never in Heart,” it’s a sweet reminder of love that lasts through every stage — from teens to college and beyond.

21. Lonely Planet’s Dream Trips of the World – 2024 (Amazon)

Give the gift of inspiration with this beautifully illustrated travel book packed with adventurous ideas and once-in-a-lifetime experiences to spark wanderlust in teens and college students.

22. Hershey’s Kisses – Snoopy + Hugs & Kisses 2 Pack (Amazon)

What’s Valentine’s Day without chocolates? Hershey is offering this 2-pack with Snoopy and Friends Gift Box (14 oz) + HERSHEY’S HUGS & KISSES (21.4 oz) Your teen will have plenty to share! This is the #1 bestseller in Candy & Chocolate Bars. Here’s where you can find all the Hershey’s Valentine’s Day treats.

23. LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask (Amazon)

Pamper your teen or college student with this luxurious and hydrating overnight lip treatment. February has such cold and dry weather in much of the country that this popular lip skin care product might be a very welcome gift.

24. TONYMOLY x Squishmallows Lip Gloss – 2 Pack (Amazon)

TONYMOLY, a Korean cosmetics brand know for playful products and packaging, has a Squishmallows lip gloss duo: Patty’s Strawberry Shortcake & Carmelita’s Chocolate Glaze.

25. Valentine’s Day CRAVEBOX Care Package (Amazon)

If you want to send a Valentine’s Care Package for a group, this CRAVEBOX Care Package of 50 snacks might work well for your teen and their friends.

26. Le Chatelaine Hand Cream Gift Set – 3 Pack (Amazon)

This luxurious French hand cream arrives in a pretty tin box. This set includes Cherry Almond, Wild Fig, and Gardenia. Other scents are available.

27. Darn Tough Vermont Truffle Hog Socks for Men (Amazon)

Does your son love to wear whimsical socks? These “Truffle Hog” crew socks from legendary brand Darn Tough Vermont could make a great gift. They may be a little pricey but they are “Guaranteed for Life — if these socks wear, tear, or develop holes, Darn Tough will replace them. No strings. No conditions. For life.” (Amazon website)

28. Larabar Chocolate Variety Pack – 18 Bars (Amazon)

My family loves Larabars and I think this could make a popular, sharable Valentine’s Day gift for your college or high school student for their hall mates or team mates. Includes six each of Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, and Double Chocolate Truffle. Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Vegan. #1 bestseller in fruit and nut bars.

29. Juicy Couture DIY Charm Bracelet Kit (Amazon)

The kit includes 10 charms, 390 colorful beads, 50 jump rings, 3 chains, 3 satin cords, and an elastic cord…everything your tween or teen needs to make Juicy Couture (which is popular, once again) bracelets.

30. Juicy Couture Charm Pink Stone Charm Bracelet (Amazon)

If you prefer a ready-made Juicy charm bracelet for your daughter, this one chunky gold tone bracelet features three charms.

31. e.l.f. Glow Reviver Plumping Lip Oil Kit – 4 shades (Amazon)

This popular brand of cosmetics, e.l.f., has a lip kit that includes for “plumping lip oils” with four shades: Burst Bubble, Ultraviolet, Talk That Taupe (kit exclusive) and Heavy Petal (kit exclusive).

32. Spongelle Pink Camellia Body Buffer (Amazon)

Spongelle can be used as a body wash and exfoliator as it is Infused with a scented body wash, leaving skin silky-smooth. many different scents and package designs available.

33. BaubleBar Personalized Bracelet Trio (Amazon)

BaubleBar has trendy and traditional jewelry pieces. This trio of bracelets caught our eye as some fun bling for your daughter. Included is a pull-tie bracelet designed with shimmering multi-shaped gemstones, a pull-tie tennis bracelet crafted with her gold initial and shimmering glass stones, and a Pisa stretch bracelet crafted with classic gold beads.

34. Hue Mini Crew Socks – 6 pack (Amazon)

Your daughter might love the pink socks for Valentine’s Day and the other five pair to replenish the ones that might be missing their mate. These get great reviews and are well-priced for a set of six.

35. Adidas Unisex Trefoil – 6 Pack (Amazon)

No red or pink colored socks in this pack of six unisex Adidas socks…still a great gift anytime.

36. eos Chasmere Hair and Body Mist (Amazon)

Choose from eight wonderful scents, including this one, Pink champagne. They have hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture, glycerin to keep skin smooth and hydrated, and aloe to soothe and calm. This is the #1 bestseller in Women’s Body Sprays Fragrance.

And, finally, Cash in a Candy Box

Replace candy with $ for Valentine’s Day. (Credit: Lisa D Pearson)

Buy a Valentine’s Day box of candy and replace the chocolates with money! You eat the chocolate, your teen gets to buy whatever they want on the 14th. Win.Win.

Note Prices are accurate at time of publication/update.

Why You Can Trust Us

We are three moms who have raised 8 young adults and have been working on products lists for over 14 years now, making us experts. When selecting products we survey the Grown and Flown Parents Facebook group of over 300,000 parents of teens, tweens and young adults. We do opinion polls, surveys and ask open ended questions. We search for products that combine reasonable price with high quality and are recommended by our large following.

Most Gift Ideas:

Valentine’s Gift Ideas for Guys

About Mary Dell Harrington

Mary Dell is the co-founder of Grown and Flown, the #1 site for parents of teens, college students and young adults, reaching millions of parents every month. She started the Grown and Flown Parents Facebook Group and is co-author of Grown and Flown: How to Support Your Teen, Stay Close as a Family, and Raise Independent Adults (Flatiron Books) now in paperback.

Read more posts by Mary Dell

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