18 Best Gifts for February Birthdays, According to a Shopping Editor
Don't let Valentine's Day steal their thunder.
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February may be the shortest month of the year, but there’s a lot to celebrate in those 28 (or some years, 29) days. While Valentine’s Day gets a lot of attention, along with Black History Month and the Lunar New Year, don't let your loved ones with February birthdays fall by the wayside. If you're into zodiac signs, you should also note that it’s Aquarius and Pisces season.
As a gift guide editor (and someone with a best friend to fête this month), here are my suggestions for the best February birthday gifts. Playing off the month's winter chill, you’ll find cozy gifts to keep them warm, like this editor-favorite cashmere sweater. Get your water-loving Aquarian or Piscean some jewelry they can wear all year. And if their birthday is anywhere near Valentine’s Day itself, there are a few on-theme gifts, like a gorgeous heart-shaped Le Creuset for the home chef.
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Who it’s for: The one who’s proud of their sun sign
Why we like it: This pretty necklace lets them stay connected to their zodiac sign’s constellation all year long. It comes in 18K gold-plated or silver-plated brass and the brand claims it's tarnish-resistant (they'll just want to avoid getting it wet!). I like that it’s a dainty necklace, but not so dainty that you can’t see the details on the 1.3-inch charm.
Who it’s for: The one who always has a candle lit
Why we like it: Customize this jar candle with their exact birthday and their name, and the final design will include information on their zodiac sign and personality traits. Each candle is lightly scented. In February, it’ll either be lavender-sage-neroli or bergamot-chamomile-vanilla.
Who it’s for: Fashion-forward Aquarians and Pisceans
Why we like it: This hand-beaded bag is a head-turner, and if your giftee is an Aquarius or a Pisces, the swimming goldfish on the marine-blue background carries extra meaning. The shoulder purse is large enough to hold all their date-night essentials and has a magnetic closure.
Who it’s for: Busy students, commuters, or frequent travelers
Why we like it: Your giftee can get a lot of use out of this compact leather tech organizer. It has enough space for a tablet pen, a few cords, a portable power bank, or whatever small tech they need to take with them when they leave the house. Get it monogrammed for an extra $17.
Who it’s for: Beginner gardeners
Why we like it: This kit comes with everything they’ll need to grow a clutch of organic lavender, and it doesn’t take up too much space. Lavender is a nod to their purple amethyst birthstone, and it smells lovely, but there are also jars for growing things like mint, lemon balm, or Thai basil.
Who it’s for: The makeup lover who deserves a splurge
Why we like it: A recent GH Beauty Award winner, Prada’s eyeshadow had our testers singing its praises. The palette includes matte, shimmery, and neutral colors, and the colors lasted all day for nearly everyone who tried it. Plus, the pretty compact is refillable when they hit the pan on their favorite shade.
Color sets available: 7
Who it’s for: Guys who like to keep it cozy
Why we like it: Fuzzy slippers that he can enjoy for the rest of the winter are a useful gift. Bombas’ slippers have a foam footbed that offers arch support and a rubber sole. Some customers say it has a slightly snug fit but still runs true to size. There's women's sizes, too.
Who it’s for: The person always looking for a new scent
Why we like it: In the middle of everything else happening in February, it’s also national cherry month! Here’s a relevant way to treat a pop music lover to a new perfume. Sabrina's Sweet Tooth fragrance has notes of cherry, dark chocolate, and musk that Amazon reviewers say smells delicious.
Who it’s for: The one who always has the best book recommendations
Why we like it: As a person who reads a lot, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve picked up a book in the store or library, only to realize that I’ve already read it. A stylish solution? This reading journal. It has room for 32 reviews, and includes thoughtful touches like a space to note the format in which it was read, or where they discovered the book. It comes with free personalization, too.
Who it’s for: The one celebrating Valentine’s Day on their birthday
Why we like it: Sometimes holidays overlap with birthdays, and that’s okay. Cover all the bases by adding this LoveShackFancy collaboration to their Stanley collection. Hydration? Check. Valentine vibes? Double-check.
Who it’s for: Your wife, sister, best friend, or mom
Why we like it: The Good Housekeeping Institute’s Kitchen Lab considers Bouqs the best overall flower delivery service, citing its always-fresh blooms and excellent customer service. I especially like that you can choose one of three sizes (and prices) for nearly every bouquet they create. For February, go with this beautiful Aquamarine spray of wintry blues, whites, and lavenders.
Who it’s for: Anyone who has a stylish home
Why we like it: A throw blanket may seem like an afterthought of a gift, but not when it’s this GH Bedding Award winner that our testers loved for its softness and thickness. You can get it customized with their name or initials, too. I have one and not only does it keep me warm, it looks brand new after regular runs in the washer and dryer.
Who it’s for: The home chef
Why we like it: Le Creuset’s enameled cast iron consistently performs well in our Kitchen Lab tests. This shallow, heart-shaped cocotte (basically a smaller version of a Dutch oven) will look cute on their oven, and may inspire them to bake for you more often. If the cerise color is a little too Valentine’s Day-ish, it also comes in pink, peach, lavender, and white.
Colors available: 5
RELATED: Le Creuset's Valentine's Day Collection Is Simply Too Sweet to Pass Up
Who it’s for: Your on-the-go friend
Why we like it: This popular lululemon accessory makes a great gift for anyone who’s on the move all day. Teachers, nurses, busy students, or daily gym goers alike can keep all of their essentials in this good-looking wristlet. There’s room enough for several cards, cash, and a lip balm. They can clip their keys to it, too.
Colors available: 8
Who it’s for: Your outdoorsy friend, boyfriend, or husband
Why we like it: Campers, hikers, or anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors year-round (and needs their daily caffeine fix) will appreciate this compact espresso maker. It’s fully manual—no recharging or batteries required. Simply add ground coffee and hot water, then squeeze the hand pump to deliver the drink into the included cup.
RELATED: Turns Out, There Are a Lot of Great Travel Coffee Maker Options
Who it’s for: The person with monogrammed everything
Why we like it: If they love personalized gifts, few things are more on-the-nose than a name necklace. This one has a base of sterling silver (so, not brass) and comes in silver, rose-gold, or 24K gold plated finishes.
Who it’s for: The woman who never splurges on herself
Why we like it: Of all of the cashmere sweaters we’ve tested, Quince’s $50 crewneck is an incredible value. It’s made of 100% Mongolian cashmere and very soft (I have one and love it). Get it for the men having a birthday, too (still only $60)! It’ll be a nice surprise for someone who usually doesn’t treat themselves.
Sizes: XS to XL / Colors Available: 15
RELATED: The 10 Best Cashmere Sweaters for Your Winter Wardrobe
Who it’s for: The one who’s picky about their coffee or tea
Why we like it: If they have their go-to beans or leaves, don’t rock that boat. Instead, give them a way to further enjoy their favorite drink with this editor-approved smart mug. It connects to an app where they can program the mug to heat to a perfect-for-them temperature, and will keep it hot while they leisurely sip.
RELATED: Ember Mug Review: What I Think After Using It for Years
Jessica Dukes is a shopping editor at Hearst Magazines, writing about home goods, tech, fashion, wellness, and more for titles like Good Housekeeping, Country Living, Cosmopolitan, Esquire, and House Beautiful. Drawing on more than 20 years of digital experience, Jess focuses on curating gift guides, tracking down the best deals, and testing products for candid reviews. Prior to Hearst, her career spanned Bonnier Corp., NBC Universal, and Barnes&Noble.com. As a busy mom of two teenagers (one in college), relaxing looks a lot like gardening, hiking, or planning the next family getaway.
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