Your last-minute CVS Valentine’s Day gift guide

A stuffed Charlie Brown holding a bouquet of flowers

By Ryan BradfordWell, That Was Awkward

Feb. 11, 2022 9:55 AM PT

It’s February 14th. You and your partner have been decrying the crass commercialization of Valentine’s Day for the past two weeks. “It’s a stupid holiday,” you say. “Just a Hallmark invention.”

Which is true. But then you start scrolling through social media, and it’s just a blur of red and pink. Post after post, you see individuals expressing their love in a very public way. They look happy and romantic. They look like they’re in love!

Suddenly, all your V-Day naysaying flies out the window. You can be romantic! You can make grand gestures! Even if it means playing into the hands of manipulative marketing campaigns and emotional commodification, you realize that you want to celebrate Valentine’s Day after all.

Trouble is, though, you’ve waited too long. Every florist is probably chugging whiskey after fulfilling the day’s many orders. Finding a reservation at a romantic restaurant? Good luck. Only an act of God or committing an unholy act of debasement will get you in at this late hour.

Your solution? CVS.

Granted, there are few things less romantic than a fluorescent-lit, carpeted drugstore that often has a security guard posted by the entrance, but at this point, it’s the best option you have. Year after year, CVS stocks Valentine’s Day gifts of questionable quality that seem custom-made for those last-minute romantics.

Here are the best gifts I found during a recent trip to the North Park CVS.

Lindt Gourmet Truffles

If you’re going to go the box of chocolate route — especially at the last minute — you better make it the most expensive box of chocolates. This isn’t meant to promote materialism, but rather to help you just clear the bar. The bottom line is nobody ever craves chocolate from heart-shaped boxes because it’s mostly trash, with each surprise more disappointing than the last. When you go big — and at 24.49, Lindt is the biggest CVS has to offer — at least you know it will be edible.

Grand Stud Muffin

We all know these are going to end up at Goodwill before the 4th of July rolls around, but what heartless soul can say no to a giant plush thingy? Who cares if they look like animals that have been submerged in the East River for a month—they’re holding hearts! Cute! I also like these things because when you look into their dead, soulless eyes, it makes you forget the circumstances which led you to CVS on Valentine’s Day in the first place.

Russel Stover Assorted Chocolates in Sequined Box

A sequined box of Valentine's Day chocolates

So you’re looking for a box of chocolates that reminds you of a sad cabaret dancer’s dress? Well, kid, you’re in luck. Kudos to Russel Stover for turning the memory of that one night you ended up at a rundown burlesque show off the Vegas Strip into a Valentine’s Day treat.

“Be Mine” Bear

A brown stuffed bear holding a Be Mine heart

This “Be Mine” bear is what I’d call a “classic” VDay gift. And by that I mean it’s the cheapest, dumbest, and most thoughtless expression of love, which actually makes it a brilliant commentary on the entire concept of Valentine’s Day, and your partner will have to acknowledge your critical genius. Hats off to you, Romantic Einstein!

Chicken Nugget Valentines

A box of chicken nugget themed Valentines cards

Remember Valentine’s Day in elementary and middle school, when you were saving the best Valentine for that special someone? Well, this is it. My only hesitation with recommending these is that it’s going to be super obvious that you’re in love with whoever is on the receiving end. There’s no way to play it cool when giving a nugget message, so you might want to have a wedding ring ready just in case.

Will You Bee My Valentine Card