Forget hot-housed roses and generic chocolates: from a modern mix tape to a padel racket, give them something more considered this year

Not everyone embraces Valentine’s Day. It is, at worst, a commercial free-for-all crammed with out-of-season roses and overpriced, throwaway gifts and, at best, a day that sees you dashing to a supermarket at 6pm trying to find something that doesn’t scream “after-thought”.

But if you are going to embrace it, there are some great, thoughtful gifts out there. We’ve put together a list of more unusual, long-lasting ideas: from Lego flowers to a digital mix tape, a refurbished games console to an affordable fragrance. Whether you’re looking for a present to bring you closer as a couple – half-and-half duvet, anyone? – or to attract someone new, our guide will help you ace Valentine’s Day this year. And not an (out-of-season) red rose in sight.