Last-Minute Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas in Nigeria That Are Thoughtful & Romantic (For Him & Her!)

Last minute doesn't mean low effort

written by Joy Onu
15 min read
11 Feb, 2025

Valentine’s Day is here again, and if you’ve found yourself scrambling for a last-minute gift, don’t panic, because there are plenty of thoughtful, romantic, and available options that will still make your partner swoon. Whether you’re in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Jos or anywhere in Nigeria, here are some creative, easy-to-get Valentine’s Day gifts that don’t scream “I totally forgot.”

1. A Personalized Love Note with a Touch of Naija Romance

Yes, love letters are still a thing, and no, they don’t have to be Shakespearean, just cute and heartfelt. Believe it or not, a lot of vendors have the cutest vintage cards these days, you can write a heartfelt message about what you love most about your partner. You could also go for a love letter, paired with a cute card (or even a WhatsApp voice note if you’re really pressed for time), we know this isn't exactly an expensive gift, but it's really the thought that counts when it comes to matters of the heart. To spice it up, add a sprinkle of Nigerian endearments—call her Omalicha, Iyawo mi, or Baby m, and watch her heart melt. The guys aren't left out here, who says men don't need love letters too? This could be the best way to tug at his heartstrings and tell him how you really feel.

2. A Digital Shopping Voucher (Because Who Doesn’t Love Jumia or Konga?)

If you’re really down to the wire, do a little research on stores that are offering gift cards at this time, it could be the popular Nigerian online stores like Jumia, Konga, or even a supermarket like Spar, which could be a lifesaver. You can get one instantly online and send it via email or WhatsApp. This is an effortless yet still thoughtful gift idea. Bonus points if you personalize it with a message like “Get yourself something as sweet as you.”

3. A Surprise Food Delivery (Because Love is Delicious)

Nothing says “I love you” like food, especially in Nigeria, where good food is basically a love language and who doesn't want to eat? Order their favorite meal from a top-notch restaurant or their favourite spot, it could be a breakfast tray or a lunch tray that screams 'stuff your heart out today'. If you’re in Lagos, Abuja, or Port Harcourt, Jos, or anywhere in Nigeria consider sending a gourmet meal, small chops, or a cutesy cake from any vendor you trust. If your partner has a sweet tooth, valentine's day packages with classy chocolates or cookies might do the trick. Again, this goes without saying, but this is a gift idea for your woman or your man.

4. A Spa Date or Massage Session (Because Who Doesn’t Love Relaxation?)

Wherever you are in Nigeria, spa bookings can be made if you have trusted spas in your location, find them and get cracking. If you’re really last-minute, and you're loaded with the means, book a mobile masseuse to come to your partner's house for a surprise massage session, nothing's too big for the person you love, right? Imagine the relief when they find out their Valentine’s gift is relaxation and pampering, instant win for you (you're welcome).

5. A Personalized Playlist of Love Songs (Yes, Like Mixtapes But Digital)

We love the idea of a mixtape as much as the next hopeless romantic, but this is 2025 ands it is all about curated Spotify and Apple Music playlists. Make a special playlist featuring your favourite Nigerian love songs from Tems, Johnny Drille, Simi, Timi Dakolo, and Chike, or whoever you listen to, you could add international artistes too. Title it something cute like “For the Love of My Life” and share the link. It’s free, thoughtful, and something they can keep forever.

6. A Last-Minute Date Night (Home Edition Works Too!)

If restaurant reservations are impossible, transform your living room into a romantic dinner spot. Order food or even cook something (only if you back your chef skills), light some candles, play soft music, and enjoy a cozy night in. If you’d rather go out, hit up a rooftop bar or one of those understated restaurant, restaurants in Abuja, Lagos, and other locations in Nigeria are actually quite good options.

7. A Mini Staycation or Airbnb Surprise

If you want to pull off something extra special, book a last-minute staycation at a nice hotel or a stylish Airbnb, if you can find one in your location. Many hotels in Nigeria offer Valentine’s Day packages with dinner and spa deals, so even if you forgot, you can still make up for it in a big way.

8. A Beautiful Bouquet—But Make It Unique

Forget the basic red roses. Get creative and reach out to florists that can creatively mix and mash vibrant flowers for you. You could even spice it up by adding a box of well-packaged chocolates, or even a fruit arrangement. Many flower shops like Blooms&Co in Jos offer some of the best flower arrangements we've ever seen, so you can still pull off a romantic surprise.

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9. A Subscription Service (The Gift That Keeps on Giving)

A subscription to Showmax, Netflix, Prime Video, is a small but thoughtful gift, especially for partners who love entertainment. To make an argument for partners who love reading, buy a stack of novels, books, or whatever they can read. It’s also a great way to say, “I want you to enjoy something special all year long.”

10. Engraved Gifts

If all else fails, remember that this is the season for engraved gift items. It could be an engraved key chain, and engraved piece of jewelry, engraved cufflinks, engraved water bottles. This shows that you're thoughtful, and would even engrave your heart with their name if you could (you can't), but hey, it's the thought that counts. Pro tip for the guys reading this, you could get her a necklace or a chain with your initial, you know, like the Taylor Swift song? If you know, you know.

At the end of the day, Valentine's day is truly a day for love, just like every other day should be. It's become so commercialized but it is also important to send out a show of love for the person you're with. Just so you know, being last-minute doesn’t mean being thoughtless (you're just late to the party and you probably procrastinated). So, whether it’s food, an experience, or a heartfelt message, a well-chosen Valentine’s Day gift will make your partner feel loved. And remember, it’s the effort that counts!