Every year, we get questions about EBT-eligible Valentine’s Day gifts. And it’s understandable, because money is tight, you’ve got SNAP, and you still want to make Valentine’s Day feel special. You’re not being extra — you’re being thoughtful. The tricky part is figuring out what you can actually buy with EBT and what will get declined at the checkout line.
This guide breaks down what the rules really say, how to spot EBT‑eligible Valentine’s gifts, and how to stretch your benefits without guessing or risking an awkward “card declined” moment.
EBT-Eligible Valentine’s Day Gifts in a Glance
We’ll break down all the details for you below, but in the meantime here’s a quick TL;DR:
- EBT can usually pay for food that you take home and eat, including take-and-bake Papa Murphy’s pizzas.
- Food-focused gift baskets or boxes where the food is clearly more than half of the value may also be eligible for purchase, as long as they do not contain any alcohol, pet food or other prohibited products.
- Shelf-stable treats like chocolate, cookies, and sparkling cider may also be eligible depending on your state’s rules.
You can easily find EBT-eligible Valentine’s Day gift baskets from online providers like Amazon and Walmart.
EBT usually cannot pay for non-food gifts like flowers, balloons, stuffed animals, jewelry, candles or plush blankets. If you intentionally buy an item that you know shouldn’t be SNAP eligible, you could be accussed of an Intentional Program Violation and could lose your benefits.
How SNAP Works for Valentine’s Day
SNAP is strict about what you’re allowed to buy. Valentine’s Day doesn’t change those rules.
In general, your EBT card can be used for:
- Foods for home consumption (including many snack foods and drinks)
- Seeds and plants that produce food for the household
Your EBT card cannot be used for:
- Non‑food items (flowers, cards, stuffed animals, decorations, toys, jewelry, clothing, etc.)
- Alcohol, tobacco, vitamins or supplements
- Hot foods sold to be eaten right away
- Fees, tips, shipping, delivery or gift‑wrapping charges
That means your card can absolutely help you buy food‑based gifts… but it won’t pay for the “romantic extras” like roses, candles or a fancy gift bag.
The Official USDA Gift Basket Rule
The USDA has a specific policy about gift baskets and similar items: If a basket contains both food and non‑food items, it can only be bought with SNAP when the value of the food clearly exceeds 50% of the total price. The basket, box, mug or tin itself must be counted in the non-food portion of the price.
These rules can make it hard to identify what should and should not be eligible for purchase with SNAP. It typically works like this:
- EBT‑eligible: A snack box loaded with chips, cookies and candy in a cheap cardboard box, plus a small Valentine’s card. The food is clearly worth more than the packaging.
- Not EBT‑eligible: A big plush bear holding a small bag of chocolates. The bear is the main thing; the food is just an extra. If the food isn’t obviously the main value, expect the whole basket to be treated as non‑food and declined for EBT.
Many of our viewers have found it easier to purchase EBT-eligible gift baskets online becuase it avoids the awkwardness and judgement at the cash register. Major online retailers, like our partners at Amazon and Walmart, make it easy to identify EBT-eligible Valentine’s Day gift baskets.
2026 UPDATE: Of course, this has been complicated a bit by the new SNAP restrictions in certain states. If candy or soda isn’t allowed to be purchased in your state, that could disqualify many of the gift basket options that are typically marked EBT-eligible.
Now, for those of you who are still skeptical, we ahve attached a screenshot of a recent knowledge base article from the USDA website that clarifies their rules about the purchase of gift baskets.
EBT-Eligible Valentine’s Day Gifts Online
My favorite place to look for EBT-eligible Valentine’s Day gifts is on Amazon and Walmart because of their wide selection and clear labelling. I also love it because they offer generous discounts on their monthly subscriptions. You can find our top picks for Valentine’s Day 2026 below.
Important Note: The following items are currently listed as EBT-eligible on Amazon and Walmart, at least in the state we’re searching from. However, eligibility can change at any time. Always verify eligibility at checkout.
Other EBT-Eligible Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas
While gifts and treats can be a nice way to show your love on Valentine’s Day, there are many other meaningful and affordable ways to celebrate that don’t have to break the bank. Here are a few ideas:
- Create a personalized card or gift: Write a heartfelt letter, create a photo album or scrapbook, make a piece of art, or craft a personalized gift.
- Plan a special date: Have a picnic, go for a hike or walk, visit a museum or art gallery, have a game night, or watch a movie marathon. You could even use your EBT card to get an admission discount at one of these participating museums.
- Breakfast in bed: On Valentine’s morning, make breakfast, plate it nicely, and add a little note. The time and effort you put in counts just as much as the ingredients.
- Cook a romantic dinner at home: Skip the crowded restaurants and enjoy a cozy evening in. You can even buy the ingredients for chocolate dipped strawberries with your EBT card and make them yourself.
- Offer acts of service: Give a massage, do chores or errands, offer to help with a project, or plan a surprise.
- Spend quality time together: Have a conversation, listen actively, and express your appreciation.
- Write a poem or song: Express your feelings through creative writing.
- Create a scavenger hunt: Hide clues and small gifts around the house or neighborhood.
- Have a spa day at home: Give each other manicures, facials, or massages.
- Go stargazing: Find a quiet spot away from city lights and enjoy the beauty of the night sky.
- Learn something new together: Take a class, watch a documentary, or read a book together.
- Reminisce about your favorite memories: Talk about your first date, your favorite moments together, and your hopes for the future.
Relief Recap
There are several items that may be EBT-eligible Valentine’s Day Gifts, especially at Amazon or Walmart. However, you need to carefully evaluate whether each one meets the 50% rule for gift baskets as described by the USDA. Even if you choose not to purchase one of those items, there are still many creative and fun ways that you can celebrate your love this holiday.
Remember, EBT eligibility can change, and this information is for guidance only. Always verify with your local SNAP office and the retailer before making a purchase.
