Queen Mary cements ‘new status’ as she repeats ballgown from 11 years ago

Queen Mary looked glorious in a 11-year-old ballgown and her bridal tiara as she made an appearance at a state banquet at St. Nicholas Church during her and King Frederik’s state visit to Estonia.

Queen Rania revived 1940s fashion in a £4k Alaia outfit with shoulder pads, as she met with the United States’ Second Lady Usha Vance in Washington, D.C. on 27 January.

Queen Letizia put a ‘contemporary’ spin on heritage look straight off the 2026 runways as she welcomed the management team and designers participating in the 83rd edition of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Madrid on 27 January.

Royal residences ranked in order of popularity, according to Google reviews – discover where King Charles’ beloved Highgrove House and privately owned Balmoral Castle rank

Barbie actress Margot Robbie looked like an angel in a feathered Victoria Beckham mini dress as she stepped out for the Wuthering Heights press tour.

Kate Middleton wore an olive green Victoria Beckham suit last year and Cat Deeley has taken inspiration from her look in a beautiful high street lookalike from Reiss to host This Morning.

A new TV documentary series called Unexpected follows the lives of teenage mum Bella Vaughn her boyfriend Hunter – who was just 12 years old when the baby was conceived

A Burberry scarf, St Eval hamper, Jo Malone candle and Sage coffee machine on a background with hearts
Something extra special for your favourite person (Picture: Metro/Getty/Burberry/St Eval/Jo Malone/Sage)

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Roses are classic, chocolates are sweet – but sometimes Valentine’s Day calls for something a little more wow.

Whether you’re trying to impress in a new relationship or looking to show your long-time-lover just how much you care, going beyond the predictable bouquet is a great way to make a lasting impression (and earn some pretty good kudos, too).

Lucky for you, we’ve done the hard work of finding those extra-special gifts for when the usual cards, red roses and chocolate boxes don’t say enough. The things that say, ‘I know you’ as well as ‘I love you’.

From thoughtful keepsakes and incredible experiences to clever upgrades on the usual clichés, these extra-special Valentine’s gifts are perfect for when flowers just won’t cut it.

Extra-special Valentine’s Day gifts:

Best of Metro Deals

Get exclusive discounts with Metro Deals – save on getaways and spa days. Powered by Wowcher

Bannatyne Spa
Spa day for two with treatments, lunch & prosecco — save up to 57% off.

Get deal now

Other deals

Mystery Escape
Hotel stay with return flights from as low as £92pp — save on worldwide holiday packages.

Get deal now

Beach Retreat (Lanzarote)
4* Lanzarote beach holiday with flights — save up to 58%.

Get deal now

UK Getaway
4* Radisson Blu Durham stay with breakfast, spa access & late checkout — save 60% off.

Get deal now

Drive Supercars
 3–12 lap supercar driving experiences from £16.99 — save up to 65%. 

Get deal now

Film Club at The Soho Hotel with Three Course Meal for Two

Lose yourself in great cinema with this stunning day out at The Soho Hotel’s exclusive Film Club.

This unforgettable experience entitles you to a movie with popcorn followed by a delicious three-course lunch in the Refuel restaurant, all set against Soho’s buzzing backdrop.

shop £125

Sage the Duo Temp Pro Espresso Coffee Machine

If they're a coffee connoisseur then they're sure to adore this stunning Sage the Duo Temp Pro Espresso Coffee Machine – currently on offer with a huge £100 discount.

Designed with temperature control, low‑pressure pre‑infusion and a commercial‑style steam wand for silky microfoam, it delivers rich, balanced espresso, creamy cappuccinos and smooth lattes with ease.

299.95 (save £100)

The Ringsmiths – Make a Silver Ring Workshop

Whether you're creating one for each other or for yourselves, this silver ring making workshop with The Ringsmiths is a thoughtful and memorable experience to enjoy together.

In this 2.5 hour workshop you'll be guided through the process of making your very own hammered sterling silver ring using traditional goldsmithing techniques such as annealing, forging, soldering, and filing to name but a few.

shop £95

Burberry Narrow Check Cashmere Scarf

Treat them to a gift that'll never go out of style with this iconic Burberry Narrow Check Cashmere Scarf – a total cold-weather staple.

Woven on traditional looms in Scotland, this 100% cashmere scarf takes more than 30 steps to complete, making it a true heritage piece to treasure.

shop £375

Blondie Kitchen Giant Choc Fudge Bday Sprinkle Personalised Cookie
cookie 0.5kg

Special, fun and so much better than a bunch of flowers, this giant cookie from Blondies Kitchen is a delicious way to show them you care.

You've got plenty of space to write a message of your choice, while the chocolate chip cookie base, rainbow sprinkles and chocolate fudge frosting is enough to make anyone's mouth water.

shop £35

Two Night Off Grid Luxury Cabin Stay for Two in the Cheshire Countryside

Treat the two of you to a cozy countryside escape with this two-night off-grid luxury cabin escape in the Cheshire countryside.

This unforgettable break lets you enjoy two nights in a secluded, self-catering cabin complete with a crackling fire pit, set against the backdrop of rolling fields and starlit skies — perfect for reconnecting and making memories together.

shop £279

Jo Malone London Myrrh & Tonka Cologne Intense Classic Candle 200g

A candle is a gift that'll always bring a smile, and this stunning 200g Myrrh & Tonka Cologne Intense candle from Jo Malone will certainly impress.

Encapsulating the scent and image of the Omumbiri tree, this candle transports you to the red-gold dunes of the Namib desert in Africa thanks to its rich and resinous notes that bring an intoxicating warmth.

shop £70

instax WIDE EVO Hybrid Digital Camera and Photo Printer

If you and your beau are looking ahead to a year full of memories then make sure you capture them with this instax WIDE EVO Hybrid Digital Camera and Photo Printer.

Equipped with a wide‑angle lens, a suite of film and lens effects and the ability to print directly from shot or smartphone, it delivers expansive WIDE‑format photos and personalised prints in an instant — ideal for making memories that feel as real as the moments themselves.

shop £299.99 (save £20)

One Night Pamper Break with Treatment and Dinner for Two at Crowne Plaza, Marlow

If you've been in need of a pampering break then this unmissable break is sure to make their day – especially with a whopping £160 discount.

The two of you will spend the night at the Crowne Plaza, Marlow, where you'll be able to make the most of full access to the leisure facilities, a 25 minute treatment each, followed by a three-course dinner and full English in the morning.

shop £275 (save £160)

St Eval Sent with Love Gift Hamper

Treat them to stunning scent from North Cornwall with this St Eval Sent with Love Gift Hamper, jam-packed with candles set to fill any space with warmth and wonder.

This beautifully packaged bundle contains 1x Ivory Mini Heart, 1x Ivory Church Candle Pack, 1x Grey Candle Plate, 1x Bay & Rosemary Tin Candle and 1x Tranquillity Scented Tealights.

shop £59.95

Silverstone F1 Hospitality tickets

The F1 has arguably never been so popular, so why not treat yourselves to incredible hospitality seats from as little as £420?

From racing sims, cooking demos and live music to activities to entertain the little ones and breathtaking views of the track, these hospitality seats are the real deal.

shop from £420

Hotel Chocolat New Velvetiser – Pebble

If they've got a sweet tooth then the brand-new Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser is set to be the perfect gift, whipping up delicious, creamy hot OR cold chocolate drinks in a flash.

The Velvetiser comes with ten single-serves of drinking chocolate, five hot, five cold, in a variety of recipes including Salted Caramel, Black Forest Gateau, Creme Brulee and Classic 70%.

shop £149.95

Latitude Festival 2026 Tickets

If music is what binds you then tickets to your favourite music festival is an excellent choice of gift.

Latitude Festival in July is one of our top choices, which will feature the likes of Teddy Swims, Lewis Capaldi, Tom Odell and more.

shop now

Pulsio Thermasleep

Tried and tested by yours truly, the Pulsio Thermasleep is an amazing gift for the hot or cold sleeper in your life, designed to cool and heat your mattress for the perfect sleeping temperature.

This clever piece of kit utilises water to let you control the exact temperature of your bed, able to cool your mattress to as low as 12°C or heat it to as hot as 48°C. You can even choose to control the temperature of each side of the bed separately. A true game-changer.

shop £449.99 (save £50)

Drowsy Midnight Blue Eyelash Protecting Sleep Mask

Healthy sleep can be the cornerstone of a great relationship, and the Drowsy Eyelash Protecting Sleep Mask is set to make their sleep ten times better.

Putting zero pressure on the eyes thanks to the contoured eyecups, this luxe mask totally blocks out the light to help aid great sleep, while the 22 momme pure mulberry silk fabric keeps skin and hair sleek and healthy.

shop £63.20 (save £15.80)

Hyperice Venom 2 Back

If your other half often suffers from muscle pains and soreness post-gym then the Hyperice Venom 2 Back will be a gift they'll treasure.

The most advanced heat and massage wrap on the market, the Venom 2 Back has been designed with HyperHeat™ technology for consistent, even heating where you need it most, heating up 6x faster than a standard heating pad to provide instant, soothing relief to sore muscles.

shop £239

Jenki Ceremonial Grade Uji Matcha – 40g Tin

Treat them to a tin of much-loved Jenki Ceremonial Grade Uji Matcha, a pure and vibrant blend expertly sourced from Uji, Japan.

Shade-grown and hand-harvested, each batch is carefully steamed, dried, and stone-ground to preserve its vibrant colour and delicate flavour.

shop £33.49

Shark Beauty CryoGlow Under-Eye Cooling & LED Anti-Ageing & Blemish Repair Mask

The beauty lover in your life will love receiving the iconic Shark Beauty CryoGlow LED mask, bringing that spa feeling to the comfort of your living room.

This LEDmask works to targetthe appearance of fine lines, blemishes, puffiness and sagging, while InstaChill Cold Technology offers a wake-up call to tired-looking eyes, visibly de-puffing and firming the contours around them for a well-rested illusion.

shop £299.99

Boux Avenue Vivienne embroidered balconette bra – Pink Mix

Valentine's Day isn't complete without something eye-catching to wear, and this Boux Avenue Vivienne embroidered balconette bra is sure to receive a double take.

Romantic and beautifully detailed, this stunning piece features 3D floral embroidery to add a touch of pretty elegance to your lingerie drawer, perfect paired with the matching underwear.

shop £45

Our Place Wonder Oven

An aesthetic cook's dream, the gorgeous Our Place Wonder Oven is an excellent gift for those who love to cook and keep their kitchen looking chic.

Available in a choice of four chic colours, the Wonder Oven is a 6-in-1 air fryer and countertop oven that allows you to air fry, bake, roast, grill, reheat and toast – all with steam infusion technology for crispy exteriors and soft, moist interiors.

shop £195

Elizabeth Scarlett Lobster Velvet Tote

Luxe, standout and totally gorgeous, the Elizabeth Scarlett Lobster Velvet Tote is a stunning token to show how much you care.

Seaside-inspired and sweetly embroidered on rouge velvet, this bag is a celebration of the lobster in your life, a reminder for them of your love each time they use it.

shop £65

With gifts like these, Valentine’s is sure to be a day to remember…

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A selection of European cities with the Metro Deals logo
Score an unmissable getaway for as little as £59 (Picture: Wowcher/Getty/Metro)

Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more

After an easy and inexpensive city break to spruce up your 2026?

Well pack your bags and grab your passport because this week’s instalment of our Metro Deals column has arrived, and it’s positively packed with affordable breaks to help upgrade your 2026.

That’s right, this week is all about unforgettable getaways across Europe, and we’ve found all the best breaks that’ll have you leaving the icy chill of the British winter behind and trading it for some Euro greatness.

From Prague and Paris to Krakow and Amsterdam, these European breaks are an excellent, cost-effective way to treat yourself to an unforgettable holiday – flights and hotel included – for less.

Because yes, these unmissable deals won’t break the bank, either – you could score a Disneyland Paris getaway for as little as £129 per person, or a trip to Venice from just £59.

Best of Metro Deals

Get exclusive discounts with Metro Deals – save on getaways and spa days. Powered by Wowcher

Bannatyne Spa
Spa day for two with treatments, lunch & prosecco — save up to 57% off.

Get deal now

Other deals

Mystery Escape
Hotel stay with return flights from as low as £92pp — save on worldwide holiday packages.

Get deal now

Beach Retreat (Lanzarote)
4* Lanzarote beach holiday with flights — save up to 58%.

Get deal now

UK Getaway
4* Radisson Blu Durham stay with breakfast, spa access & late checkout — save 60% off.

Get deal now

Drive Supercars
 3–12 lap supercar driving experiences from £16.99 — save up to 65%. 

Get deal now

Whether you’re after a bustling city getaway or a lakeside retreat, you’ll find it all and more in this week’s Metro Daily Deals column.

Explore our pick of the ten best Wowcher European breaks below and bring some excitement to your January.

Metro x Wowcher – This Week’s Top Deals

5* Prague City Break at Hilton Prague City Centre Hotel with Return Flights

Packed with colourful baroque buildings, Gothic churches and historical sights, Prague is an excellent choice for those after a unique getaway. The incredible beer is just an added bonus.

This unmissable trip entitles you and one other person to a two, three, or four-night city break at the 5*Hilton Prague City Centre Hotel with return flights included, excellent if you've been wanting to explore the beautiful city or use it as a base for day trips to nearby cities like Pilsen. Pint, anyone?

shop from £69pp

Paris City Break – Disneyland Paris Hotel Stay with Park Ticket & Return Flights

Been wanting to visit Disneyland Paris but always thought it to be too expensive of a trip? From just £129 per person you can enjoy a two, three or four-night Paris City Break for two people with Disneyland Paris hotel stay, Park Entry Ticket and return flights. Now that's a magical deal.

You'll spend one full day in the Disney park to enjoy rides, parades, characters and more, as well as additional time to enjoy the beauty of Paris (depending on trip length).

shop from £129pp

The Big Win Mystery Holiday

Want to leave your next holiday up to fate? Wowcher's iconic Big Win Mystery Holiday is back – and you could win an unforgettable getaway with hotel stay and return flights for just £96 per person.

Possible locations include Las Vegas, Barbados, Thailand, Bali, Florida, Disneyland Paris, Spain, Greece, Portugal, Italy, Cyprus, Egypt and more. You'll also get the chance to, spin the wheel for a bonus prize – including a seven-night trip to the Maldives. Are you feeling lucky?

shop from £96pp

4* Rome City Break with Return Flights

Experience the romance, history and beauty of Rome from just £69 per person in this incredible two, three or four-night Rome City Break for two people with return flights.

Whether you explore the historical highlights like the Colosseum, Vatican City and Sistine Chapel, or use it as an excuse to eat and drink yourself around the stunning city, this affordable break is one that's not to be missed.

shop from £69pp

4* Seville, Spain Break: Award-Winning Central Hotel Stay & Return Flights

Indulge in vibrant flamenco, stunning Moorish architecture, rich Andalusian culture and iconic bitter oranges with this unmissable trip to Seville, an excellent way to get some Spanish sun for less.

From just £149 per person you can enjoy a two, three or four night stay in a 4* centrally located hotel with return flights, ideal if your idea of a great time away consists of stunning sights, sangria and tasty tapas.

shop from £149pp

Central Krakow City Break with Auschwitz Tour & Return Flights

If you're looking for an even more affordable trip but with no less wow-factor then this Central Krakow City Break is one that's not to be missed, currently yours from just £59 per person.

You can enjoy a two, three or four night stay in the buzzing and culture-filled city of Krakow, as well as return flights and included Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum tour.

shop from £59pp

Lake Como City Break: Central Hotel Stay & Return Flights

Has Lake Como been on your bucket list? You can explore the stunning scenery, delicious food and glorious sunshine from just £69 per person in this incredible Wowcher deal.

You and a loved one can enjoy a two, three or four-night Lake Como city break with return flights included, giving you ample time to discover scenic lake vistas, explore Como’s cathedrals and basilicas, stroll through botanical gardens and eat your weight in gelato.

shop from £69pp

4* Amsterdam City Break with Return Flights & Optional Tours

Get a taste of Amsterdam without breaking the bank with this 4* Amsterdam City Break with Return Flights, yours from just £59 per person.

Famed for its vibrant culture, scenic canals, tasty treats and iconic brown bars, Amsterdam is a must-try city break if you're after fun and culture in equal measure. This unmissable getaway also features an optional bus tour for even more exploring.

shop from £59pp

Venice City Break: Flights, Central Hotel & Optional Gondola Ride

Escape to Venice before it sinks with this truly unmissable 3* getaway, the perfect way to experience a luxe Italian trip from just £49 per person.

Enjoy a show-stopping two, three or four night stay at a three star Venice hotel with return flights and take in the romance, cuisine and culture ofItaly’s floating city, as well as a free 30-minute gondola ride, without the hassle.

shop from £49pp

4* Malta Beach Holiday with Infinity Pool & Spa, Return Flights & Transfers

Known for its stunning beaches and historic charm, Malta is an excellent choice of location if you want to kick back and relax – and this unmissable Wowcher deal entitles you to two, three, four, five or seven nights there from just £59 per person.

You'll stay at the 4* Solana Hotel with an infinity pool, tranquil spa and excellent location at the heart of Mellieha, the ideal spot to enjoy the cultural sights and sandy beach in equal measure.

shop from £59pp

We hope your passport is in date…

Same time next week?

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Demi Moore looked incredible in Paris, wearing a slinky black Victoria Beckham dress. The former wife of Bruce Willis supported the former Spice Girl as she received the Knight of the National Order of Arts and Letters.