When it comes to Valentine’s Day, the fallback gifts tend to be what the retailers tell us are ‘the perfect gifts’ – roses, chocolates, perfume, etc. These Valentine’s Day gifts might not be an option for those on a budget.
After the holiday season, most of us are feeling the pinch moneywise. Gifts don’t have to cost a fortune to be special so let’s take a look at 8 ideas now.
Homecooked Meal
I know what you’re saying – you cook every night so how is this special. But with a few simple tweaks, you can make it special!
Bust out the fancy dinnerware, lay out the table with a centrepiece and candles, and cook dinner (and dessert!). Cook either their favourite meal, or something sentimental that will bring back memories of a first date or wedding menu for example.
As you choose the menu and ingredients, this is a great Valentine’s Day gift idea for anyone needing to keep to a budget!
Photos
Who even prints photos anymore, am I right? We have become so reliant on photos in the digital form, that actually printing a photograph is special again.
There is a lot of choice when it comes to how you get your photos printed. You can upload them to a site such as snapfish and have the hard copies shipped directly to you. Or head into a big box store like Kmart and use one of the photo kiosks.
Once you’ve got your photos, compile a photo album with special messages and love notes. For the creatives among us, design a beautiful framed collage using your favourite photos and a few craft embellishments.
Bath Salts
If you’re lucky enough to have a tub at home then bath salts are an easy DIY gift. If you don’t have a tub, then go for the feet and make a refreshing foot scrub instead.
Take a look at my own Peppermint & Lavender Foot Soak recipe HERE
Handwritten Poetry
Ok, so this might seem a bit corny but what could be sweeter than gifting someone a handwritten poem. If you can, write something original that lets the other person know how special they are.
But don’t worry if you’re not a writer! A handwritten poem (or song lyric!) will still be well received even if it’s not written by you. Find a verse that speaks to your relationship and holds meaning for you both.
A Boozy Bouquet
Flowers are great, but can you drink them? This bouquet you can!
Head to the local bottleshop and pick up a half dozen beer bottles, or mini wine/spirits bottles. Using sticks to support the bottles, arrange in a bouquet or stand in a styrofoam flower pot.
I found an easy to follow tutorial HERE
A Box of Favourites
Not the Favourites chocolates off the supermarket shelf though! I’m talking about a box of their favourites. If you’ve been together for a while, you should know your other half’s preferred flavours, genres, types, etc.
Wrap and line a shoebox base with some pretty paper and fill it with your loved ones favourites. Add a nice handwritten note or card and you’re onto a winner! Here’s a few suggestions:
- Desserts! Think cake, desserts, ice cream toppings, donuts, etc
- Books! Pick a new release from their preferred genre and add extra treats that go hand in hand with reading. Bath Salts, herbal tea, etc.
- Candy & Chocolates! Most of us have a favourite candy from our childhood. Find a speciality candy store that stocks the old school stuff.
- Savoury! Not everyone has a sweet tooth so if your favourite person’s favourites are potato chips, then fill a box with them.
- Socks! Seriously. It might sound weird or boring, but coming into the colder months a box of new socks would certainly come in handy – especially if they’re our favourite brand.
- A bit of everything! Fill a box with a selection of their favourites and I’m sure they’ll love it. It’s easy to keep within your budget for those watching their pennies too.
Be a little corny
You know the kinds of things that are so punny it’s ridiculous? They make people smile even when they think it’s kinda silly! Think Roses Are Red poems, a play on words, or using props to get your message across.
Hit up Pinterest and you’ll find a stackload of fun ideas. And the best bit it they won’t cost you a lot! Take this funny note and bag of gummy bears for example.
Sweet Sentimentals
Sentimental gifts – you either love them or you don’t. If you other half is a sucker for sentimental gifts then you will never be stuck for gift ideas!
- Print out the map of the location where you first met and use it as part of a photo collage, or the front cover of a handmade card.
- Fill a jar with handwritten notes that mean something to them, such as memories of your time together so far.
- Make a handmade book that tells the story of your relationship.
- Calculate how many months you’ve been together and write something cute for each month in a book or on small pieces of note paper.
- Recreate or remember something from your first date – whether it’s the clothes they wore, the wine shared, or the song that played.
Pin it! Follow me on Pinterest @aworldimperfect
Connect & Follow on Social Media @aworldimperfect
https://facebook.com/aworldimperfect
https://instagram.com/aworldimperfect
