Valentines Chocolates

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas For he Economically Challenged

Valentine’s day tends to light the flame of romance for most of us. We want to do something nice for that special someone; something that says “I love you, and I was thinking of you.” But in today’s difficult economy, many of us are thinking more along the lines of “I love you, but I’m broke.”
being the commercial holiday that it has become, most retailers would like us to think we “just have to buy” those pricey baubles they advertise for Valentine’s Day. They’d like to make us feel guilty, accuse us of lacking a sense of romance just because we failed to buy the diamonds or gourmet chocolates that are priced to break the bank.

What?! Give me a break! You don’t have to empty your wallet or ma out your credit card to show your love on Valentine’s Day! It’s the thought that counts; the love that matters. You can be creative and show your love and devotion, even on a tight budget.

Now, I am Queen Frugalista. My mother often yells at me for analyzing and comparing prices all the time because she just does not understand the frugal lifestyle. I love gifts, so don’t get me wrong here, and I appreciate any gift given to me. However, I am more pleased with thought than I am with a price tag.

Living frugally has allowed me to be creative and come up with lots of ideas that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. I have looked around and compiled some great Valentine’s day gift ideas for all of us poor broke folks.

Flowers and Candy
Tried and true gifts any man or woman could appreciate (yes, ladies, it’s ok to bring your man flowers and chocolates, even if he’s Mr. Macho. His secret sweet side will eat this up). However, it does not have to be expensive! There is no reason to run out to the florist and the homemade candy shoppe. Buy a couple of inexpensive but fresh flowers, add a ribbon or string and voila! Instant bouquet! As for the chocolates, nothing wrong with a Hershey’s bar…

Any woman would be happy with a great bath/spa gift basket. A lot of places sell expensive ones and then, there are the retailers who carry the cheap stuff that doesn’t smell good and irritates your skin. I would not go with either. Get yourself a cheap basket from your local department store and fill it with products you know she likes. Travel sizes are a great way to optimize variety and economize at the same time. If your significant other wears a nice perfume or cologne that you can get inexpensively, you’ll never go wrong with this gift.

Music boxes are a nice gift. You can find music boxes for both men and women, and if you shop the right department store, you can find these without breaking your budget.

Stuffed Animals
These do not have to be gender specific. This time of year, you can find inexpensive stuffed animals that sing or say something or even have a nice little message on them. Any man or woman would cherish a gift like this from someone they love.

Fine Art Prints
If the one you love is into art, you can find lovely prints of famous paintings and other works for just a few dollars in hobby stores and some department stores. You can have them professionally framed (which can get expensive) or frame them yourself.

Photo Gifts
Everyone, no matter who they are, loves memories captured on photo. There are so many photo gift options available, from mouse pads and coffee mugs, to calendars and posters. Most any photo gift can be ordered online or at your local film processing store. A few specific ideas I came up with: photo puzzles, photo caricatures, having you photo inserted in to famous artworks or you can just take a favorite photo in and have it blown up. Add a frame, and voila! Instant gift.
Some other ideas: candles, oil candles, incense sets, aroma therapy baskets, a book of romantic poems, reasons I love you cards or stones (you could even make these yourself!), plants, watches (hey, you never go wrong with a timepiece, however, costume or sport jewelry is fine. It does not have to be a Rolex!) and personalized or engraved items are always nice.

I hope I have helped you in your venture for nice, but inexpensive ways to say “I love you” this Valentine’s day. Hopefully, you can find the perfect gift for that special someone and still pay your bills.

As for me, I’ll settle for an all you can eat buffet, a dvd rental at home, and some of that awesome
Valentine’s Day themed toilet paper. Cheap and practical!

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