Valentines Gifts Don't Have to be Expensive to be Good

I was reading an article on Yahoo today "Real-life tales of the worst Valentine's Day gifts". Even worse than the grocery store half wilted flowers mentioned in this article, I received gas station fully wilted flowers one year. But gifts don't have to be expensive to be good.

This year spending has dried up and the budget is lean. We, like many, have no budget. While a diamond and ruby bracelet would be an awesome surprise, I would actually be upset about wasting all that money. In the article, it mentions the not-so-observant guy who bought his girl a gold necklace but she was allergic to gold. The best gift that does not have to be expensive to be good, noticing what your partner likes or needs and putting some thought into it is the best gift of all.

I think really great Valentines gifts under a $20 is totally doable and acceptable if thought is put into it like the gift basket filled with his or her favorite things. Here's some cute ideas:

Movie Night Gift Basket
An all time favorite classic movie, for me Dirty Dancing, with popcorn and a selection of candy.

A Bucket of Cozy
A really nice mug, some fancy hot chocolate mix or a special tea collection and a fleece throw blanket.

2010 Memory Box
Decorate a shoe box. Put together a small scrapbook, or even get a bound book made, with the Year in pictures and ticket stubs from things you did over the year.  Enlarge your favorite picture of the year and put it in a frame. Include some of your kids artwork.  

Baby It's Cold Outside
It's been a bittter cold winter and a nice gift bag or basket with a matching hat, scarf and glove set and a pair of winter sunglasses would be smashing.

BTW, every gift should come with chocolate. That's the Valentine standard.

I for one have been complaining about my fingers turning white from the cold steering wheel. I have also been complaining about the battery in my remote starter for my car which I have to hit ten times before it starts. If I received a cute box or basket filled with a pair of gloves, my remote starter with a brand spankin new battery I would be thrilled. Throw in some Ghiradelli choclate and my Valentines is complete and my perfect gift. All this could be purchased for under $20 and I'd be really happy. Throw in a bottle of pinot grigio and I'm a really happy camper. Now time to start dropping hints.

Get creative and plan for a happy Valentines Day.

Jan