With Valentine’s Day just over a week away, I have some work to do in the gift-giving department. Being the budget-loving, money-saving gal I am, I will definitely be utilizing a hefty dose of creativity to ensure I don’t break the bank for my “favorite” Hallmark Holiday. 
The thing is, I love giving gifts. Whether it’s for strangers during any rendition of my Operation Giving Back missions or holiday gifts for just about anyone on the list, I’m usually trying to figure out a way to stretch my gift dollars as far as possible. But I draw the line at giving something that’s completely thoughtless or bought last-minute just to buy something. More often than not, I find a way to give something meaningful that also fits in the budget.
Creative Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas that Can be Adapted to Fit Any Budget…
Edible Valentine’s Day Gifts
One of my favorite gift-giving categories is something edible. Whether it’s cooked or baked, I’ve always had a lot of fun creating something yummy for a neighbor or loved one. This year, I’ll be making homemade fortune cookies for my BF (I certainly hope he’s not reading this!!!), complete with personalized fortunes. If I have time, I’ll also make some homemade cupcakes and candy for a few of my friends and co-workers to enjoy. Check out for loads of fun, easy recipes–including the one I’ll be using for the fortune cookies!
Sentimental Valentine’s Day Gifts
Another favorite gift category of mine, no matter the occasion, is something sentimental. I won’t be divulging the details of this gift for BF just in case he’s reading this post, but I like to create gifts based on shared experiences, interests and/or dreams and goals. Some inexpensive ideas are scrapbooks, framed photos in DIYed frames and personalized magnets or other office/desk accessories. Also, never, ever underestimate the power of a hand-written card or note!
Inexpensive Valentine’s Day Date Ideas
The last category, dates, is a must-have for me because I’m all about giving the means for fun and memorable life experiences instead of material objects. After all, the memory of the experience you had while taking the photo lasts far beyond the dust accumulating on that frame. Some of my favorite, inexpensive Valentine’s Day date ideas include:
- Star gazing. Depending on where you live and the weather that day, you might only need a blanket and a clear sky to create a memorable Valentine’s Day
- Indoor picnics. This can also be done outdoors obviously, but if you’re like me and live somewhere that actually has winter weather in February, you can set up a cozy picnic area in your house. Combine this with your cooked or baked goodies, some bubbly and spend your V-day talking long into the wee hours of the night
- Scavenger hunts. I haven’t personally done this before, but I’ve always wanted to set up a date that revolved entirely around a scavenger hunt. Seriously, how fun would that be?!
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If you’re still shopping for Valentine’s Day gifts, don’t forget to check out coupon offers from sites such as CouponFollow.com. If you are going to buy something, you might as well try to save some money on your purchase!
Speaking of money, enter now for your chance to win $100….
Will you be giving any Valentine’s Day gifts this year? If so, what are you planning to give and how will you save money doing so?
Photo credit: epSos.de
Jen
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The best gift I've ever received was honestly a sweet, heartfelt and honest card. The best gift I've ever given was taking my stepdaughter to a boutique and giving her a limit, but telling her she could buy whatever she wanted within that budget.
I love it! I agree with the hand-written cards and notes–those are the things I hold onto for the longest periods of time. And what a sweet idea for your stepdaughter–I'm sure she loved it!
The best gift I've recieved which I can comment in the public domain is a hot air Balloon ride in Shropshire. The best I've given is a romantic dinner to a Moroccan Restaurant in Manchester
Wow, a hot air balloon ride would be an awesome gift!!!
Good question! We don’t really do V-Day gifts at all. So probably nothing, a nice dinner out possibly.
Honestly, you're smart not to–I agree that it's a silly "holiday." I just like any excuse to give a gift to someone I love
For the last fifteen years, I celebrate Valentine's Day at home. I buy some flowers and bring dinner in. I fire up the fireplace and light candles to make a very romantic evening.
Sounds like a great day/night to me!!!
We'll do some candy and something for our five year old, but not gifts for my husband and I. We might go out the day before or after. I've never been a bid V-day fan. You should let others know you love them every day.
Yes!!! I think my sarcasm about the Hallmark holiday didn't come through very well–I think it's a joke (but I do love giving presents…haha).
I really like what you wrote about sentimental gifts based on shared experiences, hobbies and most of them are always DIY projects. I'm not very crafty so I decided once to order professionally made puzzles-the only thing that was needed was our picture. Nothing expensive and the result was really nice. Sometimes Pinterest can help a little. Last year I made a frame with heart-maps of places where we were together. Good for travel addicts
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Ooh…I have a friend who actually makes his own puzzles–such a great idea for a gift!!! I like the idea of the heart maps, too. I'm definitely saving that for a future gift option.
We are skipping buying for each other this year because we'll be on vacation. That is kind've our present to each other!~ We usually don't spend much though. It's kind've a silly holiday when you really think about it.
Hell yeah….vacations trump most everything when it comes to gifts!!!! Where are you guys headed? I feel like I read this at some point?
I am all for inexpensive V-day gifts, especially heartfelt ones. Mr. FBS and I decided to do cards and spend the weekend together. Only problem, is we couldn't wait and already did it. We were too excited and decided to celebrate early. Now we call February V-day month and remind each other of the fun we had. We also say happy V-day and I love you randomly throughout the month. A lot more fun than one day.
Oh yeah, and last trip we took, Mr. FBS surprised me with some last minute gifts he picked up while we were out and about SQUEEE!
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I love the idea of making it a month-long affair; how fun!
I get my kids a heart shaped box of candy and an Itunes gift card. I also write them a card with each gift. They LOVE it. Simple. For my husband? We are actually getting massages together on Valentine's Day and spending the whole day together. Best gift ever, really! (The togetherness, I mean!)
Sounds like a great day to me! I love that you give the kids a card from you that's hand-written–I bet they value that much more than the candy/iTunes
I like your tips a lot. But if I told my wife to come on outside and sit on this blanket so we can check out the stars she might kick me in the crotch. But she would love the indoor picnic idea, I think I might do that this year. Thanks for the inspiration!
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Hahahaha…wow did I laugh at that one! I guess the star gazing bit isn't for everyone but maybe I should have highlighted the wine and conversation involved??
Indoor picnics are a ton of fun; good luck!
Not too sure about the Star gazing hmmm that sounds boring to me but hey someone else might love it. I fancy the picnic indoors or cooking a lovely romantic meal. We also bake something up special for the two of us to enjoy. We don't spend any money really and we make our own cards with a poem inside.
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I'm beginning to realize that the star thing isn't for most..haha…I love to just lie there and chat the night away so perhaps I didn't give this option an accurate description. If I were just watching stars, I'd fall asleep
I love the baking and poem ideas–have a great Vday!