Valentine's Day Gifts That Won't Break The Bank:
Last year, Americans spent an average of $100 to score points with their sweethearts on Valentine’s Day. But if today’s economy has you watching the bottom line, take heart.
Remember, it’s not all about "the Benjamins.” The thought behind a gift counts and something that shows originality is sure to be a hit.
Time is money
If both you and your special someone lead busy lives, spending quality time together can be a challenge. So preparing a candlelight dinner, strolling on the beach in the moonlight or planning a hike to your favorite destination definitely earn you bonus points.
If time to spend with your soul mate on Valentine’s Day is limited, think about giving a fun gift promising future “together time" - a map for that trip to a special place or a pair of champagne flutes for toasting romantic occasions yet to come. Frame your partner’s Valentine’s Day horoscope and plan an upcoming event around their astrological forecast.
Step outside your comfort zone to make your Valentine happy
Agree to those dance lessons or cooking classes. Accompany them to the opera or that football game. Spend a Saturday kayaking on the river.
Spice up the freebies
Lots of activities are free or low cost, from wine tasting to comedy night at a neighborhood club and lectures at museums to opening night at a gallery show.
Take advantage of these events, combining them with an inexpensive, but thoughtful gift. Choose a special bottle of wine for a memorable picnic to top off an afternoon of wine tasting. Buy cards by their favorite artist from the museum gift shop.
Divide and conquer
If dinner at that upscale restaurant is too hard on your wallet, try going there for just drinks and appetizers or an over-the-top dessert.
Celebrate on a day other than Valentine’s Day. This lets you avoid the crowds and take advantage of coupons or entertainment book discounts that are not valid on holidays. Caution: consider this option only if you are absolutely in sync about it with your loved one.
Talk is cheap
Don’t get hung up on the fact that “word foreplay” may not be your strong suit. “At the touch of love, everyone becomes a poet,” as the Greek philosopher Plato once said.
So take the plunge and write that poem or love letter. List the top 10 reasons “I love you.” Find a romantic quote and personalize it. Send a series of sizzling texts. Then, package it well, using an artfully designed journal or a distinctive, handmade card.
Social media has generated novel product lines, offering jewelry engraved with a memorable tweet or a comic book based your favorite emails.
Kick it up a notch
Introducing an element of surprise is a good way to do this. If you are ordering Chinese takeout for a romantic dinner at home, slip sexy, handwritten fortunes into the fortune cookies. Think that chocolates in a heart-shaped box are boring? Try personal messages on candy hearts or M&Ms instead.
Plan a treasure hunt with clues for your sweetie to follow or a scavenger hunt that takes them to their favorite places around town. One creative guy I know scattered pieces of a puzzle around the house. When assembled, it revealed a special surprise.
Rekindle memories
Assemble a scrapbook to remind your valentine of a special event you shared. Recreate the story of your relationship in photos. Recapture your first date.
If you’ve already tied the knot, what about renewing your vows on Valentine’s Day?
Give a gift that keeps on giving
Men and women alike prefer gifts that last. That remind them they are loved. Every day.
Consider giving a present they’ll see or use on a daily basis: a case for their cell phone, a coffee mug, a photo calendar or message-stamped golf balls.
Homemade coupons that can be redeemed throughout the year are traditional favorites: one for an impromptu massage from your partner, cleaning out the attic or garage or babysitting the kids so you can grab a cup of coffee and some alone time.
Online companies sell personalized crossword puzzles, steamy novels, and board games. Just answer their questions about you as a couple and voila.
Valentine’s Day can also be a good time to give a pet. Just be sure your Valentine is up for the commitment before you choose this gift.
Don’t ignore the obvious
Remember, it’s OK to do an "old school" Valentine’s Day, if you do it with style. So heart-shaped pancakes served for breakfast in bed can be cool and inexpensive. Candles, bubbles, both in the bath and the champagne, and a sexy movie are always a good choice.
It’s not just about the significant other
Have room in your heart for more than one Valentine? If grandma can’t be there in person, little ones might love a bedtime storybook read aloud with her pre-recorded voice.
Don’t forget your four-legged friends. Fit ‘N’ Furry in Petaluma is selling Pupcakes, healthy treats for your canine. Proceeds of sales from Feb 7th through Valentine’s Day will be donated to the Sonoma Humane Society.
If you want to share your feelings with a larger audience, submit a video to Good Morning America’s “Your Three Words” contest. It’s a unique way to “pop the question” or to send a Valentine’s Day message to a loved one serving overseas.
Finally, a few words of advice about gifts to avoid on Valentine’s Day
It might be unwise to have your sweetie’s name tattooed on your arm, especially if you are in a new relationship.
Declaring your love from the karaoke stage is almost never a good idea (and can be really embarrassing the morning after).
And, whatever you do, be sure to avoid the pitfall of agreeing to “do nothing” in order to save money on Valentine’s Day. That’s what really started the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre.
Remember, it’s not all about "the Benjamins.” The thought behind a gift counts and something that shows originality is sure to be a hit.
Time is money
If both you and your special someone lead busy lives, spending quality time together can be a challenge. So preparing a candlelight dinner, strolling on the beach in the moonlight or planning a hike to your favorite destination definitely earn you bonus points.
If time to spend with your soul mate on Valentine’s Day is limited, think about giving a fun gift promising future “together time" - a map for that trip to a special place or a pair of champagne flutes for toasting romantic occasions yet to come. Frame your partner’s Valentine’s Day horoscope and plan an upcoming event around their astrological forecast.
Step outside your comfort zone to make your Valentine happy
Agree to those dance lessons or cooking classes. Accompany them to the opera or that football game. Spend a Saturday kayaking on the river.
Spice up the freebies
Lots of activities are free or low cost, from wine tasting to comedy night at a neighborhood club and lectures at museums to opening night at a gallery show.
Take advantage of these events, combining them with an inexpensive, but thoughtful gift. Choose a special bottle of wine for a memorable picnic to top off an afternoon of wine tasting. Buy cards by their favorite artist from the museum gift shop.
Divide and conquer
If dinner at that upscale restaurant is too hard on your wallet, try going there for just drinks and appetizers or an over-the-top dessert.
Celebrate on a day other than Valentine’s Day. This lets you avoid the crowds and take advantage of coupons or entertainment book discounts that are not valid on holidays. Caution: consider this option only if you are absolutely in sync about it with your loved one.
Talk is cheap
Don’t get hung up on the fact that “word foreplay” may not be your strong suit. “At the touch of love, everyone becomes a poet,” as the Greek philosopher Plato once said.
So take the plunge and write that poem or love letter. List the top 10 reasons “I love you.” Find a romantic quote and personalize it. Send a series of sizzling texts. Then, package it well, using an artfully designed journal or a distinctive, handmade card.
Social media has generated novel product lines, offering jewelry engraved with a memorable tweet or a comic book based your favorite emails.
Kick it up a notch
Introducing an element of surprise is a good way to do this. If you are ordering Chinese takeout for a romantic dinner at home, slip sexy, handwritten fortunes into the fortune cookies. Think that chocolates in a heart-shaped box are boring? Try personal messages on candy hearts or M&Ms instead.
Plan a treasure hunt with clues for your sweetie to follow or a scavenger hunt that takes them to their favorite places around town. One creative guy I know scattered pieces of a puzzle around the house. When assembled, it revealed a special surprise.
Rekindle memories
Assemble a scrapbook to remind your valentine of a special event you shared. Recreate the story of your relationship in photos. Recapture your first date.
If you’ve already tied the knot, what about renewing your vows on Valentine’s Day?
Give a gift that keeps on giving
Men and women alike prefer gifts that last. That remind them they are loved. Every day.
Consider giving a present they’ll see or use on a daily basis: a case for their cell phone, a coffee mug, a photo calendar or message-stamped golf balls.
Homemade coupons that can be redeemed throughout the year are traditional favorites: one for an impromptu massage from your partner, cleaning out the attic or garage or babysitting the kids so you can grab a cup of coffee and some alone time.
Online companies sell personalized crossword puzzles, steamy novels, and board games. Just answer their questions about you as a couple and voila.
Valentine’s Day can also be a good time to give a pet. Just be sure your Valentine is up for the commitment before you choose this gift.
Don’t ignore the obvious
Remember, it’s OK to do an "old school" Valentine’s Day, if you do it with style. So heart-shaped pancakes served for breakfast in bed can be cool and inexpensive. Candles, bubbles, both in the bath and the champagne, and a sexy movie are always a good choice.
It’s not just about the significant other
Have room in your heart for more than one Valentine? If grandma can’t be there in person, little ones might love a bedtime storybook read aloud with her pre-recorded voice.
Don’t forget your four-legged friends. Fit ‘N’ Furry in Petaluma is selling Pupcakes, healthy treats for your canine. Proceeds of sales from Feb 7th through Valentine’s Day will be donated to the Sonoma Humane Society.
If you want to share your feelings with a larger audience, submit a video to Good Morning America’s “Your Three Words” contest. It’s a unique way to “pop the question” or to send a Valentine’s Day message to a loved one serving overseas.
Finally, a few words of advice about gifts to avoid on Valentine’s Day
It might be unwise to have your sweetie’s name tattooed on your arm, especially if you are in a new relationship.
Declaring your love from the karaoke stage is almost never a good idea (and can be really embarrassing the morning after).
And, whatever you do, be sure to avoid the pitfall of agreeing to “do nothing” in order to save money on Valentine’s Day. That’s what really started the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre.
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