Valentine's Day gift ideas for the frugal- Which one do you like?
By carolscash
@carolscash (9492)
United States
February 5, 2010 10:29pm CST
Valentine's day gifts need not be expensive, because the most appreciated gifts often are the ones that come straight from the heart and aren't store boughten.The more expensive gifts are nice if you can afford them, but there are many ways to show you love that will mean more than another necklace or box of candy.
As the economy sinks lower and more families are cutting expenses, one might find that money for flowers, candy, or an expensive dinner at a fancy restaurant just is not in the budget this year. However, a gift for your sweetheart just needs to express your love and needs to celebrate that special person in your life. That can be done with some of the ideas listed here that are of little or no cost.
1. Burn a Love CD with songs that mean something to both of you. A song that you heard on your first date, a song played at your wedding, etc.
2. Give them a book of IOU's for chores that they would normally do or an IOU for a back rub, foot rub,etc.
3. Make a collage or framed group of photos that show your relationship in chronological order. Include special occasions as well as everyday activities that you might have done together.
4.Have a candlelight dinner together at home with special champagne flutes that you will just enjoy on Valentine's Day. Read love poems together. Share a plate of home-baked heart shaped cookies.
5. Watch an old movie together- enjoy popcorn and sodas at home with it too.
6. Do something with your loved one that you know they enjoy doing, but rarely have time for.
7. Make a list of the "top 10 reasons why I love you".
8. Repeat your first date.
9. Create a calendar with photos of the two of you doing fun stuff together.
10. Make "I love you because" balloons. Put notes as to reasons you love him/her in balloons, then air balloons up and make a bouquet of them or shower them out in your bedroom to be popped and read later together.
These are some ideas that can help you show your love to your sweetheart. There are many more ways if you just think of what the two of you enjoy doing together and e creative to share special memories of your life together.
My question is which one of these ideas do you like the best? Have you ever done any of these?
4 responses
@carpenter5 (6782)
• United States
8 Feb 10
I have made the cd before and it's a wonderful gift. I encouraged my daughters to do this for the young men they're dating because it's a little less intimate that some gifts that are available at Valentine's Day. While they're both dating the same young men they have been for several months, there is still not a huge level of committment there, so we've asked them to be careful about what they choose.
1 person likes this
@carolscash (9492)
• United States
27 Jun 11
That is a wise decision for them. I don't think that young people really need to exchange gifts this day if they have only been in a relationship for a short period of time.
@grecychunny26 (9483)
• Philippines
6 Feb 10
I never experienced doing any of that. I never had a relationship. Maybe I can do something like that for my friends. Your list is so sweet. It seems you sorted out all that you have think that makes valentines even more sweeter. I like that. I like all the list, it is worth the effort of the person if he or she give it to his or her loved one. I hope to do that for my future boyfriend.
1 person likes this
@carolscash (9492)
• United States
7 Feb 10
Pick a special friend and do something for him/her for Valentine's Day! They will enjoy the special thought and maybe they will do the same for you.
@sweet_pea (3322)
• Philippines
1 Feb 12
I like your balloon ideas. I have always been a child at heart.
We've never done any of these ideas.
My husband knows I'm gaga over flowers. Last Valentines, he didn't give me flowers on the day itself because prices of flowers tripled on Valentines day. So, he waited after 3 days before he bought me my flowers where the prices were already low. Still, I appreciated his belated Valentines day present.
When I was a young girl, I often give my parents self-made Valentine cards. I hope my little kiddo will give me one someday.
We've never done any of these ideas.
My husband knows I'm gaga over flowers. Last Valentines, he didn't give me flowers on the day itself because prices of flowers tripled on Valentines day. So, he waited after 3 days before he bought me my flowers where the prices were already low. Still, I appreciated his belated Valentines day present.
When I was a young girl, I often give my parents self-made Valentine cards. I hope my little kiddo will give me one someday. 
@Irenefm (25)
• Philippines
30 Jan 12
wow... i never thought of any of those ideas you have.. I want maybe is repeating the first date! that would fun maybe for me and boyfriend since we are 6years now and i think its the best time for us to reminisce, right? but i would like to consider some of your ideas! Thanks!
@carolscash (9492)
• United States
30 Jan 12
These ideas can be very useful for all of us who are suffering because of the economy. Have fun trying these!
