Can’t Buy Me Love: Romantic Gifts That Won’t Break The Bank

Whether you’re a fan of Valentine’s Day or not, chances are there has been a time where you wanted to get your sweetie a little something sweet. However, flowers can be expensive, and just because something costs a lot of money doesn’t mean it comes from the heart. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), 52% of Americans plan to spend upwards of $192 on Valentine’s Day this year. That’s why we’re here with a few ideas on what to get that special someone without costing an arm and a leg.

Make a Playlist: Chances are, you already subscribe to a music streaming service, and no matter where you fall on the Spotify vs Apple Music debate you have a perfect tool at your disposal for romance. Gone are the days of making a mixtape, instead curate a playlist. You can make playlists based on date nights, “A Night On The Town,” or make playlists that will evoke certain memories “Our First Date.” Don’t have a music streaming service? YouTube allows you to make playlists as well! By making a playlist, you’re showing your significant other that you’re thinking about your relationship on more than financial terms. Plus, you can start picking out your first dance for your wedding! Really though, when are you getting engaged?

Lego Roses: Ok, hear us out. Roses are nice, but they are temporary AND expensive. Enter: a beloved childhood toy. Lego sells sets of two roses for only $13! These interactive flowers will not only last a little longer than the real thing, but they’ll also give you an activity to do together as you build the Lego sets. Not a fan of roses? They also offer Daffodils, Sunflowers, and Tulips all for similar price points. Sure, they don’t smell as sweet, but you’ll save money and give a gift that lasts.

Spa Night: We’re sure you’ve heard the phrase “treat yourself,” and usually it comes with the thought of splurging and spending way too much money. That doesn’t have to be the case. Plan an at-home spa night. You can usually find self-care treatments like face or eye masks and scrubs for under $10. Set the mood by spraying their favorite fragrance, make them their favorite snacks, and let the pampering begin. You can either join in on the fun or make it a full-service spa. Play some of their favorite movies and your evening plans are set.

Sweet Words: For some, the idea of a love poem may seem a little cliché, but for others, the idea of having a poem written for them makes them swoon. We’re not saying write an entire book of love poems, some great writers have already done that for you. Purchase a collection of love poems (most are under $15), and read some of the beautiful poetry to your loved one. Here’s where you really get them to melt. Write one love poem and hide it in the book. As you’re reading, you’ll come across this bespoke poem and watch their face light up.

A New Twist On An Old Classic: You’ve no doubt heard of the tried and true scavenger hunt. It’s a classic for a reason, but we’re adding a few extra ideas into the mix. Make the clues lead to your favorite places (a coffee shop, a bookstore) and bring a disposable camera along with you. As you visit each location, snap pictures of yourselves and your activities. This is an incredible and endearing way to remember your day. The beauty of this is that you can also tailor your day to how much you want to spend. Want to go all out? Buy your sweetheart something at each stop. If you’re budgeting, the memories alone will make a perfect gift.

Sure, an expensive dinner, a huge box of chocolates, and the whole nine yards can be nice gestures, but if you’re just doing these things because you think you’re supposed to you could be spending more money than you have to or more than your partner expects you to. Remember, the best gifts are the ones that come from the heart.

Sources: https://nrf.com/research-insights/holiday-data-and-trends/valentines-day#:~:text=More%20than%20half%20(52%25),started%20tracking%20Valentine’s%20Day%20spending.