10 Gifts on a Budget for Valentine's Day
By Kerri Fivecoat-Campbell
NEW YORK (
) -- Flowers and candy might be a great gift idea for the traditionally minded love interest, but others will prefer something unique and original.
One thing is for sure, you don't want to show up at your valentine's home to present a new vacuum or the latest weed whacker.
Valentine's Day can be a great time to use a less-cliched gift to say "I love you." |
To help you make the right choice, we found 10 gift ideas that are just out of the ordinary enough to light his or her fire without breaking your budget.
Plantable collage
What says "I love you" more than a Valentine's Day card? Well, for the gardener in your life, maybe a plantable Valentine's Day card that will grow into something much bigger. Anyone can create a beautiful card using all-natural paints, then send it to their valentine, who can plant it and watch a wildflower garden grow.
Price:
$30, and you can give a gift in a keepsake bag for $5.
>>From the NFL to Doggy Daycare
Coffee maker
You may not be able to get away with turning most home appliances into romantic gifts, but for the coffee/espresso/latte/cappuccino lover in your life nothing says "I care" more than a nice Italian 3-in-1 machine. You and your loved one can have whatever caffeine drink you like without ever leaving the comfort of your own home.
Price:
$139.95 (based on a highly rated
DeLonghi
model)
Time for a wristwatch
Yes, your man can check the time by looking at his cellphone, but for many men their wardrobe isn't complete without a stylish wristwatch. Casio recently updated its Edifice line, making the watch perfect for wearing to the office during the week or on the golf course on the weekends.
Price:
$221
Jewelry that gives back
Guys will always win if they tap into their sensitive sides and give the lady in their lives not just any jewelry, but jewelry that benefits a cause.
donates 100% of its profits to the charity of your choice, and there's a wide variety of designs in various price ranges in stores throughout the country.
Woo them with doughnuts
If the way to your loved one's heart is through his or her stomach, why not choose something a little different than the cliche of candy? Bomboloni (Italian for "doughnut") mini-doughnuts are just as pretty as candy and equally as decadent, and will still leave you room in the budget for something else.
Price:
$7 for a half-dozen
A cozy blanket
If your beloved is cold-blooded, consider this high-tech, luxurious and therapeutic heated blanket. The faux mink blanket even comes with dual controls so you can share it on those long winter nights spent on the couch. The blanket comes in white, honey or chocolate colors.
Price:
$99 to $219
Flowers for the dog lover
According to industry statistics, more than 70 million households in the U.S. have a pet and more than 43% of those pet owners have dogs. If you're one of them, your loved one might enjoy a flower arrangement in the shape of a pup.
Price:
$34.99 to $74.99 for a pair of pooches in love.
Love, origami style
There is a special fold in Japanese origami that creates what's called the "lover's knot." This origami seals a special message, or even a haiku, tightly within. By writing on the outside of the origami piece, you'll be able to tell if anyone else has tried to open the message. Create a lover's knot with this origami kit and write a poem or haiku from your heart. Optional: A small pendant can be added to the knot.
Price:
$14.95
For fine art lovers
Art makes a great gift for anyone, and prints don't have to be expensive to send the right message. Works at 20x200 include cityscapes or prints for outdoor and animal lovers, sports enthusiasts, foodies and lovebirds.
Price:
$24
Luggage for lovers
If you're headed to a romantic Valentine's Day getaway, why not surprise her with some bright red luggage to mark the occasion? (Don't forget that bright luggage also helps you spot your bags on the luggage carousel.) The
Antler Liquis
hard-sided roller case will send your lover to your destination in style.
Price:
$299 to $399
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