Are you between the ages of 25 and 34? If so, it might be time to start budgeting for Valentine’s Day. According to the National Retail Association, folks in this age group shell out about $213 on average for Valentine’s gifts. Other groups aren’t far behind. 18-24-year-olds spend around $168, 35-44-year-olds spend around $176, and other age groups also shell out a pretty penny.
While Valentine’s gifts may seem financially insignificant in the grand scheme of things, it’s a good idea to do a little planning so that treating your loved one (or yourself) doesn’t blow your budget. Check out our list of cheap Valentine’s gifts that will leave your special someone feeling loved without breaking the bank.
1. A single rose
According to some florists, we should take advantage of the meaning given to different numbers of roses. Some folks believe that a single rose is more romantic than a whole bouquet of flowers. Consider gifting your sweetheart a single rose and card telling them that they’re your one and only as a budget-friendly Valentine’s gift.
2. Fruit arrangements
Flowers are pretty, but you shouldn’t eat (most of) them. Look into fruit arrangements for a compromise between beauty and tastiness. Even the name brand Edible Arrangement packages can be as cheap as $19.99, but off-brand options may be even more affordable. There’s nothing cuter than a financially savvy significant other treating you to a beautiful Valentine’s gift, is there?
3. Personalized gifts
As the old saying goes, “it’s the thought that counts.” Personalized gifts can make for a creative and cheap Valentine’s gift. Maybe you have an inside joke with your significant other. Perhaps you have a picture together in your favorite place that you’d both like to memorialize.
Think about snooping around Etsy for personalized gifts. If you’re crafty, you might be able to come up with a personalized gift, like this DIY tutorial for personalized mugs!
4. A bottle of wine or craft beer
With the growth of the craft spirits industry, there is a range of unique and delicious wines and beers that could make great, inexpensive Valentine’s gifts. If you know your partner’s taste in wine or beer, they’ll be sure to appreciate the opportunity to try something new with you on your Valentine’s Day evening.
5. A special plan
Nobody knows what your special someone loves more than you do. If they enjoy activities like visiting public museums, parks, or nature trails, you can plan to take them out for their favorite activity as a cheap Valentine’s gift. Consider getting creative and including a scavenger hunt or a DIY photoshoot for your sweetie.
6. Cross off to-do list items
It’s always pleasant to realize something on your to-do list has already been taken care of. If you know of something on your partner’s to-do list that needs to be taken care of, make it a Valentine’s gift by surprising and finish the task before they even think about it. With one less chore to do, they’ll be even happier to spend extra time with you!
7. Classic coupons
Create a set of coupons for your significant other with tickets promising an activity or service. This may mean walking the dog on a day it’s their turn, going to that restaurant you don’t like very much, or giving your partner a foot massage after a long day. This is a great way to show them that you’ll continue to care for them the whole year round!
8. Be creative!
My widowed grandmother, absolutely beaming, once showed me a poem written by my late grandfather. Decades later, she still read it like it was the first time she had ever seen it. Sometimes, a carefully crafted note as is all someone needs to know that you care about them for years to come.
While Valentine’s Day might not be your greatest financial priority, it’s important to take into account expenses related to these special days so that you can enjoy without breaking the bank. For more personal finance and money-saving tips, check out the rest of the Academy library.
