We’ve all heard the saying that some of the best presents come in small packages, but some of the best gifts can also be free, or at least fairly inexpensive. Read on for some thoughtful gift ideas for your special someone that will be cherished without breaking the bank. Whether you have been together for many years or just a few months - kids or no kids - making this day special will have rewards all year.
Something from the heart and the hands
Make Your Own Sweets
Give your sweetie the gift of sweets. In fact, go one step further and make them yourself. Try your hand at making chocolate covered strawberries, or easy-to-bake chocolate heart peanut butter cookies. Wrap them in a decorative box with a pretty red bow and a special note tucked inside for a charming and delicious gift.
Create a Personalized Playlist
For a gift that will hit all the right notes, how about a music mix? Take some time to think back on your relationship and pick songs that represent some of the most important and memorable moments you’ve spent together, then collect them all on a playlist. Better yet, turn on the playlist as the background music at a romantic candlelit dinner you’ve cooked. When dinner’s over, you can dance the night away.
DIY XO Lights
Not a baker or a music lover? Here’s a fun way to say you love them every day and add some style to a room. In 12 easy steps, you can make an X and an O with marquee lights. They are super cute and say love like no other décor.
Sweat equity
Finish that DIY Project
If your loved one is the practical sort and there’s something around the house that you’ve been meaning to get done, like reorganizing her closet or putting in a set of shelves for him, why not finish it up in time for Valentine’s Day? Not only will the project be off your To-Do list, but you’ll have a gift that will truly be treasured. Win-win! Be careful not to do something that makes them feel like they should have done it but you beat them to it. Add a romantic touch with one of our other ideas, if possible.
Redo the bedroom
Sometimes we forget just how important it can be to have a bedroom that is a place for escape. If your bedroom needs a little TLC in the decorating department, think about giving it a lift as a Valentine’s Day surprise. Freshen up the bed with clean bedding. Did you know down pillows and comforters wash up like new? A few colorful throw pillows can also liven up your bed. Perhaps you can borrow a rug or curtains from another room or find an inexpensive option at a consignment store or IKEA. You could also try changing out the light bulbs in favor of some softer LED bulbs for optimal mood lighting.
Cook dinner
This timeless classic wins in so many ways. If you go to the effort to find your sweetheart’s favorite foods, it not only shows you will put in the effort to make them happy but also that you pay attention to what they like. Isn’t the way to someone’s heart through their stomach anyhow?
Write a poem
Don’t groan yet! For those of us aren’t poets, Google comes to the rescue. Here are some tools to inspire you, lend you some good lines, or even give you something to well, rip off.
Poetry Foundation App – take a spin on this app to find poetry by a combination of topics, ie. Humor & Love or Joy & Commitment. It’s a great way to explore poets to see what you like.
Poem of Quotes – Use a poetry generator to get you started or one of their quotes.
How to Write Your First Poem, A Beginner’s Guide – Step by step instructions to get your first words on to paper
Get in-touch
Turn your home into a spa for the night
For the ultimate in indulgences, nothing can beat a day at the spa, but that can also cost a pretty penny. Instead of buying a pricey gift certificate, why not turn your own home into a luxurious spa? Gather together supplies for a bubble bath, a massage, a facial, a pedicure, or whatever spa treatments your loved one would enjoy and hop in the tub together. Perhaps even better than saving money, creating a spa at home is the perfect excuse to spend the some time together.
Give a massage
Another gift that never goes out of style is the massage. It’s hard to find someone that doesn’t like a back or foot rub. Create a warm, inviting space with candles that smell nice and try out a new technique. A quick online search will give you all the instruction you need. It gets a little personal so we will leave it you to explore the options.
It’s a matter of time
Do nothing in particular
Life can be fast-paced and full of so many distractions, chores, and must-dos that our loved ones often don’t get as much time with us as they deserve. If you’ve had problems penciling in some one-on-one time with your sweetheart, maybe you just need to take Valentine’s off and spend it together. Take that personal day you’ve been saving up and have a chance to be spontaneous together. Perhaps breakfast in bed, a walk somewhere nice, or a matinee of your favorite romantic comedy is in order.
Watch your wedding video
If you are married, watch your wedding video. While you are at it, treat your sweetie with a favorite beverage. Talk about the highlights of your special day. Are there moments that have stayed in your mind over the years? How has your love grown since then?
Play a board game
Playing a board game together is fun and gives you time to chat in way that few other things do. Did you have a favorite board game from your childhood? Maybe something new you haven’t tried? It doesn’t have to be a challenging game and maybe it’s better if it’s not. The goal here is quality time, not competition.
Build a fort in your living room
Bring back the joy of hiding out in your own fort, together. Your inner children will have a great time together. Better yet, a pillow fort! Maybe your partner needs some enticement? Lure them into your den with the promise of a back or foot massage.
Say something nice
Playing card compliments
Some people melt with a few loving words. Give them something to remember throughout the year with these compliment cards. Brainstorm out all the things you love about your partner and put them down on a deck of cards.
Here are step by step instructions for how you can make your own Compliment Cards
Need some help brainstorming those compliments? – 100 Nice Things to Say
Laugh together
Humor is a crucial element of good relationships but sometimes life gets so serious. Take some time to laugh together. Pick out a movie that you both find funny. Maybe it’s even better if you have seen it before. Or a favorite comedian to watch live or on video. Read a funny book out loud to each other. Watch your favorite sit coms or Whose Line Is It Anyway.
We hope you won’t stop at Valentine’s Day and make some of these ideas something to do on a regular basis. It’s one of the few gifts that rewards the giver too.