Top 18 Gift Ideas for Valentine’s Day: Budget Friendly and Indulgence Worthy

Every now and then, it’s nice to spend money just to show people you care. What better occasion than Valentine’s Day?

Whether you’re in a committed relationship, getting to know each other better, exchanging gifts with friends—or treating yourself!—I’ve found gifts that express an extra something special. As a bonus, many are under $50.

Shop away!

Baubles

Jewelry

Quite a few of us are big fans of adorning ourselves with jewels. Of course, this looks different on everyone. So finding out which type of jewelry your spouse likes ahead of time is key. After all, jewelry can get expensive. So spending money on something they will never wear is ultimately a huge waste of money.

If you are looking for some more budget-friendly jewelry ideas for Valentine’s Day, then James Allen might be just the ticket. They have a ton of great options in all jewelry and stone categories to fit everyone’s needs. Plus, they are running a Valentine’s Day special to help you save even more money this year.

Watch

If your spouse isn’t as big into jewelry, then a fabulous timepiece may be more up their alley. With most of us having cell phones at all times now we don’t necessarily need a watch anymore. But, a lot of us really enjoy having a good watch for fancier occasions. Or for those times when we just want to disconnect from the world for a bit and put our phones away. 

And for those occasions, a nice watch is a great option. You don’t have to get too fancy with it and spend a ton of money either. So find something you think looks elegant, and that they would enjoy wearing, but stick within your predetermined budget.

All things food

Meal delivery kits

Meal delivery kits are a fantastic way to show your loved one just how much you love them through food. There are a ton of different services you can try out that fit a myriad of different dietary and/or culinary desires. 

Home Chef has a variety of meals specially made for Valentine’s Day. For example, you can get Chocolate Strawberry Crêpes if you and your Valentine prefer a romantic breakfast.

No matter which service you choose, the basic principle is the same. You will get to choose the meal options that you want for the day or the week. Then, once the box arrives, you will have recipes that accompany the ingredients. Some boxes will provide all of the ingredients, while others will ask that you provide some of the basics. 

Either way, cooking for your loved one is one of the best ways to win them over. Because we all love a good meal with those we love!

Subscription snack box

Similar in style to the meal delivery kits, monthly food boxes are another great way to show your love through food. There is a box that can fit almost anyone’s cravings. And with this time of year, finding a subscription snack box that fits your love’s cravings may be just the ticket.

Consider choosing a box that will be a welcome addition all year long. But, find a romantic way to add some of these snacks into your Valentine’s celebration for added fun.

Box of chocolates

Most of us love a good box of chocolates. Not only can they be sweet and delicious, but they are natural aphrodisiacs. Bonus!

There are a lot of different sized boxes of chocolates, as well as compilations. Make sure to find out which types of chocolates your partner likes prior to buying them a box of chocolates.

Some people love their chocolate with fruit or nuts in it, and others simply hate it. There is also white, milk, and dark chocolate to consider. Where boxes of chocolates are considered, there are a lot of different ways you can go with this one.

Aromatherapy gift options

Candles

Candles are one of those things that seem to go simultaneously with Valentine’s Day. And they don’t have to break the bank either. There are so many different types of candles, that it can be hard to determine where to even start. So, here are some of the different categories you might need to consider when choosing a good candle for your special night:

• Beeswax, soy, or paraffin candles.
• Taper, votive, tea light, or pillar candles.
• Multiple or single wick.
• Candles infused with essential oils.
• Aromatherapy scented candles for different moods.
• Decorative candles.

No matter which candle(s) you choose, make sure to trim the wicks and keep the candles away from anything flammable. After all, you don’t want a call to the fire department to ruin your romantic evening!

Massage oil

A good massage oil infused with aromatherapy properties is a shoo-in for Valentine’s Day romance. With all of the stress going on in our lives these days, a good massage can really help set the mood. And it can create some much-needed relaxation in your partner. 

There are a lot of different massage oils out there, just like candles. However, choosing a massage oil with the right carrier oil can be key, since they have different scents to begin with. Plus, some people can have mild allergies to specific oils. So, it’s best to try and find out if your spouse has any allergies or aversions before choosing a massage oil:

Essential oils & diffuser

Another great way to incorporate aromatherapy into your Valentine’s Day celebration is with essential oils. There are a lot of different diffusers out there on the market also (most of which can be pretty inexpensive). If you don’t already have a diffuser to put the essential oils in then this is the first step. Once you have chosen a diffuser, then you have to pick the right essential oils to set the mood. 

There are quite a few essential oils that are known for eliciting romantic feelings. Some of which are:

• Bergamot.
• Black Pepper.
• Clary Sage.
• Ginger.
• Jasmine.
• Nutmeg.
• Orange.
• Rose.

Once you have chosen the essential oils you like best, try playing around with different combinations in the diffuser with water to see what the overall scent is like. You can have the diffuser going in the background the whole time you and your partner are celebrating your love to keep the romantic vibes going.

Bath oils

Bath oils fall along the same lines as all of the other aforementioned aphrodisiac categories. They are a great way to create some romantic feelings in your partner and set the mood for the whole night. Start by running a warm bath for your partner and adding in bath oils right before your partner is getting ready to get in. This will help the oils from dissipating as fast so they can enjoy the feel and scent longer.

Warm & fuzzy gift options

Fuzzy socks

Fuzzy socks are always a great option for those cold winter nights. And if you want to get really fancy, try and find the fuzzy socks with the grippers on the bottom. These will help keep your partner from busting their bum while walking across the floor. I speak from personal experience here!

No matter which fuzzy socks you choose, make sure they are extra-thick, colors or patterns your partner likes, and go up high enough for their sleep pants to cover them.

Warm cozy slippers

Warm cozy slippers are another great Valentine’s Day option. Some people prefer to have slippers instead of fuzzy socks. 

Warm cozy slippers can be a lot of fun and are a great way to show your partner that you care about their comfort. 

Scarves & hats

Having a great scarf and hat during the winter months is key in a lot of areas. Plus, it can be fairly easy to find a matching scarf and hat set, which will also make your spouse more stylish. There are a few different fabrics most commonly used in scarves and hats. Choosing the right material for your partner is important because some people have allergies to specific products. Some of the most common materials used in scarves and hats are:

• Acrylic.
• Alpaca.
• Cashmere.
• Cotton.
• Cotton/Polyester blend.
• Wool.

Gloves

Gloves can be a great addition to anyone’s winter wardrobe. And because of that, they can make a great Valentine’s Day gift. Depending upon what your partner will be using their gloves most can determine which type of gloves you should consider getting them.

Matching pajamas

If you want to get something warm and cozy for the both of you, then matching sleep pants might just be the thing. I, personally, love warm cozy sleep pants during the colder months. And there are so many different patterns and styles that it’s hard to go wrong.

Try finding a good fleece sleep pant that will work for both of your styles but also sends a romantic message. Usually, this time of year, it can be pretty easy to find Valentine’s Day themed sleepwear.

Cozy blanket

Curling up with your loved one next to a romantic fire is a great way to set the mood. And having a nice cozy blanket to curl up under is just icing on the cake.

Plus, this is something you both can use almost year-round. When it comes to finding the right blanket, make sure to choose a large enough size to comfortably fit you both. And choose a good, soft fabric that will still keep you warm. Fleece or flannel are usually pretty good options.

Fun stuff

Massager

Getting your spouse a personal massager is something they can use even when you aren’t there. These days massagers can be pretty darn budget-friendly also, depending upon the type you choose. This is another category with a whole lot of options to choose from. Some of them include:

• Chair massager.
• Massage pillow.
• Neck massager.
• Percussion massager.
• Pulse massage gun.

Romantic games for two

Reconnecting and having a good time by playing a game together can be a great way to spend your Valentine’s Day. There are some couples themed card and board games you can try. Or, you can order a romantic box that will have games and game ideas inside for a fun surprise. 

Most of these types of games try to incorporate either straight romance or romance and humor. So, choose a game that fits you and your partner’s style.

Craft cocktail set

If you and your spouse like to enjoy a good craft cocktail but don’t have all of the fancy equipment needed, this is your chance to rectify the situation. Making craft cocktails is akin to cooking for your spouse. A good craft cocktail shows your partner just how much you love them by how much effort you put into creating the perfect drink. 

Giving them a craft cocktail set with some drink specific glasses can help raise the bar for you both this Valentine’s Day and let your creative juices flow.

Books 

If your partner is an avid reader, then they may like nothing more than to cuddle up with a good book by the fire. And if this is the case, getting them some new books to read may be the way to go.

Or you could give them a gift similar to the previously mentioned subscription boxes, but for books instead. As someone who is a voracious reader, this sort of Valentine’s Day present would be right up my alley. And would certainly elicit warm and fuzzy feelings towards my spouse.

Projector with screen

If you are both into movies, then getting your partner a projector with a screen is a great present idea. These don’t cost nearly as much as a new TV does, and they have much more versatility. 

A great way to surprise them would be to set up the new projector and screen and play one of their favorite movies. This would be after eating a delicious meal kit delivery dinner, while cuddling up with a new cozy blanket, a delicious craft cocktail, and some fuzzy socks. Now, this is what I call a Valentine’s Day win!

Bonus – gifts that cost (practically) nothing!

If your loved one is more of an experiences person, then some of these gift ideas might right up their alley. Some of these cost nothing but your time (which I love!), while others cost a minimal amount of money, plus your time.

Whichever option you choose should be indicative of what your partner loves, as well as your financial situation. Or, you can get crazy and choose more than one option for an even more exciting Valentine’s Day.

Gift certificates

I love to both give and get, gift certificates. These aren’t the type you buy from a store though. These gift certificates should be created by you for some sort of service your partner might enjoy. Some of my favorites are:

• Full body massage.
• Breakfast in bed.
• Doing all of the dishes for a day.
• Washing, folding, and putting away all the laundry.
• Cleaning the house.
• Washing the car.
• Grocery shopping.
• Romantic dinner.
• Making dessert and a craft cocktail.

Really the sky’s the limit with this option. Come up with a few different gift certificates, with expiration dates, and wrap them up nicely. Your partner is sure to be excited about the effort you put into the gift, as well as the future use of these gift certificates.

Sports and games

The weather might have a big effect on engaging in any outdoor activities to celebrate your love. But, whether indoors or outdoors, there are some potential sports options for you. Some of my favorite two-player sports include:

• Canoeing.
• Cornhole.
• Disc golf.
• Hiking.
• Pool.
• Ping pong.
• Tennis.

Plan a picnic

There is almost nothing more romantic than a Valentine’s Day picnic. This is especially true if your love is a foodie. I, personally, quite enjoy a Valentine’s Day picnic combined with a hike. This way we get in a bit of outdoor exercise, enjoy nature, and get to have a great meal all rolled into one.

If this is something that sounds up your partner’s alley, then prepare ahead of time. Make sure to include as many of their favorite foods as possible, and hopefully something nice to drink, as well. Whether it be a nice bottle of wine or their favorite Kombucha, as long as it is something your love would choose. That’s the most important part.

Once you’ve figured what you’re going to pack, the next step is figuring out what to put it in. You could go simple and pack the picnic in something you already have, such as a lunchbox or small cooler. 

Cook their favorite meal

And speaking of your partner’s favorite foods, cooking for them is a fabulous way to show you care. After all, food is the language of love. So speak loudly and cook some of their favorite foods for Valentine’s Day. 

Of course, this means you should do the dishes also if you really want to wow them. And don’t forget to make the meal extra special you should set the table in a more romantic fashion.

Honey do list

Most people groan about doing items on their honey do list. So, if you have been putting things off that your partner has been asking you to do, now might be the time to get them done. If your partner responds well to having acts of service done for them, then this option might be a winner. I know that I fall into this category myself. 

Write a song or poem in their honor

If you happen to have some musical talent or are a writer, then this might be a good Valentine’s Day gift for you. I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t be thrilled to have a song written about them. 

If you are more of a writer, then you could take a stab at writing a romantic poem for your love. There are a few different styles of romantic poetry, so if one style doesn’t work for you, there are other options that may feel more organic.

Plan your ultimate future romantic vacation

If all else fails, now might be a wonderful time to daydream together. If you don’t have the opportunity, or money, to travel right now, you can plan for the future. Sit down over a nice dinner, or dessert and drinks and discuss your ultimate future romantic vacation. 

Start by shooting for the stars. What would be your ultimate dream romantic vacation? 

I suggest getting creative with your romantic vacation options, from the low budget to the ultimate romantic trip. This way, you can work your way up to the best trip of your life by having some smaller romantic trips along the way.

Summary

I hope you and your recipient enjoy whatever you decide! Valentine’s Day calls for extra thought, attention, and a personal touch—a gift that shows how well you know someone is the most romantic gift of all.

Read more:

• Valentine’s Day On A Budget: How To Spend Less On The Day Of Love
• How To Buy An Engagement Ring Online