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Valentine’s Day Gifts: Traditional vs Budget-Friendly Ideas
Traditional gifts are expensive and sometimes impractical while budget-friendly gifts such as DIY, experience dates, or a simple home-cooked dinner, are inexpensive, practical, and appreciated. And memories last longer than something you purchased from a store or online.
Because of the pandemic, a lot of us are on a tight budget and don’t have a lot of wiggle room to buy Valentine’s Day presents.
Traditional gifts are usually expensive, but they don’t have to be. Instead, consider giving something thoughtful and unique.
For example, instead of buying flowers, give them a bouquet of fresh herbs for her garden. Or, instead of buying candy, bake cookies or brownies. These perfect gifts are sure to be appreciated.
Not too many gift ideas to choose from? Leave that to us:
- What Valentine’s Day Gifts Are Budget-Friendly?
- Are Valentine’s Day Gifts Overrated?
- One of A Kind Valentines Day Alternatives
A Box of Retail Chocolate vs. Chocolate Fondue At Home
Do you love chocolate fondue or a box of chocolate? There are two ways to express love and affection using chocolate. One way is through boxes of chocolates and the other is through chocolate fondue. I’ll bet you love both! And who doesn’t love chocolate? The question is, which one should you choose for your special day?
If you want to make a lasting impression on someone this Valentine’s Day, then you’ve got to show them that you care. This year, why not surprise them with chocolate fondue instead of a box of heart-shaped chocolates? There are several reasons why fondue is better than the traditional box of chocolates.
Chocolate fondue is a delicious dessert that combines melted chocolate with cream and other ingredients. It’s also a healthier option.
The fondue pot is a special and thoughtful gift for valentine’s day, but boxes of chocolates are also very common.
Most people prefer the fondue pot because they say it makes them feel appreciated because of the effort to set it all up but fondue pots tend to cost more than boxes of chocolates.
There is also nothing wrong with sticking to the traditional box of chocolates because of its convenience and availability. The choice is up to you.
Personalized Chocolate Body Paint
Why not get your partner their very own personalized chocolate body paint to share with you on Valentine’s night, it will be the sweetest date of the year. A jar is filled with rich, luscious chocolate that, when heated as directed, transforms into a smooth ‘paint,’ while the jar is personalized with its name.
Indoor Electric Stainless Steel S’mores Maker
While camping may not be feasible in February, he may still enjoy the fun and flavor of S’mores in the comfort of their own home. An indoor electric S’mores maker has roasting forks, a heater for melting marshmallows, and extra compartments for more marshmallows, chocolate, and crackers.
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If there is one thing that is synonymous with any camping vacation that includes a bonfire, it is delicious s'mores. But you don't have to limit your enjoyment of this chocolate and marshmallow delicacy to special occasions. The greatest s'mores makers allow you to create them whenever you want.
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WHAT CUSTOMERS THINK: | |
“I read several reviews about how this machine takes a long time to heat up and doesn’t fully toast the marshmallows. Maybe those people had a defective machine, but mine works just fine. It’s fully heated in under five minutes, and that might even be too long of an estimate. If the kids are old enough to have good control over their roasting sticks, you can squeeze four marshmallows over the heating coil. I was never one to joust my marshmallow down into the fire pit while camping. I always held it higher up, so it melted through just as it developed a nice brown crust. This machine will give you exactly that. It maybe takes about 2-3 minutes. It felt totally appropriate given the fact that this is not an open flame and is meant to be a fun tabletop contraption. I purchased mine for a party we were having, but it arrived later than originally scheduled and didn’t arrive until after our party. I initially planned on returning it but decided to give it a try anyway just to see how well it worked. It’s now packed in our camping bin. So, in my opinion, this was a worthwhile purchase.” | |
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Bring s'more fun indoors and roast marshmallows to perfection over the tabletop electric flameless heater.
BPA-free
May need to hold the marshmallow a little closer for the perfect roastChocolate Greeting Cards
Why not take your Valentine’s Day card to the next level? This type of greeting card contains a hidden bar of exquisite dark chocolate with a smooth sea salt caramel center, these greeting cards are just the right amount of sweetness without being sickly.
Decadent Chocolate Fondue
A hot pot of molten chocolate is the ultimate expression of decadence. For dipping fruit, cakes, or whatever else you can think of, these Belgian beauties have sea salt and a raspberry chocolate sauce! There is no need for additional equipment because they are heated in their own stoneware container.
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Nothing surpasses a chocolate fountain at a party, wedding, or any other gathering. They're the most eye-catching approach to creating a treat with global appeal. Prepare some fruit slices or unwrap some marshmallows and stick them on toothpicks before dipping them in the runny chocolate. This level of luxury was formerly reserved for the most exclusive of occasions, the Sephra Elite Chocolate Fountain for Home. Variety, durability, dishwasher safety, and food quality plastic layers are just a few benefits of the Sephra CF18L Classic Home Fountain. This is essentially an industrial-quality fountain that makes the chocolate flow smoothly by using an auger rather than a pump. It takes at least four pounds of chocolate to start it going, and it may take up to six pounds in total, making it ideal for big groups. This fountain heats up so quickly that you don't need to pre-melt the chocolate as many other devices do. It's also adaptable enough to make caramel, cheese, and even ranch dressing flow like a river. It's also the quietest machine here, with only the on/off controls for the heat and motor. If you want to host many parties, the Sephra CF18L is the finest alternative to a specialized commercial-only unit. | |
WHAT CUSTOMERS THINK: | |
“I recently just bought the Sephra Classic home fondue fountain, and I would recommend it because this product was worth the price. I use the chocolate fountain for the fruit/candy table I provide for my clients. To catch people's attention with the table, the main attraction that draws people in is the chocolate fountain. This fountain does an amazing job of standing out, being easy to assemble, and having no motor noise and capacity.
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Chocolate Melting Pot Set
This electric fondue set is ideal for dipping fruits, sweets, and even fingers into smooth melted chocolate for a delightful treat this holiday season. Anyone will tell you that chocolate makes things better, and you’ll find yourself becoming very fond of this gift.
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If you use any of the many different types of chocolate in your kitchen, you should look into this collection of chocolate melting pots. They've all been designed with the express objective of melting chocolate rapidly and simply with minimum mess. This Cuisinart CFO-3SS 3-Quart Electric Fondue Pot set routinely ranks as one of the top electric fondue sets on the market, and our testing confirmed this. It can handle enough chocolate for a generous round of candy making or a fondue party for eight people. It's beautiful and sophisticated, made of brushed stainless steel with a nonstick liner. The electric heating element is located at the bottom of the pot, and our tester was impressed with how fast and evenly it heated up on all heat levels. In fact, it was so simple to use that our reviewer noted it's ideal for people who wish to make fondue a daily occurrence. The temperature controls provide a wide range of settings, and the set includes a temperature probe. For simple cleanup, the entire item is dishwasher safe. The set comes with eight fondue forks as well as a recipe book. | |
WHAT CUSTOMERS THINK: | |
“This fondue pot is very nice. It holds eight skewers of food; we cooked assorted veggies like mushroom, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, and onion, we cooked pork and beef even grilled cheese turned out amazing. The temperature settings are easy to change. And the clean-up was super easy. I would not recommend more than four people per pot. Otherwise, it would take longer and get crowded with all the food there. It made for a nice family evening.”
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Bouquet of Flowers vs. Plants for Their Garden or Greenhouse
There are lots of reasons why people have a hard time choosing from a bouquet of flowers over plants for Valentine’s Day.
For starters, potted plants last longer than a bouquet of flowers. They usually come in vases and pots, so you won’t have to worry about them withering away before the big day arrives. In addition, flowers are easier to transport, and they’ll arrive at their destination in perfect condition.
Plants are another great way to show someone how you feel. They provide beauty and fragrance throughout the entire season.
You can grow your own plants at home by starting seeds indoors or planting seedlings outdoors. You can even get a greenhouse so you can start growing your own vegetables.
Plants are often considered thoughtful gifts, but they don’t always make great gifts. But Instead, people go with bouquets of fresh flowers from a local florist because not only will the arrangement look beautiful, but it will also smell wonderful when they arrive.
We think these two options are equally great because of the mood it brings once you give them to your recipient. It’s really all about your preference and what your recipient would like better.
Rose Teddy Bear
What kind of teddy bears would they prefer? You don’t need to spend too much time searching for gifts for your partner; just get them a teddy bear made out of roses!
A beautiful rose sculpture as big as a normal-sized stuffed bear that has been crafted from hand-made flowers. You can even put it in an elegant gift box. Your partner will surely appreciate such a thoughtful gift.
Cookie Flower Pot
This Valentine’s Day Cookie Flower Pot is both adorable and romantic at the same time. If you offer him or her this bouquet of edible flowers, you’ll win their heart as well as their sweet tooth. It can also come in a silver bucket that they can reuse when they finish the yummy cookies.
Edible Bouquet
A unique flower alternative would be getting an edible bouquet for your loved one. This is also a great option for those who are allergic to flowers.
Edible bouquets are becoming more popular to give on occasion. They are also a great way to surprise someone with something delicious.
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Semisweet Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
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The passion, legacy, and future at Edible® are anchored on assisting people worldwide in celebrating life's most significant events with a gift or treat that has been thoughtfully made to WOW. Whether it's a birthday, a professional milestone, a gathering with friends and family, or simply because our selection of freshly handcrafted presents is precisely what you need to create spontaneous moments of sweetness packed with extra sweet memories and plenty of smiles!
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WHAT CUSTOMERS THINK: | |
“It was 21 wedding anniversary 7/7/2021. My husband doesn’t do flowers, so when I got home and saw the large chocolate-covered strawberry gift wrapped with a balloon and teddy bear on the table, it was a nice surprise. It tasted so good to think we found a new treat for our special occasions. Thank you for making my anniversary a little more special. | |
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”Sunflower Garden Grow Kit
They’ll be able to produce their own sunflowers with this special kit, which is a great way to celebrate the summer season. To get your plants started, this type of kit includes a recycled egg carton, six heirloom variety seeds, and peat.
Sunflower garden kits are perfect for beginners as well as seasoned gardeners. This kit comes complete with everything needed to grow beautiful sunflowers right out of the box! All you need to do is plant them, water them regularly, and enjoy the beautiful flowers throughout the entire growing season.
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Nature's Blossom's sunflowers growing kit is an excellent present for men or women and serves as an excellent introduction to the wonderful world of home gardening.
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WHAT CUSTOMERS THINK: | |
“My wife loves sunflowers, so when I saw this kit, I couldn't resist. The price is a little steep, that's about my only complaint, though sales help with that. Plants take time to grow, so I waited to give this review until I saw some results. After planting them in mid-July, I just yesterday mentioned that some of my wife's plants were getting huge, and when she told me the biggest was the giant sunflowers, I was satisfied with my purchase. The flowers haven't bloomed yet, but the seeds took easy, started growing quickly, and became beautiful, healthy plants. I'm looking forward to seeing the sunflowers in full bloom, and I would recommend this to anyone starting a garden that loves sunflowers.”
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Plant Terrarium
With a gorgeous propagation station, you can help them take cuttings from all of their favorite plants. Get them a charming desktop-sized terrarium that features two heart-shaped containers for growing their plants, allowing them to see the roots form.
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The Urban Born Birdcage Large Glass Terrarium is a lovely terrarium that brings nature inside. It provides an ideal climate for growing tillandsia, succulents, ferns, venus fly traps, and a variety of other tiny plants. This lovely terrarium is composed of fine black copper-plated steel, which adds both elegance and longevity to the design. Furthermore, this terrarium features a window that you may open and close as needed, which is preferable to a continuously open container for many self-sustaining terrariums. | |
WHAT CUSTOMERS THINK: | |
“This was perfect for a tarantula enclosure. The latch is sturdy. It’s rather heavy even without anything in it (so my cat can’t bat it around or knock it over), and it’s beautiful, and it really shows off my GBB when she comes out of hiding and onto the display. It holds heat and moisture well, so my plants and moss are happy also. I would give it ten stars if I could.”
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Dinner At A Fancy Restaurant vs. Cooking Their Favorite Meal
Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and while some couples would prefer to spend the day at home cooking their favorite meal together, others choose to go out for dinner instead. Which option makes sense?
You don’t have to go to a fancy restaurant to enjoy romance. There are plenty of romantic affordable dinner ideas where you can dine at home next to a fireplace or even have a candlelit dinner. They both offer unique experiences that allow you to connect better with your partner.
However, going out for dinner isn’t always the best choice. The reason behind this is simple: the food is usually expensive. And while you might be able to save money by choosing to dine at home, the experience might even be twice as better as having a fancy dinner out.
Are you looking forward to spending quality time with your loved ones but dreading the thought of cooking something special for them? If you answered yes to both questions, then you should definitely consider going out to dinner instead of cooking at home.
Going out to eat is fun and exciting. The food tastes better cooked by professional chefs, the ambiance is much nicer, and you get to enjoy the company of your loved one. On top of that, you don’t have to worry about cleaning up after yourself or preparing the meal.
At the end of the day, both options are great ideas for Valentine’s Day but you just need to think about your resources, time, and money before choosing.
10 Steps To Create A Romantic Date At Home
1. Prepare a romantic meal for two
Some dishes from our preferred restaurants that we return to them over and over again. Is it something you’ve ever tried to make at home? A little internet study can often lead to a home-cooked version of an expensive restaurant meal.
2. Turn your house into a mini-spa
A day at a posh spa isn’t something everyone can afford or schedule. You can, however, create a spa in your home for you and your partner to enjoy. Take turns massaging each other’s backs while using aromatherapy candles or a bubble bath.
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Are you willing to splurge on a genuinely exceptional model? With Kahuna, you can't go wrong. The EM Arete Elite from the company goes above and above to work out your knots and relieve muscular tension directly at home. Six smooth-gliding massage ways with precision pressure-point relief, 29 preloaded programs, five-speed options, five levels of airbag compression strength for your limbs, and three zero-gravity reclining positions are all part of the package.
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WHAT CUSTOMERS THINK: | |
”As for the chair, it's everything described and more. Here are a few things we really like about the chair:
You can choose to target specific muscles or use a "specialty" preset, which is a massage program based on a trade or specialty (Office Clerk, for example). You can also choose the "Classic" programs which are intense.
The massage is better than an actual human. It feels realistic but more enveloping than a traditional massage.” | |
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3. Make your living room a ballroom
It’s been a while since you and your significant other went dancing together. Dance the night away in the living room by putting the living room furniture out of the way. Online courses can teach you the steps to classic ballroom dances like Tango and Salsa. You can also just dance to your favorite tunes while you do it.
4. Watch a movie together in bed
Nothing beats Valentine’s Day for cuddling up with a romantic movie and a warm blanket. You might even view home movies or look through old photo albums with a loved one for a more intimate experience.
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The key to a good session for binge-watching? Of course, a speedy, high-quality streaming system. We considered the Roku Ultra to be the best of all the ones we have reviewed so far. It provided all of the popular streaming platforms (like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+) with 4K compatibility and an easy-to-use remote and took us less than 20 minutes to set up. | |
WHAT CUSTOMERS THINK: | |
“I upgraded the really old Roku that wasn't working with the app and the remote kept getting lost. The Ultra has a remote finder which is awesome when your 6-year-old thinks they are being clever... It also works well with the app when you want to pause a show when you are in need of finding the remote. It occasionally has to be reset (unplug and plug back in), but that is normal with all electronics that are constantly on. We use Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon, those most with occasional YouTube and Roku channels.” | |
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5. A backyard picnic is a great way to surprise your loved one.
It’s lovely to have a picnic with only you and your significant other. Set up a picnic in your lawn and stare at the night sky along with your significant other. By candlelight or by the fireplace, you can have a picnic indoors if the weather is bad. Wrap up warm with a blanket and some pillows.
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This picnic kit includes almost everything except food and drink, making it ideal for spontaneous picnics with small families or parties.
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WHAT CUSTOMERS THINK: | |
“I was pleasantly 'surprised' by the high quality of this backpack. Every last detail for a delightful picnic was checked off (cutting board, high-quality melamine dishes, cutlery, etc.). Love the navy blue checkered picnic blanket. Would recommend it for anyone in need of an engagement gift, people who love picnics at the beach or lake.”
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6. Put your inner pastry chef to work
Together with your companion, make a delicious dessert. Serve a simple dessert like chocolate-dipped strawberries with champagne. It’s as simple as dipping fresh strawberries in melted semisweet chocolate.
7. Play games
You don’t have to be a child to be a kid. Adults benefit from games, too. Play a game of Truth or Dare or a game of your favorite board or card games with your Valentine on Valentine’s Day.
8. Take a trip around the world — without leaving home
A romantic wine tour in Italy or an exotic beach vacation may have been on your bucket list for a while now. Organize a themed date night at home to bring those adventures right to your doorstep.
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Deco's Wine Tasting Flight Sampler Set is an excellent way to have a wine tasting party at home without spending a fortune on pricey wine glasses. The set includes eight 6-ounce transparent dishwasher-safe decanter glasses, two wooden paddles, and a blackboard to mark and tally your wines.
This wine sampler package is a terrific way to entertain friends and family, and it also makes an excellent present for any wine enthusiast. | |
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“Pleasantly surprised with the quality of this purchase. The individual decanters are solid and elegant and hold 5 oz. At the base of the neck, or 6 oz. When full. The serving tray chalkboard is a nice touch, although I'll likely use the carafes separately.”
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9. Create a scavenger hunt
Create a romantic scavenger hunt around the house with a final surprise, such as a romantic supper or present, by writing a sequence of clues. This means that each hint, whether it’s a puzzle or a photograph, should lead to the next. Many inventive riddles and scavenger hunts for adults may be found online.
10. Do some arts & crafts
Make a piece of art together as a pair and share it with your loved one. There are many ways to express your feelings, such as making a collage of photos of each other, writing a poem jointly, or painting an image of love. Display whatever you make as a reminder of your affection for each other.
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This station includes two distinct types of pens that can be used separately or together. Pen 1 comes with 50 denser-mass tip-type pen tips for burning and shading on larger areas. With the Pen 2, you get a total of 20 nib-type pen tips so that you can get really specific with your artwork.
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WHAT CUSTOMERS THINK: | |
“I love this and wish I had bought it years ago. Very easy to use and the more you practice the better it'll get. I only wish there was a book that showed what each tip does and is used for. I've never used the wire tip, very interesting, but it would be nice to know what it's for.”
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Final Thoughts
There are many different ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your partner. Whether you want to take your significant other out to a nice restaurant or cook a delicious meal together, give them a bouquet of flowers or a potted plant for their garden or give them a box of chocolates or treat them to a nice chocolate fondue experience.
There are lots of things you can do to make Valentine’s day memorable.
The key is finding a balance between spending time together and doing activities that you both enjoy. In addition, it helps if you find an activity that doesn’t cost too much. After all, Valentine’s Day is about making your lover happy.
So, whether you’re planning to dine at home or simply treat your partner to a nice dinner out, make sure you plan ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do guys really want for Valentine’s Day?
On Valentine’s Day, giving your man a perfect gift will only make him or her feel more appreciated and loved.
It’s common knowledge that girls enjoy being lavished with flowers and presents, but we believe that men also deserve to be lavished with things too. Take a chance. Spoil your boyfriend or husband with some gifts or take him out. Here are some suggestions:
- Plan an outdoor adventure.
- Take him out of town.
- Take him on a shopping spree.
- Go on a wine or beer-tasting tour.
- Take him to a show or sports game.
What can you give instead of flowers on Valentine’s Day?
I’ll be the first to say that Valentine’s Day is full of cliches. Yes, it has become a commercialized holiday that emphasizes the value of spending money above spending time with the people you care about.
Nobody is forcing you to buy your significant other a heart-shaped box of chocolates, a teddy bear, or a dozen red roses on February 14th. You want to give your lover a gift that is as special as they are.
Fortunately, it is feasible to make Valentine’s Day completely lovely without feeling overdone or excessive. Choose a gift that speaks to your partner’s interests.
What are some non-cheesy Valentine’s Day gifts?
A great non-cheesy but classic gift for someone you love could be something simple like chocolates or a bottle of wine.
Or maybe you want to surprise him or her with an extravagant dinner at one of the best restaurants in town.
Or you may take him or her to an amusement park. If you’re looking for a unique gift idea, consider giving her something practical that she can use every day.
