Cheap Valentine's Day Gifts for Your Best Friends

Valentine's Day is creeping up on everyone. People usually only get gifts for their significant other, but Valentine's Day is not just for couples. Valentine's Day is a time where you can show your friends that you appreciate them. You can tell them what a great friend they are. By giving a small gift, you can say, "Hey, I like you. You're a keeper!" Of course, it need not be quite so corny. The point is that everyone could use a pick-me-up, especially after so many Americans unhappily start receiving credit card statements for all of those Christmas gifts they financed.

Many moans and groans can be heard at the mere mention of gift-giving. Money, time, and lack of ideas are all reasons that people may not look forward to holidays. And Valentine's Day? It's barely even a holiday, right? Not true, I say! The holiday that prompts the most greeting card sales - aside from Christmas - is Valentine's Day. Perhaps that is because men feel their special someone will swiftly kick them in the rear if they don't acknowledge them on the "love day." It seems that isn't the case, though, as 85% of Valentine's Day cards are bought by women.

So what can you do that costs little money but shows your appreciation? There is lots of room for creativity when making or shopping for gifts. Much of the time you can find something that is appropriate for everyone on your list.

Bake some cookies. Everyone likes cookies. And since you aren't some weirdo neighbor from across the street, they will likely end up eating them instead of throwing them out. That is, if they haven't caught you picking your nose a time or two. All kidding aside, baking cookies can be inexpensive and very appreciated.

You can pick up some regular cookie dough and use heart-shaped cookie cutters to make heart cookies. Then, top them with white icing. Top each cookie with red and pink sprinkles. Get some cute red or pink transparent baggies (these can often be found in the baking or craft section of your local store) and tie them closed.

Make a Valentine's Day coupon card. Sometimes we aren't always the best friends we could be. Think about things that your friend could use you for and make a coupon card. For example, if your friend has children, make a heart-shape out of construction paper that looks like an ordinary handmade greeting card. But instead of a sweet saying when they open it, it will say, "You are a great friend. That has earned you a Heart Coupon. Your Heart Coupon is good for one night of babysitting." Your friend will really appreciate the creativity in relaying your message.

Give them pink and red balloons. It may sound cheesy, but showing up on Valentine's Day with some pink and red balloons is a very cheap and easy way to say you love someone. No one expects lavish gifts from friends on the lover's holiday.

Craft your own "heart confetti." Making your own confetti is easy and very inexpensive. Just simply cut different designs out of colored paper. When you see your friend, throw the confetti at them and sing them an off-key song. The friend with a good sense of humor will appreciate this one.

Rent them a romantic movie. Movie rentals are pretty cheap. Rent them a romantic movie to watch with their significant other on Valentine's Day.

Creating your own expensive gifts for friends on Valentine's Day is easy. It doesn't have to be expensive, and you can say that you care without breaking the bank. Since many people don't give to anyone but their boyfriends/girlfriends and husbands/wives, it's an easy way to stand out and impress them with your appreciation.