Cheap Valentine's Day Gifts for the Girlfriend or Wife

Showing you care on Valentine's Day doesn't have to be an expensive undertaking if you think about items your girlfriend will really enjoy or use. This article contains five cheap options for Valentine's gifts.

A Bath or Shower Set

If you are just entering into a new relationship, then you may want to give a token Valentine's day gift to acknowledge the day without going overboard. The perfect way to do this is by putting together a bath or shower gift box - do not buy a pre-made one! For $20 you can buy a variety of lotions, soaps, and body sprays at the mall favorite Bath & Body Works or at mass merchandisers. To really impress your girl go for natural brands like Burt's Bees or Kiss My Face.

A Dinner Date

While eating cheaply on Valentine's Day doesn't seem like a possibility, celebrating the day on a budget is possible - especially since Valentine's Day falls on a Sunday this year. Take your girlfriend out to dinner the weekend before or after Valentine's Day. By doing this you will be able to use coupons that will likely expire before the big day (restaurants are not going to have a variety of discounts on such a big holiday weekend). Applebees and TGI Friday frequently offer e-mail promotions. Sign up now to get in on a good deal.

A Coffee or Wine Basket

A coffee or wine basket is a great gifting idea that can be put together for less than $30. At least four bottles of cheaper wine can be purchased for this price, and several varieties and varying sizes of coffee can be purchased for $30 as well. Mix up the basket and present it to your girlfriend - she will be impressed by your thoughtfulness, especially if she isn't a price checker.

Pre-Ordered Flowers

If you really want to send your girl a classic gift like flowers, then strike now. If you pre-order now and schedule a Valentine's delivery you can lock in early January prices on favorites. Stock will dwindle by February and prices will be at a premium.

Bake a Cake and Pick a Liqueur

Search out a really decadent cake recipe and practice making it once before Valentine's day. When you taste test the cake, think about a liqueur that would add to the overall appeal of this cake as a dessert option. Buy the liqueur and the ingredients for a second cake. Make the cake and invite your girlfriend over for a wonderful dessert. Send her home with a small memento or token remembrance of the evening - perhaps a printed invitation. A truly romantic girlfriend will appreciate this gift immensely.

All of the suggestions presented above should be available for $30 or less if you strike while the iron is hot and before prices spike towards the end of January!