Valentine's Day Gift Ideas - Ten That You Can Afford to Give in a Recession

Valentine's Day is often a difficult holiday to celebrate for many of us. Years ago, my husband and I came to the mutual understanding that we would not exchange cards, gifts, etc. on the date, and for us, that worked out pretty well. (If I wanted something for myself, I bought it for myself, and chalked it up to 'my Valentine's Day gift from you'.)

A lot of us struggle with what's appropriate, different, unique and unusual to share on this day set aside for loved ones. With a roaring recession backing us into a corner, February 14, 2009 will be more difficult than ever for most of us to celebrate. Here are some ideas that can help you savor the love without breaking what's left of the bank.

1. Flowers - not roses, flowers. You can buy a bouquet of flowers at your local supermarket, or 'big box' store like Costco, B.J.'s, Sam's Club, WalMart, for under $10.00. Everyone loves fresh flowers. Need a cheap vase? The supermarket, drug store, WalMart, or dollar store will have a cheap glass or plastic container for that fresh, lovely, inexpensive bouquet of seasonal flowers.

2. Candy - and not necessarily, or even certainly, a heart-shaped box of chocolates (unless, of course, you have a coupon for it, in which case it may make fiscal sense). Can't afford a box of chocolates? Buy a tub of popcorn and a large candy bar instead, and wrap the two together with a cute ribbon. Does your Loved One like Tootsie Rolls? Buy a handful, and wrap them up like a bouquet. Take a few minutes to peruse the candy section of your super market/discount store, and think outside the proverbial box. Do Twizzlers make your special someone's heart beat faster? Buy a large box of them, or three or four bars, and wrap them together with that cute ribbon or twine.

3. A magazine subscription. You'd be surprised how many magazines to which you can subscribe for under $20, or even under $10. Stop at Barnes & Noble or Borders and check out their magazine sections - which are huge - and see if you can lock into a periodical that's of special interest to your special person: sports, fashion, literature, decorating, hunting, cooking, wine; the choices are as varied as we are. Before sending in the subscription form, make a copy of the form, and put it into your Valentine's card.

4. A donation to a charity near and dear to the heart of someone who is near and dear to yours. It doesn't have to be much, since most of us can't afford to give as much as we have in the past, as much as we'd like to give, or as often. As our personal finances have shrunk, so have charitable donations. Yes, you can give that form which states "A donation to ___________ has been made in your name by Your Beloved", or you can make a copy of the donation sheet to enclose in your Valentine's card. Or, barring that, you can enclose a copy of a brochure about the charity, with a handwritten note stating that you've donated to this group in Beloved's honor because...you know that this charity, organization or issue is near and dear to his or her heart. You don't need to include the amount of the actual donation itself; again, it's the thought that counts. (And don't cheat on this idea! It's for a charity, for goodness sakes!)

5. What about a book? Paperback or hardcover, new or used. Think about what your Loved One enjoys reading, and ask the bookstore clerk what they'd recommend. Write a warm, thoughtful note, dated on Valentine's Day, addressed to the book's recipient; wish them a wonderful holiday, and tell why you thought they'd enjoy this particular volume.

6. A mix tape, anyone? Anyone? It's cheap, and it's quick because...you know the musical tastes of your Beloved. It will take a little more perspiration than inspiration on this one, because we KNOW that you're familiar with the kind of music that they enjoy. Put it in a blank CD case with a note explaining why you chose the selections that you did, and your hopes that every time your Valentine listens to it, she'll think of you...

7. Take a stroll through your local toy store. I'd suggest KB Toys, since they're apparently going bankrupt and their prices are really good. Look for an artificial "pet" as a gift: a Furbie, Gizmo, robot dog or cat. You can also find them on Ebay for $10 and up. Make sure that you include batteries. Although we all want to give shelter animals a good home, Valentine's Day isn't the time or occasion to give someone a real, live pet. Go 'artificial' and get a little pal that doesn't require food, water or exercise.

8. Gift certificates for services that only you can provide! Take a few minutes of time on your computer, and come up with some cute, clever "gift certificate". I used to give these to my kids, and they to me, for things like cleaning their room, taking out the trash, doing the laundry. What kind of 'services' can you give your Valentine? How about a gift certificate for a back or foot massage? For picking up - and paying for - a run to the dry cleaner's. For letting him or her select the next two movies that you see together. For a homemade dinner. Dog walking. A picnic lunch. Helping to update his or her computer. Cleaning out a cluttered closet or, if you're brave, basement. Think about those things with which they most need time and help, and you'll get your clues there. You can even fold your 'gift certificate' into the shape of a heart!

9. Bake something. It doesn't have to be from scratch. It can be a cake, a batch of brownies, muffins, cupcakes, a pie, or something more elaborate. It can be a plate of lasagna or stuffed shells that can be frozen, re-heated and eaten at a later date. it can be a surprising dish, the kind of food that Loved One may have never before tried: Thai, Vietnamese, Hungarian, Brazilian. A platter of deviled and angel eggs. (Angel eggs are hard boiled eggs halved and stuffed with marshmallow whip filling - yum!) Wrap it nicely, and you have a great gift, though it may not last longer than Valentine's Day itself.

10. Write your own Valentine's Day. It doesn't have to be a poem; actually, I'd advise against that, since for most of us, poetry is difficult and hence frustrating. Write what is basically a letter to the person you love. Tell them how you felt when you first met him or her. Tell them what your time together has meant to you. Express how their presence in your life has elevated it like no one else on earth could have done. Speak from the heart, not from your head, and you'll be surprised at how easy it is. Imagine the person sitting in front of you; tell him or her in writing all of the things that you've always wanted to say, but could never find the right time or place to express those things. There's no gift greater than giving of yourself, and opening yourself up to the person that you love is the greatest gift of all.

To all lovers out there in cyberspace, have a wonderful Valentine's Day!