It’s that time of year again, where everything is in shades of pink and red, hearts are everywhere, and the only thing on TV is another romantic movie for the millionth time (E! and “You’ve Got Mail” I’m referring to you). However, with this lovely day called Valentine’s Day, there are always a few issues, like what to get your guy that won’t break the bank. Here are a few suggestions that will be sure to bring a smile.
1. A T-Shirt Pillow. I saw this amazingly awesome idea online, and it looks relatively simple to do! All you need is a pillow, an old t-shirt, and some good sewing skills. Maybe you can take that old shirt of yours that you never wear anymore and finally put it to good use. Try and find some shirt that would bring memories back for the two of you, like of an inside joke or a place you’ve visited. It’s a very sweet and sentimental homemade gift. Even an old shirt of his would work just as well.
2. A Throw Blanket. This is another one of those things you can personalize at home and on a budget. Just go to Wal-Mart (or another store where you can buy things for very little money) and buy a plain white throw blanket along with some red fabric paint. Cut out three sizes of hearts out of cardboard and glue some cork to the back, and voila, you have a stamp. Paint the stamps red and apply to the blanket in rows. You may need to touch up some areas, but when it’s super cold out, your guy can use it to stay warm (hopefully with you there too)!
3. A Homemade Dinner. Don’t they say the best way to a man’s heart is through his stomach? Take this motto to heart with a nice romantic dinner for two. I’m a sucker for homemade pesto sauce with pasta, and you can make some easy garlic bread on the side. (My boyfriend loves everything garlic, so this is always a win with him). For dessert, brownies a la mode are always a good idea, since who doesn’t love brownies, ice cream, and some whipped cream? Plus, you’ll get many brownie points for this amazing and delicious homemade meal.
4. A Love Letter/Poem/Note. We’re all super busy, and sometimes we just don’t have time to make some special dinner, or we’re not that good with crafts. Just express your feelings in a little love letter to your guy, and for good measure, seal it with a kiss. Slip it under his door and it will be sure to make his day.
5. A Scrapbook/Photos of the Two of You. If you guys have been dating for a while, this might be a cute idea. Make a scrapbook with all the photos of you two together and with lots of little odds and ends from the times you’ve spent together. You can always add to it too, just as long as you add a few pages in the back. If you haven’t been dating that long, or just don’t want to put the time and effort into a scrapbook, just get a nice framed photo of the two of you for his dorm. He’ll be very excited and proud to show off what an awesome girlfriend he has!
Have fun this Valentine’s Day! While you may be on a budget, it doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun with gifts!