Last Minute Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

Don’t stress about Valentines Day: Keep Calm Cupcakes

February 14th is Valentine Day, time to remember your loved ones with a special gift or card.   Because Valentines Day follows closely on the heels of holiday spending, not all of us are planning to make major expenditures on Valentines gifts.  According to the National Retail Federation, “cautious consumers aren’t quite ready to splurge on Valentine’s Day this year, continuing to keep their budgets in check.”  That’s why it’s important to remember you don’t have to spend big to give something meaningful on Valentines day.  “V-Day doesn’t have to be complicated or costly…there are smart and simple ways to tell your family and friends you care,” says Bobbie Thomas, the Today Show style expert. If you haven’t done your shopping yet, here are some ideas for cheap and cheerful Valentines gifting.

Bobbie Thomas discussing Valentines Gifts with Kathy Lee and Hoda

Fresh baked goodies always make great last minute gifts.   “Baked goods are better when purchased the day of gifting,” notes Bobbie Thomas.  Cupcakes made great gifts, whether you bake them yourself or buy.  If you bake, consider topping your cupcakes with icing swirled in the shape of  a rosette.  If you’re looking to buy a great cupcake or some sweets, check out the SweetXO sweet shoppes.  The Los Angeles SweetXO store in El Segundo Plaza has an incredible selection of cupcakes and sweets.  A box of cakepops from SweetXO makes a great gift.

Many times the most inexpensive gifts are the most personal.  Writing a special note or making a homemade Valentine. “Creating a picture frame or memento of a special spot are other great Valentines gifts,,” says Bobbie Thomas.  Some ideas are to frame a picture of a special spot, say the place of your first date or where you went on your honeymoon.  Memories are great ways to  personalize  gifts.

Other cheap and cheerful gifts:

• Prepare a special meal at home, even something as inexpensive as a homemade heart shaped pizza can be delicious and economical.
• Gift a special bottle of wine.   Some of The Recessionista‘s favorite picks are Michelle Sparkling and pick up a bottle of award-winning  Flip Flop Pinot Noir or Chardonnay.  These wines are delicious and sell for under $15.00.  If you shop at CostCo, look for Tobin James Notorious for under $15.00.
• Spa products from the drugstore like Dove body wash (Pomegrante is a favorite )
• Give the gift of music with an iTune gift cards, available at any drugstore or grocery store.
• Check your grocery store for specials on flowers and candy, remember every thing will start to be reduced for quick sale on Valentines Day.

If you’ve already done your shopping, good for you, relax and enjoy a great day.  If you haven’t picked up something for your Valentine, don’t stress, there’s plenty of time to get a great gift that doesn’t have to cost a fortune.