Under $25 Gifts to Please Every Valentine
On "GMA," Jane Buckhinham reveals creative, affordable Valentine's Day gifts.
Feb. 8, 2010— -- Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and you may be thinking about what to get your sweetheart for the holiday.
In this economy, chances are that you are on a budget. Don't despair.
Trend and lifestyle expert Jane Buckingham visited "Good Morning America" to show you how to enjoy Valentine's Day without breaking the bank -- with a range of creative and romantic gifts that cost $25 or less. Some are even free!
These gifts come in several different categories, so there's definitely something for your valentine.
Personalized Gifts
When it comes to Valentine's Day, personalized gifts are a good way to show someone you really thought about them, Buckingham said.
Gift: Personalized Heart Puzzle from Personalization Mall.com:
Price: $15.95
Why: This gift is great because it looks like candy, and children can give it to their parents, or vice-versa.
Gift: Loveopoly Game.
Price: $19.95
Why: This is a personalized and romantic version of the game Monopoly. Couples can put their pictures on the board.
Click HERE for 5 extra gifts that will spice up your Valentine's Day.
Gift: Personalized Golf Balls at Golfballs.com.
Price: $19
Why: This gift is great gift for a man, and may be particularly suitable for the woman who is in a new relationship and doesn't want to get too romantic. Buckingham said the gift shows thoughtfulness without going overboard.
Gift: Personalized Books from Amazon.
Price: $9.95 to $12.95
Why: These are the equivalent of baby books for adults, Buckingham said. The books have specific areas for couples to detail when they first met, their first date and other milestones of a relationship.
The man who gives this book as a gift is showing his partner that he really thinks about her, Buckingham said, adding that it can be fun for a couple to use the book to capture their memories.
Technology Gifts
Tech-inspired gifts – including unique phone applications, or apps – are great gifts for younger people and those looking for something fun and funky.
Gift: Video from Animoto.com.
Cost: Free!
Why: The app produces completely unique video montages from all of your photos. You can create a 30-second video and send it to your valentine. If you'd like to send a longer video – the spot the length of a song costs about $3.
Buckingham said Animoto is one of her favorites. Anyone can use it to create a valentine for a child, for a 50th wedding anniversary or any other occasion.
Gift: Text gift from Giiv.com
Cost: $10 to $20
From your cellphone , you can use Giiv.com to text gifts immediately. Buckingham said you can use Giiv.com to send your valentine everything from movie tickets to an Amazon.com gift certificate.
Gift: Love Poem generator app.
Cost: Free.
The generator is available features love poem templates in which senders fill in the blanks to create their own work. Buckingham said it's a sweet and fun way to let someone know that they are in your thoughts.
Romantic GiftsFor those for whom the personalized or tech gifts may not be right, there are classic, romantic gifts to be had for less than $25.
Gift: Personalized glassware.
Cost: $3 to $20 from Pier 1 Imports.
Gift: Speaker sets.
Cost: iPod speaker set, $7.99 from Amazon.com; Heart speaker, $14, from Urban Outfitters.
Gift-givers can create a personalized playlist of favorite love songs, then make a gift of the playlist along with the speakers.
Gift: Notebooks.
Cost: $10 to $20. Available at Barnes and Noble Books and Bed Bath and Beyond.
Gift: Box of chocolates.
Cost: $14, from Sugar Factory Chocolates.
These chocolates come in uniquely shaped boxes – you can get one shaped like boxer shorts or a biker jacket. Their uniqueness will let your valentine know you didn't just pick them up at the drug store.
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