A guy’s guide to frugal Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

Attention guys:  Valentine’s Day is just over one month away.   Plan ahead and don’t get caught with that last minute box of chocolates and ‘coupon for loving’ that didn’t really work out so well the last time.  If you’re a boyfriend or husband, that special lady may say she doesn’t want anything but we all know what that really means.

She wants a gift that involves thought, so start planning now for your Valentine’s Day gift.  Some women may like an expensive restaurant or a night out on the town, but if you’re frugal and time stressed then these Valentine’s Day tips may help get you out of a jam on February 14.

Make dinner

This is low hanging fruit, but it works if you plan the meal.  Start with an appetizer, salad, entrée and light dessert.  Is there a special dish that has history between you two?  Awesome, make that.  A close second is a dish that you really like and has history with you, just be sure to share the story with her.  She wants to know you on a deep Dr. Phil type level, so share your past, even if it’s in an entrée, she will dig it.

Don’t forget to dress up.  Just because you’re home doesn’t mean that you can wear your fleece pants and Van Halen t-shirt to dinner.

Write something

Write a poem.  Before you start your calls of hippie or beatnik, please consider that your girlfriend or wife will really appreciate it.

A.  It takes a whole lot of effort

B.  It is 100% personalized

After you write it out on the computer, neatly transcribe it to a cute blank card and then read the card to said woman on Valentine’s Day.

It makes all the difference when you read it aloud. So buck up and channel your inner beatnik, just don’t forget to shower.

A mix CD

The classic mix tape never dies, it just changes formats.  If you want to burn a disc or create a playlist it’s still a great idea for a very personal gift.  Be sure to include songs that mean something to you and her.

Surprise her at work

It is cool when that flower delivery person shows up at work isn’t it?  It is even cooler when you take the flowers, candy and box lunch to her at work instead of some delivery company.  Dress up, wear the tuxedo and surprise her at work for a quick bite to eat.  Have you ever tried to do a singing telegram?  Singing telegrams, when done properly, can also be a great way to woo your lady.  Talk to her co-workers in advance to wrangle or set up certain situations, they extra work will really pay off in the end.

A craft from the kids

The feet in plaster of paris and the stick made picture frame are two classics that can be made very easily.  A quick craft, done with your supervision can be a nice family activity that you present to mom.  What about a Valentine’s Day tree?  Take one of your small Christmas trees and decorate it with red ribbon, as well as, red and white hearts.  This is a very frugal activity that can have lasting impact as long as you put the Love Tree up a week or so before Valentine’s Day.

Celebrate the night before

For the non-frugal types who are going out to eat to celebrate try going out the night before Valentine’s Day.  It’s easier to get reservations and may work into your schedule easier.  If it’s a surprise then that will also be part of the experience for her.  Regardless, make the reservation now, places will start to fill up very quickly, if they aren’t already.