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Sentimental Valentine’s Day Gifts That are Free or Low-Cost

Guest Blogger January 28, 2025

Valen

Valentine’s Day gives us a special chance to show the people we love just how much we love them. Beware though, because each year, Valentine’s Day advertisements make consumers feel like they have to spend more and more money to show their love. 

In 2025, U.S. adults said they planned to spend record-high amounts on Valentine’s Day, with 57% saying they planned to dine out or buy jewelry. 

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that the amount you spend on someone reflects how much they really mean to you. But overspending on gifts can mean taking on new debt, coming up short when you need money for bills, or creating other financial problems for yourself.

Rather than trying to show how much you love someone by showering them with expensive presents, here’s how you can shift your focus to affordable yet meaningful gifts. 

Think outside the (jewelry) box: Affordable Valentine’s Day Gifts

The obvious Valentine’s Day gifts, like jewelry or tech devices, can cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. But they’re not necessarily very personal. 

If you want a budget-friendly gift that doesn’t come across as cheap or thoughtless, put on your thinking cap and consider what’s important to your significant other. 

It may not be so much the gift that they care about, but the fact that you’re taking time to pamper them in some way, showing that you care about their interests. or planning an event that they don’t have to help coordinate. 

Here are a few ideas that can impress your loved one while keeping your costs low.

1. Sentimental photos

Photos really punch above their weight class when it comes to emotional impact. You can have photos printed at CVS for less than $0.50 each, and use them to fill an album. Consider choosing a theme for the album too, like the first year of your relationship, all of your happiest memories with your partner, or your vacations together.

If you want to take your creativity in a different direction, use Google Photos to create a photo calendar or customizable photo book.

2. Romantic picnic date

It’s always tough trying to get a decent dinner reservation for Valentine’s Day. On top of that, a romantic dinner, with drinks and dessert, can be tough on your wallet.

For a more memorable (and affordable) experience, pack a picnic with some of your loved one’s favorite drinks and snacks. A small charcuterie plate and some sandwiches can feel a lot more sentimental than yet another overpriced meal in a restaurant.

3. Classic movie night

Around Valentine’s Day, you may notice that a lot of theaters play romantic movies. Some theaters even play classic films that haven’t been on the big screen in decades. 

For a thoughtful gift, look to see if any of your loved ones’ favorite films are playing in your area. Even if she’s streamed the movie 1,000 times, it might be a real treat to see it on the big screen for the first time.

4. Throw in an extra surprise

To make the special day even more memorable, you might prepare a special gift to bring along to your picnic, or a little surprise to share at the end of the evening. Here are a few more free or low-cost Valentine’s Day gifts that can make a big impression:

  • Put together a playlist of special songs to listen to together.
  • Cook or bake a food item they love.
  • Find a bargain bouquet at a warehouse club or grocery store.
  • Choose a special poem to read to your loved one, or write them something original.
  • Do a household chore that you know your partner dislikes.
  • Give them a homemade book of coupons for hugs, errands or massages.

If you’re looking for more creative ways to cut back on spending, whether it’s related to Valentine’s Day or not, an NFCC-certified credit counselor can help. You can schedule a solo appointment with a counselor, or an appointment for you and your spouse, to go over your budget, review your credit or tackle debt, and start getting your finances on track.

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