Non-Chintzy (and affordable!) Valentine’s Day Gifts

I remember the first Valentine’s Day my now-husband and I were dating, he got me one of those cliche Valentine Gifts- a little ceramic house with teddy bears on it and a balloon sticking out of it that said “Happy Valentine’s Day”. We still joke about it- it was cute, but it wasn’t really “us”- he just didn’t know what else to do! Then there was the year he got me a hand-vac for Mother’s Day- I won’t even go there! I’m glad to say he is an amazing gift-giver these days!

However, I know that many of us are clueless when it comes to Valentines’ Day. It’s kind of a hard day for some. I’ve rounded up a few gifts off the web that would make great gifts- for a significant other, for your best friend, your kiddos, your mom, whoever!- but aren’t chintzy or sappy!

I’m totally crazy about this state necklace (only $30 + $4.99 shipping) with a heart cut-out on the state’s capital. How cute would it be to get two of them, one for each state you and your honey are from? Okay, maybe a little sappy! (Of course, I would need two Texas charms; good thing it’s the best-looking state shape!) You can find them here, and they come in sterling silver or gold vermeil. Oh, and use code VDAY14 for an additional 14% off! (Also, my birthday is the day before VDay if anyone is listening! 😉 )

I also love this monogram necklace !

I don’t know too many women who don’t like Bath and Body Works, and using Living Social, you can get 25% off an online order, plus free shipping over $25! (This is also a great time to stock up on holiday hand soaps for next year! Oh how I love Winter Candy Apple!)

And their man scents are also yummy. My husband is fan of the Aspen scent,and I like it too- which is pretty important! You can shop online here!

My friend Paula has started a new tradition for Valentine’s Day where she buys books for her kids. I love this idea! We’re starting our older kids on a reading challenge in order to earn some items they’ve been wanting.

Some of our favorites for little bitties are The Napping House, All in the Family, Go Dog Go, On the Night You were Born, and Guess How Much I Love You.

For the older ones (1st-3rd grade), the American Girl Books are great and have great lessons involved. Gender- neutral finds are The Year of Miss Agnes, The Little House Series, and The Boxcar Children series.

Speaking of books, photo books make a great gift for any occasion! You can purchase one here from Picaboo for only $15 then make a book from Christmas photos for your loved one. Your mom or sister would love this!

Or, you could make a fun gift for your kiddos. My son Landon always loves looking at our photo books so we got him one from one of his hunting trips and he is constantly perusing it. You can start with your book here!

So what about you? Do you find shopping for Valentine’s Day difficult? What’s the best V-Day gift you ever received?