According to the National Retail Federation, the average American will spend approximately $125 on Valentine’s Day gifts this year.
What the…
A hundred twenty five bucks on high-calorie chocolate that will force you to spend even more time in the gym and overpriced flowers that probably won’t live to see the weekend?
I barely have enough money to fill up my car now that gas prices have jumped 20 cents in less than 10 days.
Believe me; no one in my house is spending or receiving Love Day gifts that exceed $5… if that.
Just call me the Valentine’s Day Scrooge.
Though, I prefer prudent or frugal… or not rich.
Contrary to popular belief, I’m not anti-Valentine’s Day. I just don’t think it’s necessary to spend a ton of money to show that special someone in your life how much you love, enjoy or appreciate him or her.
Why rack up more credit card debit or spend food money on gifts you can make at home for pennies on the dollar? Throw in some TLC and the following Valentine’s Day gift ideas will surely impress your sweetheart:
For Girls: Make your own Valentine-themed barrettes and hair bows. Simply buy a package of plain metal barrettes and embellish them with red, white or pink ribbon. To do so, just wrap the ribbon firmly around the barrette and glue into place. Then, add some inexpensive gems, beads, lace, or tiny decorative silk flowers with clear glue.
For Boys: Recycle some old jars from your kitchen. Clean the jars, remove the labels, and paint the lid with a friendly red monster face. Another option is to adorn the entire jar with baseball, basketball, soccer or football stickers. You could also use rub-on letters to spell out your son’s name. Finally, fill the decorated container with Dollar Store trinkets, such as candy, toy cars, plastic parachute men, bubbles, or Silly Putty.
If your sweetie loves to relax in a hot bath, treat him/her to this homemade fizzy treat:
Materials:
1 cup Epsom salt
1 cup baking soda
1 tablespoon glycerin
Food coloring
Decorative jar with lid
Directions:
Mix together the Epsom salt and baking soda.
Add a tablespoon of glycerin and five to ten drops of food coloring.
Mix well, so the color is distributed evenly.
Pour the mixture in a decorative glass jar.
Add a tag instructing the gift recipient to use three to five tablespoons per bath.
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