Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas – From Cheap to Pricey

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Every Budget

“You got two weeks.” – Terry Benedict, Ocean’s 12

Clock’s ticking guys.  Don’t procrastinate.  Because procrastination will inevitably lead to mental constipation, and there’s hardly a worse feeling than getting close to Valentine’s Day and you’re straining for gift ideas.  That, and when you finally do find that perfect gift?  You’ll get taken to the cleaners when you have to pop for express or overnight shipping.

A few suggestions follow in three price ranges and two categories.  The first is “trinkets” (think… things) and the second is “experiences.”  Because plenty of women would rather go do something.  Just a thought.  Away we go:
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Inexpensive:  The Trinket – Embellished Purse Mirror – $29.95

The online gift store RedEnvelope.com is a pretty good source for unique & well designed gifts.  Their presentation is top notch too, and if you don’t want to screw around with trying to wrap it, their gift boxes (available for a pricey $5) look perfect.  These Purse Mirrors come in either a warm brass or shined up nickle finish, and are ready to be engraved.  Don’t skip the engraving.  For a more classic touch, have it engraved with her initials.
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Inexpensive: The Experience – Theater Tickets – $30 – $70

Just about every medium to large sized city in the U.S. has a Shakespeare festival or live theater company.  And most of those perform in a classic theater setting or, if you’re lucky, outdoors during the warmer months.  Live theater gives you the opportunity to dress up a bit and see hard working non-movie star actors, y’know… actually act.
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Mid-Range:  The Trinket – Multi Colored Chocolate Pearl Necklace – $84.00 (reg. $200)

Buying her jewelery is no easy task (see our guide over here for some how-tos).  And the instinct, especially around Valentine’s day, is to go with something flashy.  The problem with flashy statement pieces is that they spend most of their lives waiting to get worn.  She’s not going to wear some sparkling thing to happy hour on a Thursday.  Instead, opt for a multi-colored pearl strand like this one from Macy’s & she can wear it just about whenever.  The strand has a good weight and feel to it, and the different size, shape, and color pearls make it a fun piece.
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Mid Range:  The Luxury Hotel Stay (in your own city) – $150 – $500

Sometimes it’s just a matter of staying somewhere other than your own home.  Experience the best big luxury hotel, or small boutique hotel that your city has to offer.  When traveling most of us don’t get to try out the best of the best because airfare usually eats up most of the budget.  That won’t be the case if you stay in town.
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Expensive:  The Trinket – Brooks Brothers Golden Fleece Embossed Handbag – $368.00

Chances are your wife or girlfriend loves shoes, purses, and you.  Probably in that order.  This one from Brooks Brothers has a can’t miss shape, the classic silver-tone hardware on black color scheme, and the golden fleece logo embossed all over the body.  (Too steep?  This non embossed version is on sale for $150)
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Expensive:  The Experience – The Big City Concert Weekend Getaway – $500 – $1500

You should know your significant other’s favorite band or singer.  Look up the tour schedule, find a city they’ll be playing that’s no more than a few hours away by air, and buy tickets to the show.  Now you’ve got a great event to center a weekend getaway around.  Live it up for a few days.

Quick poll… What’s the best Valentine’s Day Present you ever gave?  Leave it in the comments section…