With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, any broke students out there are probably wondering what to get their significant others for the special day that is not too expensive but still passes for a reasonably romantic gesture. If this sounds like you, here are some ideas and tips that might help you make your partner happy but not break the bank while doing so.
Gift Voucher
We can all agree that a gift card is a convenient and useful gift for any person. As most places have them, there are wide-ranging options for picking when it comes to finding the perfect one for your special someone. Whether it’s for TK Maxx, NEXT, Lifestyle Sports, or whatever your partner’s preference is, it is easy to find one that will suit their interests and put a smile on their face with the freedom to buy exactly what they want. A gift card is definitely a sure-fire way to prevent disappointment if you are not one hundred percent confident in what to buy them but know where they like to shop! Gift vouchers are brilliant for many reasons, but especially because one of the best ways to find out what a person really wants is by seeing what they buy for themselves. Gift vouchers are the gifts that keep giving as they help build knowledge around what type of gift a person would like in the future once they’re used.
Self Care
It’s no surprise that a pamper evening is appreciated by most of us, especially after finishing a heavy assignment or after the struggle of balancing work and college. Even though a night out is the most sought-after activity during after-study hours, sometimes you just need to stay in, decompress, and destress after a long week. Self-care sets are optimal for Valentine’s Day as they engage all the senses, elevate relaxation, and can make for a very sensual evening. No matter the gender, whether it’s a box of essential oils, face masks, or a gift box that adds to their daily face and body care routine, self-care makes for a thoughtful gift and doesn’t have to break the bank. Sometimes it’s the items that we don’t like to spend money on, or don’t think we want, that make the best gifts. I don’t know about you, but most people don’t go looking for a diffuser, for example, but that doesn’t mean it won’t add a calmer, more pleasant ambiance to their home. Self-care items are always a sure success.
Anything Personalised
With personalised gifts, there are different routes you can take. You can get your partner something personal and meaningful with a photo frame containing your favourite picture of the two of you. It’s a little cliché, but most people love it! On the other hand, if you are looking for something a bit snazzier to impress your special someone, then personalised jewellery is romantic and sure to be appreciated! The upside of personal gifts is that they can be tailored to someone’s preference. A perfect example of a present I received was a healing Rose Quartz crystal necklace. I didn’t get it from a Valentine, but it would be perfect for the special day. Something so simple can be very sentimental. Choosing a crystal in their favourite colour or their birthstone is a nice way of saying that you know somebody and remember the little details. Of course, there are many different options, so it’s easy to pick one that’s perfect for your Valentine! If you want something less specific, a bracelet, pendant, or necklace with their name, or an important date, engraved on it can also be a great option!
Gift Box
Many stores make gift boxes, especially for Valentine’s Day. If you’re looking to go with the fancy wine and chocolates or the candles and scents, this is a good option. Stores that do gift baskets usually have plenty of options, so it should be easy to find one your partner will like! Though some gift sets can be pricey, there are also affordable choices for students! On the other hand, if you are keeping within a budget, putting together your own gift box of their favourite chocolate, wine, and treats from the local Spar can be even more fun and a guaranteed win. Sometimes the only thing a person wants is to spend the night eating their favourite treats with their favourite person! It’s the little things.
Room Décor/Design Features
An aesthetically pleasing gift idea is room décor of any type. Once you know it will be useful and add something to your person’s room that will make it a nicer place to be, you can’t go wrong. LED lights are the perfect example of a gift that creates an atmosphere and makes the room very aesthetically pleasing. If LED lights aren’t the best option, a sunset lamp could also make a great addition to anyone’s room. Also popular are Himalayan salt lamps, as they illuminate a room in a reddish-pink-coloured hue and have been known to improve air quality, boost your mood, and help with sleep while creating a beautiful and calm ambiance.
Traditional Gifts
I probably don’t need to write this down, but other than the gifts mentioned above, you can’t go wrong with a bouquet of flowers and a dinner date! Flowers are the ultimate symbol of love and care, and every time they catch a glimpse of the beautiful bouquet after Valentine’s Day, they’ll be reminded of you. Dinner dates are perfect for those who really appreciate and enjoy quality time with their partners and love to get dressed up for a romantic occasion. Whether it’s home-cooked or out on the town, just putting your phones away and engaging in conversation over a meal for the night can be a priceless present.
Some other ideas…
Spa/Home Massage
What better way to bond than through experience? If you want to push the boat out for your gift you could take your partner to the spa and get a massage. If you can’t afford this, you can also buy your own massage oils and treat them to a massage at home! Spotify has a lot of generic spa music that can help bring this DIY Spa to life.
Weekend Away/Shopping Date
If you want to break away from the traditional dinner-date activity that is typical of a couple on Valentine’s Day, you could take a weekend trip away, go shopping and sightseeing. This is a gift as it’s a shared experience and definitely a memorable gift to each other that both parties can enjoy!
Outdoors Date
If you are an active couple, going on a hike or going somewhere the two of you have never been together can make for a memorable day. Hiking is a way of taking some quality time and is good for those looking to improve their fitness and for couples who share an interest in health and wellbeing. It is also wonderful for clearing your head and de-stressing. Bring the camera and lots of picnic supplies. It will be something you will both look back on and smile about for a long time. Plus, nothing beats getting to the top of a mountain and seeing a breath-taking view. Why not experience it together?
Above all, Valentine’s Day is about showing the person you love just how much you love them. If you’re stuck on what to do with your partner or what to get them as a gift, use one of the student-friendly ideas above and you’ll be set to have a romantic Valentine’s Day!
Molly Cantwell 
Olivia O'Dwyer