40 Inexpensive Yet Super-Romantic Gift Ideas

Your love for your wife or girlfriend might be limitless, but perhaps the same can’t be said for your budget. Gift giving is often at the forefront of special days throughout the year- Valentine’s Day, birthdays, a wedding anniversary, and more. Even then, you might be one of those couples who celebrate the “little” milestones too- a first date, a first kiss, a first holiday spent together, a first time you said ‘I love you,’ a first anything, basically.

Pricey gifts can add up, but you can give a memorable gift even if you’re on a tight budget. Here are some inexpensive yet romantic gift ideas that will put joy in your beloved’s heart without putting a crimp in your wallet.

Homemade Chocolates

Try your hand at making homemade chocolates instead of buying an ordinary boxed collection of store confections. Buy an inexpensive chocolate mold online, get a bag of melting chocolates at your local craft store, melt the candies, pour them in the mold, and you’re done. 

Stovetop Espresso Maker

It’s not often found in U.S. kitchens. You could even say it’s rare — but so isn’t a love like yours, right? How it works: water is added to the bottom compartment, ground espresso sits in the compartment above, and when water comes to a boil the steam rises through the grounds then compresses as it cools and drips into the two cups. Espresso just for two:  oh, how romantic.

Painted Passport Holder

Love is in the air. If she’s a jet-setter, a travel lover, a wanderer or a rambler, give her a stunning travel accessory like a painted passport holder. You’ll be acknowledging one of her favorite pastimes while also giving her the hint that you’re interested in becoming one of her best-loved travel companions.

Scrabble Love

Word is that your loved one is getting tired of the same old gifts. Consider using Scrabble letter tiles to create a one-of-a-kind artwork that features your names, a special place that means something to both of you, and, of course, the word ‘love’, all glued on to a wooden or cardboard backing. Easy. Economical. And letter-perfect when it comes to giving a thoughtful gift.

Overnight Kit

If your girlfriend still has her own place but stays at your abode when the mood strikes, consider putting together an overnight kit that showcases both your practical and thoughtful sides. Consider including toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, and other favorite toiletries; if you feel like opening the door to a more serious relationship include a key to your apartment.

Gem-Like Popsocket

You’ve noticed her fumbling with her phone — a lot — so why not gift her a stick-on that makes her life easier? A gem-inspired design lends a touch of glam that lets her know you think she’s deserving of sophisticated and pretty things, big and small.

Coffee Table Book

brieeVisit your local bookseller or browse book dealers online and pick out a gorgeous coffee table book that’s all about one of her passions:  French cooking or French poodles, mid-century decor or middle-America farmhouses, artisanal stoneware or classic couture wear.

An On-Trend Candle

There’s a whiff of romance in the air, and it’s coming from one of the latest, most popular scents in candles. Picking out a fragrance you think she might like shows you have a sense of her personality. 

Local Pottery

A gift of locally-made pottery shows you have an artsy side and that you’re also into supporting community artisans. And because local pottery prices are usually significantly lower than items crafted by well-known artists, you might be able to buy several pieces all at once.

Comfy Sweater

OK, so it might cost more than a box of drugstore chocolates, but she’ll think it’s really sweet that you don’t want her to get cold. Look for sales to get the best price and opt for a loose, slouchy style that makes getting the size right less of a guessing game. 

Romantic Breakfast In Bed

Leave the frozen bacon-egg-and-sausage sandwich in the freezer (where it’s probably been for months) and offer her a love-themed breakfast. Use a metal cookie cutter to cut a heart shape in a piece of bread, place it in a greased frying pan, then crack an egg into the heart-shaped cutout. Talking about melting someone’s heart. 

Customizable Ornament

Customize a glitter-filled ornament with a vacation, special occasion, engagement, or wedding photo. Every year during the holiday season, she’ll be reminded of your thoughtfulness and how much joy the two of you have shared together. 

Sweet Treats

Give a modern (and less costly twist) on the standard box of chocolates. Check out a local chocolatier or the Internet for gift boxes that let you customize your choices, packaging, and add-ins. Personalizing your selections shows that you take into consideration her likes and dislikes, which is, well, really sweet. 

Worthy Of Note

Look for items that give a nod to images of her favorite band:  A notebook with a limited-edition cover, a scarf or socks, or a framed poster that will serve as artwork and a reminder that you really, really listen to her (even if you don’t listen to the same type of music). 

Writing Instruments

One pen or pencil just won’t do — but an entire set of watercolor pencils, fine-point pens, or calligraphy pens shows that you’re capable of thinking beyond the usual scented bottle of hand lotion available at the local drugstore. Add in a handwritten love note and you’ll be right on track when it comes to showing you’re a true romantic. 

Personalized Stationery

There are times when an email or a text just don’t cut it. Personalized stationery hits just the right note when you want to show that you care about the written communications that she cares about. 

Historical Couple Tour

Put together a historical tour complete with four or five locations that mean something to you as a couple such as where you met, where you went on your first date, where you first kissed, etc. She’ll be impressed with not only your attention to detail but also your memory of romantic episodes and special places. 

Quartz Jewelry

Rich looking without the need for looking deep in your wallet, quartz jewelry has come a long way and today boasts modern, eclectic designs that can give diamonds and other gems a run for their money. 

Pretty Catch-Alls

You know she doesn’t like to see a bunch of spare change or small trinkets strewn on top of the counters in her place; a catch-all shows you’re paying attention to her likes and dislikes. Also, giving a stylish or unique catch-all shows your practical side as well as your willingness to go gift shopping at chichi boutiques. 

Perfume

Of course it’s one of the all-time perfect and romantic gifts to give, but perfume doesn’t have to be overly expensive to make an impression. Instead of buying one high-priced bottle choose a sample kit of travel size sprays she can easily toss in her purse. You’ll double your chances of picking a scent that she’ll think is absolutely heaven sent. 

Matches

No, not the kind that you find on the counter at your local gas station, right alongside the beef jerky and chewing gum. We’re talking about super-long scented matches (some have wonderful floral scents) in beautifully illustrated boxes that make a pretty and practical keepsake for small mementos. 

Pretty Hair Accessory

Time to tell the ordinary hair scrunchy to scram. What better way to tell her you love her hair than with a beautiful accessory that reflects her individual style? Look for scrunchies designed like trendy tied scarves or fashioned from sparkly jeweled fabric that makes tying her hair back easy and elegant. 

Crystals

We don’t have a crystal ball, but something tells us that gold-dipped healing crystals will help win her heart. They’re glam. They’re affordable. And they express your respect for her belief in the power of spirituality and healing crystals. 

Picture Frame

Sure, a picture frame is always a welcome gift but why not take it a step further and give her a frame with a picture of the two of you in it? She’ll take note that you didn’t just grab a frame off a store shelf; you took the time to choose a photo, print it, and present it to her as one of your favorite memories. When it comes to romance, a picture says a thousand words. 

Monogrammed Mug

Who says you don’t know beans about romance? If your partner is a coffee drinker, a pretty personalized mug with golden monogramming is a wonderful way to start a busy day or relax during lunch. You can also create a mug through an online photo site that displays a picture from a memorable vacation or special occasion.

Gloves

She loves the cold:  Why not give a gift that will warm her heart as well as her hands? Most gloves today are phone screen compatible but giving a stylish, neutral pair will allow her to wear her favorite, brightly-colored coat or scarf without worrying about her gloves clashing or her phone going unanswered. Good call.

Tech Pouch

You’ve connected over your love of tech things, which makes giving your partner an adorable tech pouch not only thoughtful but also practical. You can find pouches with covers that depict everything from dogs and cats to butterflies and flowers to retro design and favorite cartoons.

Work Accessories

Show that you respect her hustle buy giving her a gift that she can use at work, such as a pretty business card holder, a cool messenger bag to carry all her work must-haves during the day, or a tote with plenty of room for her to store day-to-evening makeup and the like so she can easily head out of the office and go out on the town.

Bracelet

You shouldn’t have to brace yourself for a ridiculous price tag if you’re hoping to buy a bracelet. A non-clunky chain bracelet with pretty gemstone details offers a delicate beauty that she can wear every day, whether going to work or going out for the evening.

Date-Of-The-Month Club

Go beyond a once in a while date that includes a mushy movie and a less-than delectable dinner:  Think of 12 great date ideas, list the details of each on a separate card, and present them to your girlfriend or wife in a decorative box. In each card, list only the date, location, and how she should dress, and be sure to write the date on the outside of the envelopes so she knows exactly when to open them.

Bottle Opener

Useful but also beautiful, a shiny new bottle opener makes a distinctive addition to a home bar and is sure to excite any cider, beer, or old-school soda drinker. Choose an opener in sophisticated rose gold or brushed nickel, personalized with initials, or charmingly romantic (an opener in the form of ‘X’ and ‘O’ for hugs and kisses is a sure winner).

Cookie Collection

Maybe she’s a chocaholic. A baker who doesn’t have much time to bake. A lady with a sweet tooth who’s made you feel like you’ve been bitten by the love bug. Gourmet cookies are always a welcome treat; select a collection that reflects her favorite tastes.

Glam Eye Mask

Give the gift of an amazing night’s sleep while going glam. Whether she’s traveling on the red-eye or catching some winks after a long day at work, she’ll appreciate a sleep accessory that makes her feel delightfully pampered, not dowdy and prim.

Cool Phone Case

A phone case that’s unique and stylish and also protects her precious device? It speaks volumes about how much you care.

Pendant Necklace

Whether hand-hammered or cast, a pendant necklace is simple, sweet, and wonderfully versatile, which means she’ll be wearing it — and reminded of your thoughtfulness — for years to come.

Relaxing Bubble Bath

The kids. The job. The house. The, ahem, in-laws. All the stress can bubble up, which means it’s time for a super relaxing, indulgent bubble bath. Look for those with herbal and floral essential oils that will  leave her feeling oh-so-calm the minute she steps out of the tub and back into the real world.

Leather Journal

Talk about the write gift:  A leather journal recognizes her love for writing poetry, keeping a diary, or dabbling in illustration. They’re pretty, functional, and can be displayed as decorative items on a table or shelf.

Velvet Ring Box

It can hold an engagement ring. A wedding band. An heirloom piece of jewelry from a beloved family member. But most of all, it will hold wonderful memories.

DIY Gift Box

FYI:  If your girlfriend or wife is a crafter she’ll love this charming kit that contains everything needed to build a petite terrarium at home. Little wonder that her love for you continues to grow.