Editor's Note: This post was originally posted in January 2016 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness in February 2020.
Believe it or not, Valentine's Day doesn't need to be an expensive affair. You can make your loved one smile with just a small amount of money and a bit of imagination.
Lacking imagination? No worries! We've come up with 16 cheap Valentine's gifts that pack all of the punch without the pounds.
Cheap Valentine's gifts
1. Give them your precious Netflix password
The ultimate modern-day declaration of love. Take Netflix and Chill to the next level by giving your loved one your password. Even better, create their own user profile and present the password in a box - get creative!
If you're looking for more unusual ways to celebrate, check out our article on alternative Valentine's Day ideas.
2. Starburst sweets jar
Pick out all the red and pink Starburst (or their favourite flavour) and store them in a beautiful-looking jar. Add some ribbon and a handmade 'Valentine, you make my heart burst!' tag for the best little gift.
It's super sweet in more ways than one, and perfect for a romantic film night, car journeys or even to take to work - their colleagues will be so jealous!
Get the tutorial at The Homes I Have Made.
3. Pimp your pizza
Give them the night off from cooking and order a pizza via JustEat. For added brownie points - and an Instagram-worthy Valentine's Day pic - cut the pepperoni into hearts. Nailed it.
To take this one step further, DIY your own card with the pun, 'you've stolen a pizza my heart' across the front. For pizza lovers, cheap Valentine's ideas don't get any better!
4. Valentine's beer
Give them what they really want and doll up their favourite beer with some DIY labels. It's fun, it's cute, and let's face it, they'd probably prefer it to something expensive anyway.
5. Egg baskets
Go one step further than eggs on toast with these impressive heart-shaped egg baskets. Head to Juneberry Lane to find out just how easy this cheap Valentine's day idea is to make.
6. Mug with a pun
Isn't this idea the loveliest Valentine gift? Grab a permanent marker and personalise a mug with a pun - pick something they love and use your imagination. 'You're my cup of tea' is always a good one!
Once it's dried, place it in the oven for 30 minutes in a medium setting to prevent it from washing off.
7. Leave them love notes
Romantic gestures are much more valuable than expensive gifts.
Give your partner something to smile about as soon as they get up with a pink post-it love heart in your bathroom or landing mirror. Write a personal message or sweet memory on each one. 'Reasons why I love you' is sure to go down well.
8. The gift of caffeine
For coffee lovers, Grab a gift card from their favourite coffee shop, or pop a few pounds into their card, and caption it with 'I like you a latte'. It's a small gesture that goes a long way, and they'll sure be thankful of it on those cold February mornings.
9. Bacon love hearts
Who doesn't love bacon? For a low-cost valentine's idea, knock up a fry up with the addition of bacon hearts to mark the occasion.
Simply cut your rashers into thin strips and fashion heart shapes before cooking - they'll make their heart melt.
10. Duvet den
Is your significant other stressed out of late? Money can't buy time, but you can create some.
Hang up sheets and create a den filled with duvets, blankets, a hot water bottle and cushions galore. Give your loved one control of the remote for the whole day and let them cocoon themselves inside all day long away from the stress of the outside world.
11. Decorate your doggy or dog-sit for a pal
Who doesn't love dogs?
Use your pet dog as a cute Valentine's Day prop with a cutout heart and pop it over their head. If you don't own a pet, maybe persuade a friend to let you dog-sit so your animal-lover significant other can enjoy a day of doggy cuddles. Who knows, your dog-owning friends may thank you for the night off so they can go enjoy a day or evening out.
12. Daily 'Reasons Why I Love You' jar
This is so simple but definitely one of our favourites.
If you're really strapped for cash, this is the perfect present as it's worth way more than anything money could ever buy.
On individual pieces of paper, write down the reasons you love your partner, a happy memory, or even a joke. You can fill a large jar with 365 notes and they can open one each morning until next year comes around.
13. Punny Valentine
A clever pun can transform a sweet and simple gift into something quite memorable.
We particularly love this stud muffin pun to accompany homemade muffins - or their favourite shop-bought sweet treat. Best of all, over at eighteen25 you can print off this cute little label for free!
14. Get romantic with love coupons
Forgotten Valentine's Day? Coupons are your go-to present. Make them think you put some effort into it by printing off these free love coupons from the folks at Magic Freebies.
15. Pimp your petrol-station bought flowers
Upgrade those last-minute Valentine's flowers with this hack.
Grab two see-through vases, and place the one slightly smaller inside the larger vase. Fill the gap with their favourite sweets and pop the flowers inside the small vase. Et voila - a 2-for-1 Valentine's gift that is cute and affordable!
16. Get creative with a DIY nail polish
If your beau loves all thing beauty, how about making your own glittery heart nail polish? Grab a clear bottle of nail polish, tip some out and top up with glitter hearts. A quick and easy Valentine's gift for nail polish addicts.
Find out what quantities to use at Delighted Momma.
What are your best, cheap Valentine's day gift ideas? Let us know in the comments below!
These are great tips, thanks for sharing. Love all the clever puns, especially number 3.
Aww thanks Lija, really happy to hear you enjoyed my article.