Valentine’s Day is approaching and you’re still chipping away at bills from the holiday season. Don’t worry. With a bit of forethought you can find an inexpensive yet meaningful present for that special person.
There are plenty of discount outlets — many with “dollar” in their name — carrying the basics for Valentine’s Day. But don’t forget other bargain retailers that can be excellent sources for gifts under $10.
You can, of course, choose the ultra-classic options like plush bears with cute notes, boxed chocolates, and a heartfelt card. All of those can be picked up at most dollar stores for a few dollars. They’re solid picks, but perhaps you want something a bit more distinctive.
Let’s get a little more romantic with memorable yet still inexpensive ideas. This dollar store gift guide highlights items you can find in stores and includes links to retailer sites when available.
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14 Budget-Friendly Valentine’s Gift Ideas to Show Your Affection
We did the browsing so you don’t have to. These inexpensive Valentine’s Day ideas become even sweeter with your personal flair.
1. Craft a Romantic Soundtrack
If you already use a music streaming platform, assemble a romantic playlist for your sweetheart and add a pair of inexpensive earbuds. If you don’t subscribe to a streaming service, a free Spotify account will work perfectly for curating your love songs.
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2. Put Your Feelings on Paper
Maybe it’s time to let your inner poet out. Pick up a blank notebook at your local dollar or craft store and fill it with poems or a heartfelt letter. Not confident in your verse? No problem. Fill the pages with meaningful song lyrics, classic love poems, or famous lines from movies. Imagine turning a page and seeing this from Dirty Dancing: I’m scared of walking out of this room and never feeling the rest ofmy whole life the way I feel when I’m with you. Swoon. That kind of surprise will really count.
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3. Treat Them to Something Sweet
If you shine in the kitchen, bake your partner their favorite cake. Even if you’re not known for baking, the effort to make something homemade is meaningful. Cake mixes and frosting are under $5 at Family Dollar. For coffee lovers, swap water for espresso or coffee in the batter and add a teaspoon of cinnamon. You can elevate store-bought frosting with a tablespoon of melted butter and a half teaspoon of vanilla. Bake it in a heart pan if you’re feeling extra sweet.
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4. Create a Cozy Movie Night
Date night can be elevated with a handful of thoughtful details. Several streaming platforms offer free trials — just cancel before the billing starts. Add theater-style popcorn served in a movie tub, a jumbo box of Milk Duds (or other candy), and dim the lights (each item about $1.25 at Dollar Tree). And hey — who says you have to watch the whole film?
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5. Sit by the (Virtual) Fire
Valentine’s Day lands in winter when cuddles are essential for warmth. Can you build a fire to cozy up to your special someone? No fireplace? No problem — cue a fireplace video on YouTube and snuggle up.
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6. Say It with Chocolate
Imagine sipping deluxe hot cocoa by the (virtual) fire. DIY chocolate bombs are simple — two Hershey’s bars, a packet of hot cocoa mix, milk and optional marshmallows. Fancy hot chocolate mixes and a can of whipped cream are inexpensive and indulgent. Creating a cozy drink for your person means more than how much you spend.
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7. Raise a Glass
If chocolate isn’t your thing, you can still set a romantic mood. A couple of stemless wine glasses (about $1.25 each at Dollar Tree) and an affordable but tasty bottle of wine make for a low-key, charming Valentine’s gift.
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8. Offer a Pampering Bath
Treat your partner to a soothing soak after a long day. A bath bomb or a small bottle of essential oils they can add to the water makes for a relaxing and indulgent experience.
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9. Lovely Lotions
A nicely scented moisturizer can be a perfect small gift. A tub of shea butter is budget-friendly and they’ll remember you each time they use it.
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10. Help Them Sleep Well
Cold feet can ruin relaxation. Cute fuzzy slippers are a cozy gift. While flowers are lovely, a bedside candle lasts longer. Add a soothing facial mask to ensure dreamy sleep — hopefully with thoughts of you on their mind.
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11. Little Home Gifts
It’s hard to resist tiny ceramic animal planters at Dollar Tree. Online they often sell only in bulk, but in-store you can grab them individually for $1.25. They come in sloths, turtles, foxes, elephants and more — perfect for keys, jewelry, or small trinkets.
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12. Adorable Gifts for Them
If your partner adores their dog, snag a matching owner-and-pet shirt set for double the charm. The pup may be ambivalent, but it’s undeniably cute. Or choose a zodiac necklace to show you remember their birthday — stylish options can be found for around $5 at Five Below.
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13. Inspire Their Creativity
Encourage your beloved to reconnect with a creative hobby. Discount stores often carry colored pencils, sketchbooks, and beginner art kits. Five Below offers a solid starter art set for about $5 with pencils, charcoal and pastels.
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14. Small Acts of Affection
Scatter sticky notes with loving messages on their laptop. Tuck a lottery ticket with dreams of a romantic getaway into an envelope. Frame ticket stubs from a favorite concert. Never underestimate breakfast in bed. Flowers in their preferred colors are lovely, too. Cheap Valentine’s gifts can be heartfelt — your thoughtfulness can turn a five-dollar trinket into something priceless. Valentine’s Day is only one day; those small, loving gestures last much longer.
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