Not Just For Valentine's Day Gift IdeasTo Make For Couples, Girlfriend or Boyfriend ~ treats, gummy bears, cards and mor

Valentine's day has become so commercialized. The truth is that it can be a very romantic day, but stressful for a lot of people. In today's economy very few can afford an expensive gift and really why would anyone, gift-er or receiver, want the hardship of overspending? Also who says you have to restrict gift giving to just Valentine's day?

Who wouldn't want something nice for a special day or just because? The great thing about gifts is it does not matter how much it cost, it is the effort you put into it that means the most. You can take a minute or two to purchase that perfume or electronic devise or even jewelry. You will not remember it in a few years anyway. However, take some time to make a gift, be it candy, card. homemade jewelry or whatever you want to give, and both of you will go away with a memory that will last a lifetime.

You know there is a reason they say "It's the thought that counts" and "It is better to give than to receive." How much better do you think you will feel if someone truly loves what you gave them? So put some thought and effort into the gifting instead of your wallet and you may be mildly surprised with the result.

Also, don't forget, its not just the gift, put a little thought into what you want to do when presenting that gift. You can have a nice candle-lit meal at home or a picnic somewhere nice. There are always ideas on the internet so do some research and think about it. Don't just pick the first thing you see. Think about what your partner/friend would like to do or if you are in a brand new relationship suggest something you enjoy to see if they enjoy that activity as well.

One final tip though, try to avoid hiding jewelry in food. You do not want an accidental choking to occur. That is a trend that needs to stay in comedy movies but not be duplicated in real life! What if your significant other eats that beautiful cupcake or candy in just one bite? You don't want them choking on their gift or waiting several days to find it or [horror or horrors] needing surgery to remove it from their system.

Don'f forget the gift packaging. The packaging does not have to hide the gift. The gift can be wrapped in see-through cellophane with a ribbon (gummy bear), a reusable plastic container or even glass jar (home made candy or treat). You can then carry the gift in a reusable shopping bag, it will not be seen until removed from the bag. (Grocery stores like Kroger offer holiday (like Valentine's Day, reusable shopping bags for .99¢). That's less than the cost of wrapping paper and a box or even a regular gift bag. Plus you are giving two gifts! I also found this same idea on Everyday Celebrating.com (link below) while I was researching for this page so evidently it is not a new idea or one new to me.

If you want to be a little more ambitious you can get some glass etching cream and a stencil. Use these on a glass jar or canister to create a personalized gift. If you fill the jar with something you made and put it in a reusable bag you have just given three gifts! In the Amazon list below I have featured "Ideas for Valentines Day" mostly because it also mentioned ideas for singles as well as couples & boyfriend/girlfriend.

For those of you that are very comfortable with each other, why not save some money while having that night out. Groupon.com (link below) registration is free and offers great coupons for discounts on local things to do like dining, movies, spas and much more.

Hopefully these ideas have helped you. Remember that it is the thought that counts and you don't just think about your "honey" on Valentine's Day so surprise them with unexpected treats once in a while, just to remind them that they are in your thoughts. If you have any questions, just leave a comment. I will try to answer all comments within 24 hours.

Thanks!