blue
Lifestyle
RSS Feed Of Lifestyle Tuesday, February 03, 2009
VALENTINE'S DAY GIFTS FOR $30 AND UNDER
Alternatives to flowers and chocolate
It's hard to tell you what to give someone for Valentine's Day - a holiday that's about love should be personal, right? But if you're having a hard time thinking of that perfect gift, here are a few budget-friendly ideas, priced from low to high, to get you going:
I Love You More Than Blank , $0: A project launched by Paperwhite studio to assess how people measure their love, this blog allows anyone to contribute a dedication to their sweetheart for all the world to see. While the candy-colored hearts holding the text are anonymous, the digital love tends to be so intimate that any lucky recipient will recognize a tribute published just for them.
KODAK Gallery Photo Gift Cards , starting at $0.79: We so rarely have photos printed anymore, and we can't say we're proud of it. Surprise someone you love with a personalized photo card that will mean so much more to them than something you picked up last minute at the drugstore.
iDesire , $0.99: Gadget geeks looking to get spicy will get a chuckle (or more) out of this iPhone app equivalent to the more "traditional" love dice.
I Love You Egg Shaper , $6: The big day of romance falls on a Saturday this year, so let your valentine sleep in while you cook up breakfast-in-bed with this form that makes heart-shaped fried eggs or pancakes.
Measure Your Love cups , $14: Show someone just how sweet you are on them by gifting them this set of heart shaped measuring cups along with some homemade cookies.
The Blooming Heart , $14: Let your love grow! How this thing works we'll never know, but with a little sun, water and time, this red ceramic heart sprouts a bean with the words "I LOVE YOU" printed on it.
Love , $17-$28: You won't find this self-published book at your local Barnes and Noble, so scoop up a copy now! Curated and designed by illustrator Samantha Hahn, this sweet book features visual interpretations on the theme of "love" contributed by 25 artists of diverse backgrounds and styles.
Ugly Dolls , $20: Sasha Obama reportedly brought one with her on her first day of school in DC, but not just for kids, these plush critters are always good for hugging, even for those who think they're too old for a stuffed animal.
The Snuggie , $20: You've seen the commercials. You've read the articles. You've probably even seen the parody videos by now. But you know deep down you want one! Anyone with a sense of humor will appreciate the thought - and perhaps you can see if The Snuggie fits two?
The Joy of Sex , $20: The '70s classic you may remember stealing peeks at on your parents' bookshelf is back in this just released revised edition. The book's illustrations may no longer have the disco look, but we have a feeling it will still provide some, uh, creative inspiration.

Rainbow Maker , $20: Let someone know how much brighter they make your life: This sun catcher uses solar power to pour colorful rainbows into your home.

Made With Love cutting board and spoon set , $29.95: Skip the overpriced dinner out on the 14th and make your own cheese plate at home, served up on this sustainably-grown bamboo valentine.


* trendcentral articles are designed to be trend reports, not endorsements * The Intelligence Group is a trend-forecasting and marketing Consultancy focused on Gen X, Gen Y and Tweens. For more information on our services, or to subscribe to our syndicated studies, The Cassandra Report, Tween Intelligence, Latino Intelligence, and Mom Intelligence, contact Alina Goncalves at 212-277-5299 or via email at agoncalves@intelg.com.