The best ideas for Valentine's are often the least expensive, even free...such gifts truly come from the heart

Whether it's Valentine's Day, your anniversary, your birthday, or just because day, the best gifts in life often cost very little...or to use the old classic song title, "The best things (gifts) in life are free".  I know it seems strange for me to promote free gifts since I own a gift store, but I can sympathize, even fully understand what many of you are going through right now...I am in retail after all...I see, and live it, firsthand.  Many of us find ourselves in a tough spot financially.  We want to do something special for those we care most about but often money is a huge obstacle.

Quotes
In my last blog I discussed quotes.  Quotes enable you to express what you feel and think in ways you might be challenged to express yourself (okay, I will speak for myself).  A simple store bought card with a beautiful quote included inside from you is a very personal (and if appropriate, romantic) gift for Valentine's Day.

Romantic Dinner at Home
Buy a new cookbook (good investment if you like to cook - come check out our cookbooks from local authors) and treat your significant other to a romantic candle light dinner (maybe you need a few candles for the table...okay, we have a great selection of Caspari and Root candles).

Little Gift Ideas
For those of you who can't imagine not giving something for Valentine's Day, here are a few inexpensive ideas...

• Vera Bradley's limited edition promotion piece - Kiss Me Twice double lipstick case (suggested retail only $10) combined with a cute pack of kleenex (just $1.50)
• Adult Mad Libs just $3.99
• Compendium books - new inspirational titles just in include Five and One.  Another idea is  -- depending on the couple -- the book The Tickle Monster and its companion the Tickle Monster mitts.  One and Five as I mentioned are both great inspirational books, while The Tickle Monster...well, I leave that up to you to figure out...

The take away here...it's not what it costs but the thought behind the gift that counts.  Happy Valentine's Day to all!  Jennifer