St Valentine's day is on the horizon, and the prices of the usual flowers and dinners sky rocket, in true seasonal style.
It doesn't have to cost the earth to celebrate your love in a thoughtful way. It just takes a little effort, and I'll let you into a secret, guys; for most women, the effort means more than money spent every time. If it doesn't, then maybe you need to look for a new woman, but that's a topic for another day. For women reading this, I will put it out there that most men of a long standing relationship are just doing the Valentine's Day thing to please you, so any of the gifts below would be welcomed, because secretly they don't really care for the whole shebang anyway.
Ikea has a range of silicon baking dishes, including a big heart shaped cake tin for $7.99. The recipe and decorating are up to you.
Frame a photo of you both as a couple, the gesture in this is lovely, and it will only cost a little for the frame and the price of printing a photo. To make it really special, add flowers or hearts to the box frame, decorating the photo. The box frame is $9.99 in black, and only $7.99 in white.
If you don't have a photo together (well, someone has to hold the camera!), there are some 3D prints on the love theme.
Candles, don't forget candles! Ikea has tonnes of them, all different styles. Make a romantic ambience for dinner at home. Tea lights and holders will set you back less than $10; $3.99 for 12 tealight holders and $3.99 for 100 tealights. The block candles are also only $3.99 for a set of 4. Obviously think about where you put them and never leave lit candles unattended. You can even decorate the bathroom and run a bath with a lovely oil, for your Valentine to soak in by candle light.
Rather than spend $100 on some roses, what about a plant in a ceramic pot? These pots are only $3.99. Pick some small flowering plant to place inside or consider a beautiful orchid, for $24.99, as it will last longer than cut flowers.
Whatever you do, Happy Valentine's Day.You have been warned it's coming, so whatever you do, don't forget.
