Unusual Valentine’s gifts for students on a budget

• 09 Feb, '16
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The saying goes that it’s the thought that counts, and this certainly rings true when it comes to Valentine’s Day. Spending time with your loved one and creating memories together is something money can’t buy, however, your partner would be lying if they said they didn’t appreciate a romantic gesture in the shape of a token gift of some kind.

With a little bit of imagination and thriftiness, you can set your lovers heart racing and give them a gift which shows you care without spending a fortune. Here are a few ideas to get you in a creative frame of mind:

A night to remember

If you’re planning a romantic night in together, then why not pack your housemates off on a singles night, and turn your humble abode into a home spa? Give your lover a hamper containing bath oils, body scrub, body lotion, candles and of course some massage oil, and you can make it an indulgent night to remember. Prosecco and eighties power ballads CD are both optional.

Picture this

Give your partner a trip down memory lane, and fill an album with photos of your happiest memories together. This is a gift that costs very little but goes a long way and can be treasured forever; just don’t do this if you’ve only just got together, as they may suspect you’re something of a psychopath…you’re not are you?!

On the wall

Brighten up your loved ones student digs with a choice poster or framed vinyl. On the Wall on Boar Lane has some fantastic prints, mixing classic movie images with more unusual takes on some of the most iconic films of all time. If you have a bit of extra cash spare, they will also frame any piece of vinyl you like, which is sure to have your partners heart spinning around (like a record baby).

Must be the music

If you consider yourself a bit of a music maestro, why not burn your beau a CD of their favourite songs? You might want to also give them a copy on USB or MP3, just in case they don’t have anything to play it on, but a physical CD can be treasured forever, especially if it’s accompanied with a bespoke sleeve and handwritten track list.

Personalised hamper

They way to a man’s heart is apparently through his stomach, so why not treat your chap to a hamper filled with his favourite goodies? This could include cured meats and cheese, some gourmet beef jerky, some weird and wonderful U.S candy from Candy Hero on Lands Lane, and of course his tipple of choice. If that happens to be craft beer, then Brew Dog sell a wide selection of ales online, or drop into Tall Boys Beer market in Thornton Arcade and peruse their diverse range.

Babydoll

Whilst you may think splashing out some racy lingerie is out of your budget, you’d be surprised how many super sexy babydoll and slips you can pick up for between £20-£30 at Victoria’s Secret. The trick here is to do some digging to find out her size and personal taste; ask one of her friends to help out here if need be.

Down the hatch

You can pick pretty much anything up on Amazon these days, and if your loved one likes to let their hair down with a drink, they have some really cool and inexpensive accessories. Star Wars nerds will go crazy over this Death Star silicone giant ice-cube mould, which is perfect for cocktail or whisky lovers. Those that love their beer to remain permanently chilled will love the Chillsner, whilst refined sorts who like a glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc will rate the Corkicle wine chiller.

Saturday night at the movies

If your perfect evening involves cuddling up in front of a movie, then you might want to purchase a pair of Sneaky Experience tickets. The concept is simple; take a much loved cinema classic and bring it to life with a themed evening. In March, Sneaky Experience are showing the original Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The Shawshank Redemption. Check out their website for further details.