FEATURE: Be careful, but here's some thrifty ideas for Valentine’s

As Feb 14 approaches, Carol O’Callaghan offers some Valentines gift suggestions, for both him and her, which come in at €20 or less

YOU’VE one week to sort out a Valentine’s gift, so there’s no excuse for a last minute impulse buy of teddy-in-a-balloon, unless she’s a teenager; or socks with red hearts for him when the Christmas sock-giving fest is just behind us.

Do try to give something personal, especially if it’s for a woman. Heart emblazoned tea towels or a kitchen appliance are sure to see off any romantic expectations you have for the next month. In fact, anything with a plug attached is a no-no, even for domestic goddesses. This is the one day of the year when the thought does not necessarily count.

Neither will you be forgiven for an attack of Valentine’s amnesia that’s guaranteed to provoke a long sulk. Let’s face it, if you go anywhere near a shop for the next seven days there will be a display of everything from lingerie to heart-shaped chocolate boxes, so no room here either for Valentine shopping procrastination.

To loosen financial tight spots we’ve had a virtual rummage through pockets and a hand down the back of the sofa to convert loose change into affordable and perfectly acceptable gifts for under €20.

Let’s start with flowers and chocolates. They’re the easy option, but they’ll always be acceptable. Butlers red velvet heart shaped box of choccies is impressive and has the right level of quality to satisfy chocolate aficionados. At €16 and available in supermarkets, can you go wrong? If you don’t want to leave home, buy this online from www.giftsdirect.com.

Interflora is doing a single red rose in a vase delivered to your loved one’s door. It’s slightly over budget at €24 but if you can stretch to the extra spend, imagine how pleased she’ll be to have that delivered to her desk. A single rose says so much more than an expensive dozen.

Jewellery is another very welcome gift, and while €20 won’t buy you gemstones consider a charm for a bracelet, something themed that reminds you both of a special place or time. Check out the Argos collection which starts at €13.99 for a sterling silver and red enamel heart. Newbridge Silver’s charm of two entwined hearts retails at €15.99 and comes beautifully packaged in a blue box tied with a white bow. A silver abstract openwork charm by Pandora retails at €19 and also has beautiful packaging. All three are to be found on the high street, so really no leg work involved.

For the boys, especially if he’s taken to the gym in a burst of keep fit activity, a few personal grooming products he can keep permanently in the gym bag is an option. The Body Shop’s Sport Locker Room eau de toilette comes well within budget at €16.

As we’re still amidst the winter chill, check out high street brand Fat Face and their selection of funky headgear, including beanies and trapper hats retailing at €12 and €20 respectively.

Braces are back, more as a fashion item, than for the practical business of keeping up trousers. If you want to inject a little sartorial retro to the dress style of your beau, Next has a pair for €10. Then there’s the old reliable cuff-links, steel and blue enamel from M&S that hits the top end of your budget at €20.

For all true romantic souls who would love the idea of a gift for both of you to enjoy, keep it very personal by framing a picture of you taken when you first met or on a special holiday together. The M&S True Love frame shaped like a man and woman is €8. The Carolyn Donnelly Eclectic collection from Dunnes Stores offers wooden floating frames for €15 and vintage filigree-style pewter versions for €7. Add in the printing of the photo and you’re well within your budget.

If you’d love to trip the light fantastic on Valentine’s night, take a virtual trip to Buenos Aires via Ballintemple in Cork. Join a Valentine-themed Argentine tango lesson (€20 for two) surrounded by candlelight, the glow of Tiffany style lamps and with a rose between your teeth.

Afterwards you can take to the floor or sit back with a glass of wine to watch some of the best dancers on the Cork tango scene, and the sight of some fabulous shoes. Starting at 8pm until late, it’s open to couples, friends and singletons at the tango room in the Venue bar, Ballintemple. Dress code: wear something red. Contact 086-8191750 or see facebook.com/vuelvoal.sur.3

Don’t rule out a book. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, lovers of chick-lit might like The Heart Whisperer by Ella Griffin, €14.99 at Easons. For those with more serious reading tastes but with romantic souls, a gift could be a collection of poetry.

Love Poems by Pablo Neruda are available on Amazon, and while you’re there, check out Love Poems by Rumi edited by Deepak Chopra, both for little more than €7. Amazon does a two to four-day delivery so you’re just in time. But if you’re passing a bookshop, Waterstones has quite a selection from both poets at a slightly higher price, but still well within the budget. Then all you have to do is light the fire, open a bottle of wine, dim the lights and read some of these to each other. What could be more romantic?