It sounded like a good idea at the time, but is proving to be quite a bit more difficult than I thought. Finding quality gifts for $20 or less is like finding an affordable Louis Vuitton bag.
I'm not looking for those cheesy gifts websites list (Wait, this is a website. But this is a diamond in the rough!) and the ones magazines list, like say for example, a flask. How original. And habit-forming.
Perhaps some laundry detergent for men? It's all-natural. It's only $10, imagine that.
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| Photo courtesy of www.uncommongoods.com |
Or better yet, a spongester. What man wouldn't want a quirky sponge holder?
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| Photo courtesy of www.uncommongoods.com |
No, not his speed, huh?
Is this what I have to choose from Internet?!
After much thinking and perusing I've found a bunch of stuff I'd like. That doesn't help me much, now does it?
Gentlemen, here is a list of what to get for your lady (or ladies. Who am I to judge?):
**Side note: Be sure to discuss the budget with your girl beforehand so she's not expecting diamonds and you show up with lip gloss. That would be a Valentines Day catastrophe waiting to happen.**
{Sephora-Pantone Universe Dazzling Lip Gloss} - $12
It shows you care but isn't the type of make up that says "You're ugly, wear make up" or "You're a butter-face" or "You need this." Don't know her shade of choice? No problem. This is a variety pack so you can't go wrong. Lots of shades to choose from depending on the occasion and her mood (and skin tone but that's another lesson for another time.).
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| Photo courtesy of www.sephora.com |
{Caboodle White/Black Dot Make up Bag} - $19.50
Girls can always use another one of these. They get dingy pretty fast and I don't know about other girls but I'd much rather buy a new one than attempt to clean my old one. I always get mine as a free gift with my makeup purchase anyway. (Maybe if I owned a designer one my attitude would be different but for now, new is it.). She can use it for travel, everyday or as an extra case for all the make up she probably owns. If you're really smart you'll buy the lip gloss mentioned above and put it IN the make up bag. Or put her existing make up in it all organized and nice.(Now you're thinking! You'll get bonus points for effort if you do this. Add a little note and your set.)
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| Photo courtesy of www.ulta.com |
{Movie tix} - ~$10/ea To save some cash go to a matinee or use our student/military/senior discount if applicable. You can buy online at Fandango!
This means you have to take her to the movies and let her choose the flick. Rom-com here you come. If you're super slick you'll snag some candy from the grocery store, slip it in your pocket and break it out in the theater. Remember, we are on a $20 budget here (be warned, in other instances this would be cheap and reprehensible). Again, bonus points for forethought.
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| Photo courtesy of Google images - movie tickets |
{Old Navy Infinity Scarf} - $14
We are all anxious for spring so she just may break out her spring wardrobe before the weather actually warrants doing so. Wouldn't it be nice for her to have a cute scarf to throw on to stay warm as the weather transitions? Every time she puts it on she'll think of you!
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| Photo courtesy of www.oldnavy.com |
{Piperlime Tassel necklace} - $20
Mark my words, these will be all the rage, if not this season then next. She can easily pair this with a dress or a plain tee.
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| Photo courtesy of www.piperlime.com |
{Earrings} - You have several options here. I've chosen mostly studs because they are versatile and easy to pair with many different outfits. A little sparkle and shine never hurt anyone. (The links to the items are below the images.)
{JCREW Factory Fireball Stud Earring} - $19.50
{Piperlime Round Cabachon Stud Earring} in green/gold. - $16
{South Moon Under Juliet & Company Vintage 'Jour' Post Teardrop Earring} - $19.99
{Piperlime Sabine Cabachon Ring} - $14.97
No. Not that kind. Be sure you don't present this to her in any way that may make her think this is a different kind if ring, if you know what I mean. That will just lead to tears, disappointment and massacre. This is what's called a cocktail ring. To be worn with a cocktail dress ideally, but with the right casual outfit can look fabulous.
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| Photo courtesy of www.piperlime.com |
{Belle Hop Passport Case from Walmart} - $10.39
If you're not on a budget, plan a trip to go with it! If not then you'd only want to get this for the woman who travels often.
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| Photo courtesy of www.walmart.com |
{Tocca Fue de Touch, Candelina in Gardenia} - $20
A beautiful floral scent reminiscent of spring. Draw her a bath after she opens it and leave her alone for a while.
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| Photo courtesy of www.tocca.com |
{A bottle of sparkling wine} - Everyone's tastes are different so go with your gut, and of course she should be of legal drinking age. I've linked one of my favs, a Mas Fi Cava Brut NV from Spain.
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| Photo courtesy of Google images |
After much searching I've finally got some decent ideas for the guys. Girls get your pen and paper ready.
FOR HIM
{Passport case} - $17 (on clearance so shop fast!)
Leisure or work travel, this case can be very useful. A place for him to keep his passport and other important documents while he's traveling because I don't know about your guy but mine can't seem to remember where he puts things. We search for his wallet almost every day. Gotta love him.
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| Photo courtesy of www.jcpenney.com |
{ITunes Giftcard} - Who doesn't love some new music, movies, or podcasts?
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| Photo courtesy of www.apple.com |
{Knit Solid Wool Tie} in Red Wine - $15
My husband LOVES these ties and a few years ago I got rid of some while I was "cleaning" and he's never forgiven me. Super soft and easy to clean these are great and come in a variety of colors.
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| Photo courtesy of www.tiebar.com |
{Bond on Bond Reflections of 50 years of Bond Movies} - $16.97
A badass spy who solves mysteries and always gets the girl - every guy wants to be him and every girl wants to be with him. In this book Roger Moore recounts his days and experiences as Bond, playing Bond and watching Bond. Shaken, not stirred.
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| Photo courtesy of www.amazon.com |
{A&F Classic Winter Hat} - $9.90
Keep him warm for these last winter months. I plan to cut off the pom pom because my husband's a little too old to be wearing pom poms.
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| Photo courtesy of www.abercrombie.com |
{jcp Thermal Knit Striped Pullover }- $15
A warm, cozy knit shirt perfect for those cold winter nights. He can roll out of bed and go get bagels on Sunday. It's that stylish.
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| Photo courtesy of www.jcpenney.com |
Got other ideas? Let me know in the comments section.
Good luck shopping, and when you're done, pat yourself on the back for only spending $20.
And that, my friends, is worth a glass of champagne!
