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Since I’ve spent the past few Valentine’s Days with the most wonderful partner I’ve ever had, my experiences with this holiday have changed significantly. Gone are the days of not celebrating, and the days of receiving no flowers, chocolates, or tokens of affection are no more.

Before, Valentine’s Day at most meant a casual dinner, but as I’ve matured I’ve grown to realize that the holiday serves as a day to spoil your loved ones with love, whether it’s your boyfriend, husband, mother, family, or gal pals. Here are my favorite sophisticated and affordable picks for both him and her, all under $50.

Jump to: Gifts for Him

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Gifts for Her

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Fragrance

One of the most romantic presents, fragrances present a sensual and personal gift. Men certainly earn romance points for hand-picking perfumes for women, although it can be quite tough to find the right one for her. These are a few of the most popular perfumes which I have found under $50.

Versace Bright Crystal

Bright Crystal is a refreshing aroma with Asian notes of yuzu, peony and lotus flowers. I normally dislike floral scents because many of them can be very overpowering (like Grandma when she drowns herself in perfume), but this is a very light scent that can be worn on a daily basis.

The eau de toilette version in 1 oz is only $32.99, which is a great price for a designer scent – however, it only lasts a few hours. Versace has a slightly different yet longer-lasting eau de parfum version called Versace Bright Crystal Absolu available for $50.68, which is still a great price for a hefty 3.0 oz size. 

Fragrance Concentration: Eau De Toilette (about 3 hours)
Scent Type: Sheer, Sensual, Luminous
Fragrance Notes: Iced Accord, Yuzu, Pomegranate, Peony, Magnolia, Lotus Flower, Acajou, Vegetal Amber, Musk

Chloé by Chloé

Chloé’s signature perfume is for the chic, classy and timeless beauty. Its rosy and powdery scent is reminiscent of a Parisian romantic: this aroma captures girliness in a more refined way without being too mature.

This eau de parfum has extensive staying power, so it’s perfect for long-distance relationships where the scent lingers long after their absence.

Fragrance Concentration: Eau De Parfum (about 5-8 hours)
Scent Type: Powdery Florals
Key Notes: Peony, Rose, Honey, Cedarwood

Daisy by Marc Jacobs

Daisy is perfect for the sophisticated yet playful woman. With sensual undertones of jasmine and white woods, this aroma fits the modern woman who might enjoy a few cocktails at a rooftop bar, but the eccentric pop of strawberries and violets may inspire her to go for a late-night ice cream run afterward.

This luxurious scent comes in a beautiful chic yet cute bottle and is available for $40.95 for 1.7 oz.

Fragrance Concentration: Eau De Toilette (about 3 hours)
Scent Type: Fruity Florals
Key Notes: Strawberry, Violet Leaves, Jasmine, White Woods

Accessories

Although practical gifts aren’t common for Valentine’s gifts, it doesn’t mean that they can’t be romantic. The perfect practical gift? Something functional that she doesn’t necessarily need, but can also be used on an everyday basis as a daily reminder of you.

A beautiful reminder when she’s feeling low

Nothing can permeate through the soul better than words. For the times you can’t understand her or manage to say the right words, the quotes on these bracelets will serve as trinkets of remembrance.

RELATED POST – 8 Cheap Date Ideas That Aren’t Lame

A meaningful alternative to a ring

For those who aren’t ready for a ring yet, a simple piece of romantic jewelry can be a symbol of love that’s just as significant. This gorgeous cardiogram necklace represents a heartbeat, giving it a deeper meaning while staying within the borders of your relationship’s current stage.

Luxurious bath experiences

These gifts are perfect for the hard-working woman who prefers to self-pampering after a long day’s work. A bottle of wine, a book, candles, and maybe even a massage afterward may tie these gifts together.

Boxed roses for the tub

These multipurpose rose soaps can be used for handwashing as well as for bathing. The boxed arrangement along with the bear creates a readily-packaged gift that can be left by the tub for a surprise Valentine treat.

Sweet treats good for the body, without the calories

These bath melts are perfect for the girl who ogles over bright pinks, cute packaging and adorable items that double as something else.

All you need to do is throw these melts into the bathtub for aromatic waters that will moisturize her from head-to-toe. Note: these bath melts aren’t to be confused with fizzy bath bombs!

The Lush experience without the lush price

Every Lush-obsessed girl knows and loves their famed bath bombs, but at $7-$8 each, a single bath bomb alone can’t make an impact as a gift. Many other brands have attempted to create similar bath bombs, but compensate size for quality or vice versa. Luckily, I have found a few Lush alternatives that are beautifully packaged and come in the same size and quality to Lush, without the hefty price tag.

Designer Candles

A popular candle among many fashion and lifestyle bloggers is Diptyque’s “Baies” Candle. Its burn time is extensive and the fragrance of black currant and roses never loses power. Unfortunately, the 2.4 oz candle (a mere 2.5 inches in height) is $52, while the popular full-sized 6.5 oz candle is $94!

Here are a few candles similar to Diptyque’s “Baies” without the hefty price from Aromatique. I firmly believe that the success of Diptyque’s candles is primarily due to the logo design and branding along with the association to luxury retailers, but Aromatique’s candle designs manage to be much simpler, modest, but very tasteful and chic. An added bonus: they offer 12 oz sizes, which is near twice the size of Diptyque’s candles for almost half the price.

Aromatique’s candles also come in a variety of sizes and glass shapes, making it a very customizable gift.

Intimates

No Valentine’s Day would be complete without a lingerie set. Unfortunately, most intimates these days have followed Victoria’s Secret’s path of unaffordable price points.

Buying cup bras may be a hit or miss, especially if you don’t know her size, but you can’t go wrong with lacey, racey numbers that conform to her curves.

 

Gifts for Him

Jump back to Gifts for Her

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Fragrance

If he’s still wearing Axe or Old Spice as fragrance, it might be time to upgrade. A bottle of cologne will give him that much needed mature boost in his pampering arsenal and get him showered with compliments. Nothing is sexier than a man that smells good (besides a man that looks good too, then it’s yay all around!).

Paco Rabanne  1 Million

Paco Rabanne’s branding is 100% spot-on when it comes to 1 Million: resembling a bar of gold, this fragrance is perfect for the man who loves to make a classy and masculine statement. This fragrance has been my personal favorite for men, as it smells like the embodiment of power, strength, and class in a bottle.

1 Million’s 3.4 oz size is available for $47.99, which is more than reasonable for the liquid amount and unique fragrance.

Fragrance Concentration: Eau De Toilette (about 3 hours)
Scent Type: Fresh, Spicy, Leather
Fragrance Notes: Frosted Grapefruit, Blood Mandarin, Peppermint, Rose Absolute, Musk, Cinnamon Bark, Blond Leather, Tonka Bean, Patchouli, White Wood, Amber Ketal

Yves Saint Lauren L’Homme

L’Homme is a very striking and spicy fragrance. Its basil flower, white pepper and white ginger notes provide a bite of spice while being balanced with refreshing notes of bergamot and cedar. The end result: a subtle yet incredibly sexy aroma.

Fragrance Concentration: Eau De Toilette (about 3 hours)
Scent Type: Magnetic, Sensual, Intriguing
Fragrance Notes: Bergamot, Cedar, Ozonic Notes, White Ginger, Basil Flower, White Pepper, Violet Leaves, Cedarwood, Haiti Vetiver, Tonka Bean

Versace Pour Homme

Pour Homme’s scent matches the color of its fragrance: a fresh semblance of the Meditteranean sea. With many woody notes mixed with herbaceous aromas like clary sage, geranium and bergamot, this is a refreshing blend that is both clean and woodsy, like a forest near the ocean.

Fragrance Concentration: Eau De Toilette (about 3 hours)
Scent Type: Strong, Dynamic, Unique
Fragrance Notes: Bergamot, Neroli, Citron of Diamante, Bitter Orange Leaves, Geranium, Clary Sage, Blue Hyacinth, Cedarwood, Old Wood, Mineral Amber, Tonka Bean, Musk

Bath & Grooming Essentials

Whether a man wants to admit it or not, every man finds value in quality grooming essentials like sharp blades and quality aftershaves that prevent dry skin. These items were hand selected for men who appreciate robust aesthetics as well as quality.

A shaving set to add excitement to his boring routine

Just like women, many men see shaving as a nuisance. This shaving set will allow him to see shaving as a moment of self-pampering and relaxation. Whipping up the shaving soap and painting it all over his face will put him into that meditative zen he definitely needs.

An aromatic shower experience

Featuring 3 chemical and preservative-free soaps, this gift set has unique yet manly scents that won’t strip his skin thanks to glycerin. Most men wouldn’t pay more than $10 for a bar of soap (or even a pack), but he tries this set he’ll wonder why he was missing out for so long.

Durable leather goods for his travels

Most men I know don’t know how to pack for travel – they usually leave it to their partner to pack the essentials while they toss their toothpaste and gel deodorant in their backpack. Once they unpacked they’re actually surprised when they’ve discovered all of the spilled contents.

This leather dopp kit is a great way to introduce your man to practical packing without insulting him with the idea of being “too feminine.” Featuring beautiful leather and a waterproof interior, this toiletry bag serves both fashion and function for even the pickiest man.

Intimates

Intimates have always been popular among women, but not so much with men. It’s always been taboo for men to buy finer quality undergarments due to the irrational fear that he’d become a target for teasing, should someone else discover their underwear drawer.

So maybe he may not shop for such items for himself, but receiving it as a gift would be a pleasant surprise once he realizes the touch of luxury they provide.

Fashion Watches

Watches for men are like the equivalent of a purse for a woman: it’s got to be both fashionable and both functional. While buying a quality purse for a woman may be risky as most women can be particular about their purses, as the same would be for a watch to a man.

Quality designer watches usually start from $200 and up, but who’s to say that men can’t have fashion watches strictly as a visual accessory? These watches may not feature Swiss movements, but without such features the prices on these pretty watches become quite reasonable. Without the designer quality, these statement watches serve to spice up a casual “distressed jeans and T-shirt” outfit.

If the man in your life is just way too particular about his watches or simply has way too many, these beautiful 12-watch case can showcase his collection. Featuring a beautiful carbon fiber exterior inspired by automotive design, this is sure to be a win for the man who appreciates fine mechanics in both watches and cars.

Whiskey and Spirits

An Italian Whiskey Decanter Glassware Set

This beautiful glassware set by Paksh is an essential for the man who loves to entertain. For a price under $40, it may surprise most to find that the glass is surprisingly heavy and dense. This set will make a perfect addition to his barware collection.

Whiskey Stones & Shot Glasses

This beautiful wooden boxed set of granite whiskey stones and glassware is perfect for the one who values the quality of whiskey on its own. More fitting for the man who enjoys quality time with individuals and long conversations about life, this gift can be given without wrapping paper.

What will you be getting your Valentine this year? Let’s talk in the comments!

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More Affordable Gift Ideas:

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