Wrapping up one's affections in a heart-shaped box tied with a red bow has been a common Valentine's Day practice since the late 19th century, but chocolate's a relatively recent addition to this celebration of love. Before the invention of affordable, mass-produced chocolates, most couples made do with an array of other sugary confections, including marshmallows, candied nuts, jellied fruit, honey, butterscotch chips, caramels, toffee and pound cakes. Chocolate once believed to be an aphrodisiac by the Aztecs has become a staple as a Valentines Day gift. Now a days Americans buy an upwards of fifty eight million pounds of this delicious confection making it the number on cheap gift to buy. It is readily available at any drug store or even gas station and a small box will only set you back a few dollars.

Jewelry is a sure fire win over your girl gift but it doesnt have to be super expensive. A simple heart with her name on it will only set you back about twenty dollars you just have to look for the best deals.
You can also buy a skeleton key and put it on a ribbon and tell her it is the key to your heart. A super romantic move that will have her loving you a long time. But maybe your girl isnt into necklaces, then why not profess your love with a engraved key chain or compact. Every girl wants to look good and a compact mirror with her name on it is the perfect way to say youre hot.

Girls love homemade gifts so no matter how much or how little money you have to spend there is something that you can do to give your girl something special this year. A simple card is a great way to tell her that you love her and it will only set you a few dollars for some paper and a marker. The internet is teaming with clip art and poems to help you make the very best card. Taking her out to dinner may be a little out of your range so why not cook her dinner she wont care what it is just as long as you put your best into it. Check out some of the fast and easy meal ideas that the internet has to offer.

For the last minute guy or the one who totally forgot you can always create your own date night with a movie and pizza and play it off like that was you plan the whole time. Cheap and easy and easy to pull off. Another great last minute idea is to steal her phone when she is not looking and download your song as the ring tone then call her to surprise her.

Americans spend upwards of thirteen million dollars on this holiday of love. But is it really necessary to take out a loan to show your love? I think not. Look for alternatives to traditional gifts at your local craft shops or find great deals on the internet or at your local thrift store.