We’re not all rolling in dough and holidays like Valentine’s Day can stress many of us out. What’s one to do when all the best V-Day gifts cost an arm and a leg that we just can’t spare? Here are some thoughtful – yet sexy – gift ideas for the Casanova or Cleopatra on a budget.

1. Dinner. (And you’re the chef.)
You may have heard it before but nothing makes a girl or guy feel more special than coming home to find you’ve planned an entire evening devoted just to them – especially when it involves a home-cooked meal and something special for dessert.
Find out what their favorite food is. If it’s something complicated or crazy, go with something their mother used to make that they rarely eat on their own. (This might involve some sleuth work but hopefully you have some way to engage friends or family members to find out.)
Then make sure you plan it on a night that’s totally open. No meetings, no outings, and certainly no need to wake up super-early the next day. This is a big night and it’s likely not going to end with a simple piece of cake.
Set the table and have the house as clean as possible. Then time it so when your partner walks through the door the place already smells like the meal of his or her dreams. Pour a glass of wine or water, sit them down, and tell them not to lift a finger. Dinner (and cleanup) is on you tonight.
You’ll be thanked handsomely. Probably more than once.

2. O-Vation Sex Kit
When you want to bring something new and exciting into the bedroom but don’t have a ton of cash to drop on the new must-have sex toy, there’s the O-Vation intimacy kit – a mini collection of sensual products ideal for a perfect night in, with two sets of each item so you’ll be ready for the encore!
Each O-Vation kit features:
- 2 Screaming O Vibrating Rings – These vibrating rings have won countless awards for quality and general awesome-ness, and this kit has three so you won’t run out of juice before you do.
They’re comfortable, easy to try, and disposable so you can toss them away once they’ve done their job. She’ll experience sensations she’s never before had, and he’ll be her Prince Charming.
- 2 Lubricant Packs – Nothing says great sex quite like lube! We’ve included two sample packs of great-tasting flavored lube so you can keep things slick and smooth all night long.2 Warming Lube Packets
- 2 Sensually Thin Condoms – Nothing says “I love you” quite like safe sex and you’ll always be prepared for whatever comes your way with these two condoms by your side.
- 2 Sensual Wipes – Freshen up before you both get started or clean up after sex quickly and easily. These fresh-smelling wipes are handy to keep around the house or even carry around with you so you’ll never miss another horny moment.
- 2 Pillow Mints – Cuz why not? They taste good, and everyone could use a bit of a breath boost at the end of the day.

3. Picnic in the Park
It sounds corny, like something you’d see in a cookie-cutter rom-com film, but there’s something quaint, cute and thoughtful about setting up a little picnic in the park. It shows you’re thinking outside the box and eager to show your partner you care.
Nothing puts a person in a better mood than sunshine, blue skies, and yummy food. So fill your pack with your partner’s favorite drinks and snacks and don’t forget a blanket! Stuff some pillows and maybe another blanket in there so that, once you’ve eaten everything and ready to sun yourselves, you can set up a comfortable spot to lie together.
Listen to music, read books, toss a Frisbee – enjoy the simple things that your partner probably has been too stressed or busy to make time for, and remind him or her of how easy it can be when you’re with the person you love!

4. Massage. (And you’re the masseuse.)
You can get a full-body treatment for your beau at a fancy spa if you agree to eat Ramen noodles for every meal the month prior. But why spend have your week’s salary on an hour with a stranger?
You can make the experience a million times more intimate if you do it yourself, and when you’re all done loosening up your partner with oil and soft-yet-firm strokes there’s nothing stopping you from lubing yourself up and joining the rubdown fest!
Aside from the obvious benefits – soothed muscles, good mood, relaxed state of mind – massages are one of the most romantic (not to mention sexy) things you can do for one another. You’re not wearing clothes, lights are dim, candles are lit, music is soft, and your hands are all over your partner’s naked body. It screams sex.
Put in a little study time and look online for back, butt and leg techniques and do your best to replicate what you learn. Your partner will be happy to the center of your attention and when he/she feels your strong hands at work, you both can expect much more than a happy ending!

5. A Night at the Theater (in your apartment.)
Movie tickets aren’t cheap, and with parking fees and the general irritation of being surrounded by loud moviegoers scarfing popcorn and spilling soda, a trip to the theater just isn’t all that hot.
But as we always say, if you want it done sexy you gotta do it yourself. Find out your partner’s favorite movie, or if there’s a film he or she has desperately wanted to see. You can find this out from friends, casual (and stealthy) breakfast conversation, or by stealing a glance at your shared Netflix account.
Surprise your partner with a special night in. Turn the lights off, clear off the couch, and set up a special viewing/snacking/snuggling area just for you too. Make popcorn from scratch (or microwave if you must), pick up a collection of chocolates and candies to snack on, and make sure there are plenty of drinks available to wash it all down.
Because the one thing we always wish we could do at the movie theater is to snuggle up to our honeys without those damn arm rests getting in the way. Especially when the movie features some kind of scary monster. But keep in mind that since this is a special gift for your partner, you might have to take one for the team and watch something you’d rather not.
Be a good sport and remember whose special night is – because your partner certainly will, and will undoubtedly return the favor in a variety of ways once the credits start rolling.