- If you want to show some love to your main squeeze, but the economy has put a serious hurtin’ on your wallet, we’ve got good news. You can demonstrate your affection without blowing your budget. Here are five ways to save money on romantic gifts.<em><strong> —</strong><strong>Sheiresa Ngo </strong>(Image: Siri Stafford) </em>
- <strong>Engagement rings: </strong>Instead of proposing with a ring from an overpriced chain store, shop online. <a href="http://www.bluenile.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Blue Nile</strong></a> has high-quality, reasonably priced diamonds. Also consider ditching the diamond altogether. Buy a ring with her birth stone instead. <em>(Image: Baerbel Schmidt) </em>
- <strong>Valentine's Day gifts: </strong>Buy your gift early–as in, for <em>next </em>year. Valentine's gifts go on sale as early as February 16. Start shopping now for next year and get deeply discounted items. <em>(Image: George Doyle)</em>
- <strong>A special night out: </strong>If you and your significant other enjoy Broadway plays and comedy shows, you can get discounted tickets online. <a href="https://www.goldstar.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Goldstar</strong></a> offers great prices for popular shows.<em> (Image: Comstock)</em>
- <strong>Jewelry:</strong> If your honey loves jewelry, consider browsing your local vintage, consignment, or thrift store. You'll have a better chance of finding something more unique and less expensive. <em>(Image: Jupiterimages)</em>
- <strong>Flowers: </strong>If you want to say it with flowers, look for coupon codes online. You can often find great deals around major holidays. Some great sites are <a href="http://www.couponcabin.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Coupon Cabin</strong></a> and <a href="http://www.retailmenot.com/" target="_blank"><strong>RetailMeNot</strong></a>. <em>(Image: Creatas Images)</em>
- <ul> <li>Image: Jupiterimages</li> </ul> <strong><em>Read more love and money advice:</em></strong> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.blackenterprise.com/2010/09/22/love-money-6-ways-to-stop-fighting-about-money/"><strong>6 Ways to Stop Fighting About Money</strong></a></li> <li><a href="http://www.blackenterprise.com/2010/10/08/5-personal-finance-books-for-couples/"><strong>5 Personal Finance Books for Couples</strong></a></li> <li><strong><a href="http://www.blackenterprise.com/2011/02/14/how-to-suggest-a-prenuptial-agreement/">How to Bring Up a Prenup</a> </strong></li> </ul>
Posted: February 14, 2011
