Love is in the air! This Valentine’s Day, thoughtful gifts don’t have to come with a hefty price tag. From LEGO sets to couples’ keychains and board games, here are some fun and affordable gift ideas to show you care without breaking the budget.

Students at Stanislaus State have put together a list of fun and thoughtful Valentine’s Day gift ideas, tailored for other students and their special someone.

Online Gifts

No time to run around shopping? Click and ship your Valentine’s gifts from the comfort of your home. Surprise your loved one with any of these spectacular gift ideas.

Personalized Vinyl and Record Holder
Did you hear that? That’s the sound of love. If you love music and your significant other, this personalized vinyl record and holder is the perfect gift to display your love. Similar to how people pick and choose what music they listen to, there are many different styles and colors to choose from!

Couples Keychain
Who doesn’t love to match with the person they love? This couple keychain is a simple, subtle, fun and cheap way to carry your love and appreciation for your significant other wherever you go.

Cameo Message
The only person your significant other might love more than you is their favorite public figure. You can get a customizable Cameo message from their favorite actor, musician, athlete or influencer! In some cases, you can even avoid the costs and get a message for free if you reach out to these individuals via social media or their teams.

Customizable Ring
If you like it, then you should put a ring on it. Thankfully, Etsy makes it cheap and easy! These customizable rings come in different colors and can be engraved with a personalized message. Aside from rings, there’s a variety of different customizable jewelry pieces on Etsy for a special Valentine’s Day gift.

Customized Clothing
They say to keep your loved ones close, and what is closer than the clothes you wear? Show your partner how much you care by customizing their underwear (and other clothing items)! Coming in many different styles, and at a low price, the gift of love and laughter can be a delight.

Personalized Keychain
Express your love with a personalized couple’s heart keychain that connects to form a heart and keeps your loved one’s initial with you.

Homemade Gifts

Express yourself with any of these thoughtful and creative gifts that will be sure to capture their heart!

Video
Show off your passionate love for your valentine with a homemade video made for their eyes only. It can be hard to get your feelings across with a simple written letter, so show them. A video is a perfect way for your valentine to experience the true passion you have for them.

Custom gift set
Custom gift sets are an easy and thoughtful way to show off your listening skills to your significant other. Surprise them with a gift set full of goods tailored to their personality and interests.

Valentine’s Pasta Meal
Food made with love and care brings people together. Make some gourmet food for your special loved one, like Valentine’s Day Pasta. The ingredients needed to make it are simple: heart-shaped pasta, pasta sauce and grated parmesan cheese. Fill a large pot with water, boil it, pour in the pasta and cook for about 7-11 minutes. Next, drain the water and mix in the sauce. Serve it on a platter and top it off with parmesan cheese!

DIY Jewelry
Custom jewelry is a go-to gift for a partner. Using a DIY kit is a cheap and easy way to make a last-minute gift. It can be anything from a ring, a necklace, or a bracelet. Pick through any design that you know will get them excited, don’t be that person and put a name, everybody does that.

Fab Lab Song Chain
The Warrior Fab Lab is an awesome maker space here at Stan State. It’s open to anyone, and a perfect place to get a quick, low price gift for Valentine’s. A unique choice to express your love would be making a song chain that links to a playlist of songs to bring you together.

Activity Gifts

Memories last a lifetime, spend quality time this Valentine’s Day connecting and having fun with any of these delightful activity gift ideas. 

Lego Sets
Have an awesome time by building something together and creating memories with Legos. This gift idea is perfect for any age and includes two adorable hedgehogs in love.

Puzzles
Personalized puzzles are a nice sentimental gift and perfect way to share time with your loved one. Great activity gift for a budget under $25.

Board Games
Another great activity you can plan with your loved ones this Valentines is a board game. Everyone has a board game or two at home they can play together. Board games are an amazing opportunity to connect with your family and friends.

Arts and Crafts
Crafts are always a fun go-to with any loved one, especially if you have children! Family friendly activities could be things lying around the house, such as paint, crayons, and paper. Get creative with and look online for ideas of crafts that remind you of the importance of love in your life.

Making Something in the Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home—gather your loved ones and try this inspiring activity to create the perfect meal together! You can use any ingredients at home or stop by your local grocery store and pick up anything useful for even making a pizza. Baking is also sweet and a great idea too!

Experiences
It’s the season of love! Here are some thrilling ideas to experience this Valentine’s Day and share the warmth with your sweetheart.

Laser Tag
Let’s get hit with the laser of love! Spend this Valentine’s with a significant other at Turlock’s Ten Pin. Take advantage of affordable tickets to play a round of laser tag where you can chase each other to your heart’s desire.

Movie Theatre
Simple is the new chic! You can never go wrong with a simple movie at your local Turlock Regal Cinema. Head over with your date to the movies where you can enjoy the film of your choice with a nice side of love and a sweet treat.

Gym Date
Get the heart pumping! Every Stan State student’s tuition gives them a membership to the Campus Recreation Student Fitness Center. Bring your date for a Valentine’s Day pump! Spot your partner on the bench press or join a fitness class led by their instructors.

Picnic
A classic experience for every romantic. Bring their favorite snacks, drinks, and a cozy blanket! The best thing about a picnic is your choice of location. It can be a park, a backyard, the top of a hill–there’s no wrong choice as long as it fits you and your partner!

Camping
Spend a night under the stars with your partner. Camping equipment is available for rent at the Campus Recreation. Students must be full-time to acquire equipment at no cost. To reserve equipment, email [email protected].