Cheap & DIY Valentine's Day Gifts for Her

Valentine's Day is fast approaching, and while it's definitely a positive holiday designed to celebrate your love for another person, it can also cause all kinds of stress. There's the obvious stress about picking a restaurant or activity, or the stress of choosing the right gift, but there's also financial stress: Valentine's Day can get expensive, fast.  In fact, according to the National Retail Federation, people celebrating Valentine's Day last year spent an average of almost $200 between flowers, gifts and food, which is a whole lot of money when times are tough. Nevertheless, where there’s a will there’s a way. Despite what you might have heard, Valentine's Day gifts don’t have to come with a triple-digit price tag to make an impact. In fact, we’d argue it’s the thoughtful, non-flashy items that get the best response. RELATED: Valentine’s Gift Ideas for Her Whether you’re in a new relationship or you’re one matching sweatsuit away from becoming an old married couple, we’ve got a gift idea for you that all fall under $50. These thoughtful gifts and DIY ideas are just as impactful (or even more so) than that big-ticket item you may have been eyeing. In fact, we have a feeling that she’ll appreciate your thoughtful gesture, no matter what you get for her. Best Valentine's Day Gifts for Her Under $50 The Pearl Source Freshwater Cultured Pearl Pendant Looking for a fresh way to say “I love you”? This affordable necklace combines elegance and sophistication, centered around the cultured freshwater pearl (available in pink or white) clutched by the clasp. Add to that a sterling silver chain and you get a beautiful necklace at an affordable price.  $54 at Amazon.com Canvas Tote Bag Great gifts don't have to be expensive, especially if they're practical, and we guarantee she'll get a lot of use out of this canvas tote bag, available in 17 distinct color combinations. Its extra-large design makes it easy for her to carry all her daily essentials, while the comfy shoulder straps and dense threading ensure it can stand up to the toughest of challenges. We especially love the handy zippered enclosure and handy side pocket. $13.99 at Amazon.com MeUndies Bikini Brief 3-Pack MeUndies has cracked the code for making affordable, stylish and quality underwear for both men and women, and there are fewer better bargains in the category than their cheeky Bikini Brief 3-Pack or 6-Pack. You can choose from seven different color combinations and seven different sizes, making it easy to find your girl her ideal pair. $26 at MeUndies.com  The Hair Edit Sleek Chignon French Hair Pin If your girl likes to wear her hair up, whether in a bun, updo, top knot or half-up style, she'll definitely appreciate a good hair pin, like this soft gold model from The Hair Edit. Its smooth finish helps it glide easily through her hair without pinching or catching, while the extra-long design offers lasting hold.  $54 at Amazon.com Lavanila Vanilla Grapefruit Perfume for Women Perfume is a perennial good choice for a Valentine's Day gift, and we're in love with this option from Lavanila. Featuring uplifting citrus notes provided by pink grapefruit and fresh lime, tempered by a hint of vanilla and warm cedarwood, this a long-lasting, subtle and versatile scent that can be worn day or night. $48 at Amazon.com Brooklyn Candle "Love Potion" Limited Edition Boxed Candle There's no better way to set the mood this Valentine's Day than by lighting up the "Love Potion" candle from the Brooklyn Candle Studio. With notes of soothing lavender, exciting jasmine, and refreshing mandarin, this candle will make your living room smell like a bouquet of flowers. Even the packaging is on point, with a textured box featuring a simple red heart, and you can feel good about your purchase, since Brooklyn Candle donates 10% of their Love Potion proceeds to a public charity devoted to caring for cardiac surgery patients and their families.  $44 at BrooklynCandleStudio.com Appointed Starter Set Whether your girlfriend is a student, diarist, budding artist or obsessive note-taker, she'll absolutely love Appointed's Starter Set. It includes a lined notebook, a mini linen jotter, two #2 pencils, and weekly adhesives. This is the perfect gift to show her that you support her hobbies, and she'll be reminded of you every time she uses it. Get it monogrammed for an extra special touch. $42 at Appointed.co Bonsai Starter Kit Whether you pick up a bonsai starter kit to work on together, or you choose to get a head start and give it to her in lieu of flowers, this comprehensive starter kit makes it super easy to grow your own indoor bonsai tree. The step-by-step guide makes it pretty much fail-safe, even if your thumb isn’t necessarily green. $29.99 at Amazon.com RELATED: Valentine's Day Gifts for Him April Soderstrom Featherweight Omega Earrings These simple but striking earrings will complement just about any ensemble. They're great for formal affairs and business dealings alike. What's more, they're made from 14K-filled gold, so they won't irritate her ears. $25 at AprilSoderstrom.com Herbivore Coconut Bath Soak The ultimate cure for whatever ails, Herbivore’s coconut bath soak is designed to hydrate and soften the skin while releasing a relaxing aroma of natural coconut and vanilla.  $22 at Amazon.com Minnetonka ‘Cally’ Slipper There’s nothing quite like a gift that will pamper her for years to come. This Minnetonka super soft moccasin features a rubber sole so she can keep her feet warm and cozy while padding around the house or out running errands. $49.95 at Amazon.com Kate Spade Heart Scribble Silk Bandana Play into the theme of the occasion with this Kate Spade heart-printed bandana. Whether tied in her hair or on her handbag, this silk piece will give her everyday ensemble a playful upgrade.  $38 at KateSpade.com Spark Romance Matches Self-described as “romance in a box,” this box of “matches” is filled with sweet, and slightly sexy conversation starters, date ideas, and ways to express love that will deepen your connection and “spark” romance. $12.95 at Amazon.com RELATED: Best Jewelry for Her Soma Brew Bottle For the gal who loves a cold brew any time of year, Soma’s Brew Bottle is a simple (and affordable) way to elevate her morning routine. Featuring ultra-simple mechanics and a solid build, this bottle can prepare cold brew, pour-over coffee and loose leaf tea — at home or on the go. $40 at Amazon.com Kate Spade Love Ring Dish Small but stunning, this metal ring dish will ensure she never misplaces her precious jewels. Whether set by the kitchen sink, on her nightstand or her desk at work, it's a constant cute reminder of your sweet relationship. $45.97 at Amazon.com 'Our Soppy Love Story: A Journal About Us' Our Soppy Love Story follows illustrator Philippa Rice's everyday romance with her partner; but the charming comics are so relatable, it could easily be chronicling the ups and downs and mundanities of any long term relationship. The Soppy Journal allows couples to come together and fill out fun journaling prompts meant to bring them closer together by way of sparking silly conversations. $8.98 at Amazon.com Glossier Lip Gloss If she hasn't joined the cult of Glossier yet, she's about to become a convert. The thoughtfully created beauty products are not only killing it in the packaging department, but the no-fuss makeup is made to feel as if you’re not wearing any at all. Glossier’s Bomb Dot Com trio includes three of the brand’s top-selling products. Flavors range from birthday cake and mint to cherry and berry.  $42 at Glossier.com ‘I Like You, I Love You’ - Carissa Potter Head over heels for your girl and looking for a gift that has a little romance? Carissa Potter’s I Like You, I Love You has all the butterfly feelings of an over-the-top romantic gesture but without the over-the-top price tag. The adorable book perfectly illustrates all the little stages of falling in love. $12.95 at Amazon.com RELATED: Cheap Valentine's Day Gifts for Him Casio Classic Round Analog Watch For the gal who’s less into glitz, this Casio number is a happy compromise. Its simple black silicone band and sleek white dial give it a streamlined look, while its dainty size lends it femininity. $15.75 at Amazon.com BAIMEI Jade Roller You might not understand it, but trust us, she’ll be impressed with your in-the-know gift selection with this one. Made of 100 percent jade, this beauty tool is designed to cool the face and reduce puffiness. $17.99 at Amazon.com Personalized Pet Portrait Necklace If her one true love is her dog, you may as well accept and embrace it. The personalized pet portrait necklace takes a photo of her beloved Fido and translates it into a piece of wearable art. What’s more, it’s delicate enough for her to wear every day, so she can always have her pup with her. From $12.70 at Etsy.com 'Our Adventure Book' Give your endless photo roll memories a home with this easy-to-use scrapbook. Our Adventure Book touts 80 double-sided, fade-proof pages, stickers, lace, and everything else you’ll need to pull together a thoughtful book of memories. We have a sneaking suspicion this DIY project will find a happy home on her coffee table for years to come. $9.99 at Amazon.com You Might Also Dig: Unique Valentine's Day Gifts Last-Minute Valentine's Day Gifts for Him Last-Minutes Valentine's Day Gifts for Her