Cheap Gift Ideas for a Girlfriend

Diamonds are nice, but unnecessary.diamonds 1 image by Renato Francia from Fotolia.com

If you are shopping for your significant other, finding something that she will appreciate just takes a little bit of thought and effort. If you are on a budget, there are a few meaningful gift ideas that will make her feel special and may even leave a little cash in your wallet.

Accessories

Women love accessories, and if you know where to look, you can find beautiful items for a reasonable price. A scarf in a color that compliments her eyes, a purse that matches her favorite shoes, or a hat that is soft and warm will show her that you not only care, but that you pay attention to her tastes. Large department stores often feature sales which significantly reduce the cost of these types of accessories. Discount chains also carry a wide variety of items to match any style. Do not hesitate to ask a sales person to help you select something for your girlfriend. Getting a female perspective is never a bad idea.

A meaningful present does not always have to come in a gift wrapped box. Treating your girlfriend to a fun experience can help the two of you bond as a couple. Take a class together such as dancing, photography, cooking or painting. Many communities offer these types of activities for a small fee, and sometimes at no cost at all. Check out your local parks and recreation calendar for guided moonlight hikes, or keep an eye out for flea markets, wine tasting, art shows or other public events where the two of you can browse, experience new cultures and perhaps even pick out a one-of-a-kind memento to take home. Creating new memories together will leave you and your girlfriend feeling closer than ever.

Do not let the term 'handmade' scare you. You do not have to take up knitting, crocheting or sewing to give your girlfriend something from the heart. Make her a special card by folding some construction paper down to size. Glue a fun photo of the two of you to the front and hand-write a special message inside. Knowing that you took the time to create something for her will leave her swooning. The days of mix tapes may be in the past, but a mix CD will do the same trick. Fill a CD with not only her favorite music, but with songs that will take her back to the first date, the first concert or a favorite movie you rented together. A custom gift will always show just how much you appreciate having her in your life.