Valentine's Day gifts on a budget
We understand that most of us are not flush with cash, but still want to make an impression, so the option for US$50 budget got the most votes (33 percent) in the poll.
As a result, we have some wallet-friendly suggestions for Valentine's Day gifts for both him and her.
Do note that most of the prices stated do not include shipping.
Declaration of romantic intent
This Web site claims to be the "Bureau of Communication" and has many tongue-in-cheek forms for any situation, ranging from apologies to complaints.
We like the declaration of romantic intent, for the purpose of Valentine's Day. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate words and email it to your intended recipient.
Price: Free
Thanks Shirley for the tip!
Fuchsia paper flowers
Who needs live flowers that eventually wilt? Paper flowers last longer, which is what we hope for your relationships as well.
HP has a template for assembling DIY paper flowers from the leaves, petals and stem. For added sincerity, assemble a romantic scrapbook out of significant memorabilia.
Price: Free
"I love you more than Twitter" greeting card
When sending an e-card is just too insincere, and Hallmark cards from the shop are too sappy, turn to this homemade papercut Valentine's Day greeting card.
Its witty "I love you more than Twitter" cover will make your social media addict Valentine LOL.
Price: US$6.42
PicturePaper
I was looking for custom gift wrap once and stumbled across this Web site. There are various templates to suit every occasion, and all you have to do is upload your photo and fit it in the design.
Even though it may be slightly pricey for gift wrap, the customization factor adds a fun and personal touch. PicturePaper ships to various countries worldwide, including Singapore.
Price: From US$12.49
The ThinkGeek 8-bit tie
8-bit is back in fashion and the guys at ThinkGeek have actually the genius to make it into a tie. Some geeks may even find the fact that it's a clip-on enticing, as it could be more convenient for them.
The Web site only ships to certain countries though (Singapore isn't one of them), so be sure to check the list before shopping.
Price: US$14.99
Tunes for 2 headphone splitter
If you've ever tried to introduce someone to your favorite band, you must have shared earphones before.
This appropriately heart-shaped headphone splitter from FredFlare plugs into the 3.5mm audio jack of any mobile device and can accommodate two pairs of earphones.
Price: US$18
Rose brooch USB drive
This humble 4GB USB drive is encrusted with bling and also functions as a rose brooch. Your Valentine may like the concept of "fashion meets functionality", and she can use it to store photos of the both of you.
Price: US$19.80
Diane von Furstenberg heart earbuds
Diane von Furstenberg is a designer typically known for her beautifully printed wrap dresses, but your Valentine may also fall in love with these earbuds with a heart-shaped imprint.
These earbuds may not offer the best quality audio, but at least they're a lot cheaper than the dresses and are likely to be used more often.
Price: US$25.00
Kate Spade "skirt the rules" BlackBerry case
Another renowned fashion designer, Kate Spade, has gone into making cases for mobile devices that girls crave to own as much as its handbags.
The BlackBerry cases work like RIM's proprietary magnetic cases, which turn a device's screen off when it's placed in the cover and turns it on again when taken out. Your Valentine will love the whimsical wordings like "skirt the rules" and "plan an adventure (or two)".
Unfortunately the Kate Spade Web site ships solely to the US, so you may need to use a third-party shipping service such as Borderlinx.
Price: US$25.00
I am the Stig T-shirt
Any self-respecting petrolhead would have watched the TV series Top Gear and wished to be the show's mystery test driver, the Stig.
The next best thing to being the Stig, perhaps, is to wear this T-shirt saying that you are indeed him.
Price: US$27.50
Roboto USB hub
Your Valentine will be thanking you, saying, "Domo arigato, Mr Roboto", if you give this robot USB hub.
Besides the four USB ports, its mouth also functions as an SD card reader. When unplugged from the computer, it can be used as a wind-up toy that walks all over your desk.
Price: US$28
I went to Skyrim and all I got was an arrow in the knee
If you don't know the Skyrim "arrow to the knee" meme by now, this probably isn't the right gift. But if your Valentine chuckles every time someone uses that quote, this T-shirt may just be the perfect present.
The Web site is similar to Threadless.com, where users submit designs for T-shirts, posters and stickers.
Price: US$28.14
Portal bookends
Here's more merchandise from another popular game, Portal, for your gamer Valentine.
The bookends are a sly dig at the game's portals, which players go through to get to another location. Don't worry if you don't understand it, just get it for the geek who does.
Price: US$29.99
Soft Kitty singing plush
Many geeks can relate to the characters in the TV series The Big Bang Theory, which also happens to be one of this writer's favorite shows.
In the show, Sheldon and Penny get comfort from having "Soft Kitty" sung to them in times of sickness and depression. This soft toy kitty sings the song when its paw is pressed.
Price: US$29.99
Casetagram
We've written about Casetagram iPhone cases for Instagram addicts before, and we still think that it would make an excellent Valentine's Day gift for your shutterbug Valentine.
Read our article for more information on how it's done.
Price: US$34.95
Keep calm and fus ro dah iPhone 4/4S case
The "Keep Calm and Carry On" World War II propaganda craze takes a Skyrim spin--what better way for your partner to declare his love for the game than wear it on his iPhone?
This case probably ranks among the best iPhone covers we've ever seen, and will go with this wallpaper.
Price: US$39.60
Griffin Helo TC RC helicopter for iOS or Android
There's something about boys and their toys, especially when said toys happen to be remote-controlled (RC) flying helicopters.
The Griffin Helo TC RC helicopter works with iOS or Android devices and comes with its dedicated app to control the chopper. There's even a flight deck that plugs into your handset's headphone jack and communicates with the helicopter via infrared.
Price: US$49.99
About the author
Jacqueline Seng is a presenter/writer for CNET Asia, focusing on mobile phones. Her induction into the world of IT involved typing out stories on a computer in kindergarten--not that much has changed. The only girl on the editorial team (for now), she is also an avid potato chip connoisseur, heist movie enthusiast and indie/hiphop music aficionado.
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