3 Valentine’s Day Purchases Better for Your Wallet Than Any Amazon Buy

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In an age when you can find any and everything on Amazon, it can be tempting to keep filling up your cart with Valentine’s Day purchases. But as you likely know by now, that’s not the greatest option for your wallet. 

Thankfully, there are better buys out there that won’t blow your budget. 

“When you look beyond Amazon for Valentine’s gifts, you’re not just choosing something that’s better crafted or more meaningful — you’re also choosing something that doesn’t have the same ‘one-size-fits-all’ feel,” said Chris Bajda, managing partner at Groomsday. “At Groomsday, our customers are often looking for gifts that break away from the generic, opting for items that carry a deeper connection.”

Let’s take a look at some of the top buys you can opt for other than Amazon purchases.

Also see six budget-friendly Valentine’s Day surprises.

Consider Personalized Gifts That Mean Something

“I’ve learned that the best gifts are the ones that feel special and show you really thought about the recipient,” Bajda said. 

He said personalized gifts are always a winner. Whether it’s a piece of jewelry with a custom engraving or a unique home decor item with a personal message, these gifts stand out because they show you’ve put time and thought into choosing something meaningful. 

“At Groomsday, we offer customized wedding gift sets where customers can add initials, names or even special messages. These types of gifts are more personal and memorable, making them a great choice for Valentine’s Day,” he said.

Groomsday offers many affordable personalized gifts. Additionally, The New York Times recently compiled a list of the best personalized gifts — some of which cost under $25.

Support Local Artisans and Small Businesses

Another great option, according to Bajda, is buying from small businesses or local artisans. Handmade candles, custom chocolates or even unique pieces of art have a certain charm and quality that mass-produced items just can’t match. 

“I bought a handmade leather wallet from a local artisan for a gift last year, and it was a huge hit,” he said. “Plus, the person receiving it knows you’ve put thought into finding something unique, not just something off the shelf.”

Not only do these gifts feel more special, but you’re also supporting small businesses. And according to Forbes, supporting small businesses can benefit your community, as they can reinvest the money into the neighborhood and local events.

Choose Experiences Over Physical Gifts

Experience gifts have been growing in popularity, and for good reason, Bajda said. Money expert Rachel Cruze recently explained in a video that spending money on experiences over stuff, as long as it’s part of your budget, can improve your life and money.

Rather than giving something physical, Bajda recommended gifting an experience — a cooking class, a wine tasting or a weekend getaway. 

“These gifts are personal, memorable and create lasting memories,” he said. “We’ve helped couples plan customized honeymoon itineraries or unique date nights that are tailored to their preferences. It’s a great way to give something that’s less about the item itself and more about the experience.”

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