8 Last-Minute Valentine's Day Gift Ideas

8 Last-Minute Valentine's Day Gift Ideas
By Kaboodle.com

Even if you’ve waited until the 11th hour to do your shopping (or the holiday almost slipped your mind altogether) you don’t have to look like a stupid cupid this Valentine’s Day. Just check out the following eight thoughtful gift ideas that are easy and fast to pull off.



1. Print Artful, Anything-but-Average Greetings
Got a color printer? If so, you can have beautiful frame-worthy greetings from independent artists at your fingertips—no standing in line at crowded stores for a generic greeting. All it takes is browsing Etsy.com's wide selection of printable greetings, from a variety of artists. After you purchase the print using Paypal, the seller will email you a PDF or a link to download and print your work of art. Personalize it by writing sweet nothings to your loved one on it. Your Valentine will be so touched that he or she will never suspect it’s hot off the presses!




2. Sweeten Up Your Bouquet
She might get wise to your procrastination if you gift her a standard supermarket bouquet of flowers you picked up on your way home. However, if you add a personal (and sweet!) touch, she’ll never catch on! Purchase chocolate truffles (available at most grocery stores) and stick them on skewers so you can intersperse them in the bouquet. It’s easy, but adds a little something extra.





3. Set a Romantic Dinner for Two
Too late to score a reservation? Not a problem! Grab takeout from your sweetie’s favorite restaurant and present it on your nicest china. Ambiance is everything so light candles and arrange food artfully on the plate. If you want to add an extra special element, consider setting up a picnic in front of your fireplace. Simply changing up your routine can do wonders for creating a romantic evening, without a lot of fuss or preparation time.



4. Surprise with a Getaway
With sites like Orbitz.com and LastMinute.com, you have a great excuse to wait until the 11th hour—especially when you surprise your loved one with a mini vacation! Plus, your procrastination can actually pay off—you can save up to 70% when you book at the last minute on these sites! . It takes a little flexibility and spontaneity to pull this off, but there are few things more romantic than surprising your honey with weekend getaway for two!




5. Send a Personalized E-Gift Card
Many stores, such as Amazon, allow you to send your recipient a gift card via e-mail or Facebook. There couldn’t possibly be anything easier or more instantaneous, and who doesn’t love the opportunity to get what they really want?! Amazon even has Valentine’s Day-themed designs and messaging. Alternatively, you can purchase the gift card online and print out the coupon to present to your loved one slipped into a card with a sweet message penned by you!



6. Rush Delivery on Flowers
If your Valentine loves the traditional gift of flowers, you can still come through even if you’ve waited until the day of. Teleflora and FromYouFlowers.com offer same-day delivery on bouquets so long as you order before 3 p.m. in your loved one’s time zone.



7. Sign Up Your Sweetie for Food-of-the-Month Clubs
We all know the saying “the fastest way to the heart is through the stomach!” Well, we’ve got your ticket to the express route with monthly food memberships. Savenor’s Meats hosts a variety of clubs that offer everything from bacon to poultry to lamb—starting at just $10 per month. The best part about this gift is that while it’s thoughtful and sure to be savored, it’s the sort of item that has to arrive at a later date so you won’t be found out as a last-minute shopper. Present his membership by writing out the details in a greeting card or printing out menus or a schedule so he can see the savory (or sweet) items he’ll receive!



8. Take Advantage of In-Store Pickup and Overnight Shipping
Shopping online makes it easy pull off last-minute shopping! If the guy in your life is a gadget guru, order the latest e-reader, iPhone accessory, or video game from Best Buy and select in-store pickup to breeze through checkout. Since Best Buy isn’t your typical go-to store for Valentine’s Day gifts, you won’t have a problem with items being out of stock or stores being overrun with shoppers. Most guys would prefer a useful gadget than something heart-shaped anyway. Alternatively, clothes also make great gifts for the loved one you know really well. Order from a trusted online retailer like Zappos, which offers free overnight shipping!

Quoted: http://shopping.yahoo.com/articles/yshoppingarticles/522/8-last-minute-valentines-day-gift-ideas/