Love is in the air, roses are blooming (or wilting depending on the sun in Lagos), and your wallet is… well, let’s just say it’s feeling a little shy right now.  Nigeria’s economy is giving us all a run for our money, we’re feeling the pinch, but that doesn’t mean you should skimp on showing your love for your boo — whether that’s your partner, your crush, or even your best friend. Showing them how much you care shouldn’t require selling your organs; in fact, it’s the little things that matter.

With a little creativity, some thoughtful planning, a lot of love, you can still create a memorable experience, so we’ve thoughtfully curated some budget-friendly gift ideas that’ll still make your val feel like the absolute MVP.

Personalized Playlist/Mixtape (Yes, We Still Do This)

Music is the universal language of love, so create a playlist or mixtape filled with songs that remind you of them or that you think they’d love. Include songs that represent your relationship milestones or just bangers that you know they’ll vibe to.

A Favorite Book/Magazine 

If your val is a bookworm, surprise them with a new book by their favorite author or a subscription to their favorite magazine. Pair it with some cozy socks and a warm blanket for the best reading experience.

Curated Snack Box

Assemble a box filled with their favorite snacks, drinks, and maybe even a small quirky gift like a fun pair of socks or a cool keychain. It shows you pay attention to their tastes and it’s perfect for a movie night in (which, let’s face it, is way more romantic than fighting for a table at a crowded restaurant).

The “Open When…” Letters 

This is peak sentimental and super personal. Grab some cute stationery (or just use your phone to design some digital ones) and write a series of letters for them to open during specific moments. “Open when you’re feeling down,” “Open when you miss me,” “Open when you’re celebrating a win,” etc. It’s a gift that keeps on giving and shows you’re thinking of them even when you’re not physically together. Bonus points if you add some inside jokes or drawings.

A “Date Night In” Kit

Create a kit for a perfect date night in. Include things like a movie, popcorn, their favorite snacks, a bottle of wine (or their preferred beverage), and maybe even a board game or card game.

Romantic Shoutout on Bounce 89.1FM

Let’s take it up a notch, shall we? If your love is a sucker for music, this one’s for you. Reach out to Bounce 89.1FM, and request a personalized love dedication during one of the romantic playlists. Let them know you’d like to surprise your partner with a special shout-out during a love song.

Custom Handwritten Coupon Book

This one’s a classic, but it’s still incredibly sweet. Create a coupon book filled with personalized offers for your partner. These could range from “a free massage” to “dinner of your choice” to “an uninterrupted movie marathon.” Tailor each coupon to something that reflects your relationship, and let your partner redeem them whenever they feel like it.