Top 8 Budget Friendly Valentine's Day Gift Ideas: Updated For 2024

Looking for a budget-friendly Valentine's Day gift?

Expensive Valentine’s Day gifts are all well and good. If you and your partner are decadent types who love nothing more than a lavish candle-lit dinner and big romantic gestures, it’s not a concern to splash the cash on Valentine’s Day. 

But a lot of us can’t justify spending a lot on one day of the year just to remind our partner that we are not yet sick of them! Let’s be honest; most reasonable significant others are not expecting us to spend our life savings on extravagant gifts this February 14th – you can surprise them with something fun and romantic without having to sell your possessions.

We've rounded up our favourite budget-friendly gifts, from unforgettable experience days to affordable gift sets. Read on to find out our top picks for cheap and easy Valentine’s Day gifts that will still put a smile on your partner’s face.

Stargazing Experience Gifts

Why not ditch the traditional candlelit dinner and surprise your beloved with a Stargazing Experience in Oudtshoorn! Surrounded by the beauty of the Klein Karoo desert at dusk, you'll watch as the sky transforms into a magnificent canvas adorned with countless glittering stars. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you'll look through a specialised telescope whilst they navigate you through the vastness of the cosmos. Delve into the timeless connection between the night sky and our exploration of the world, spanning countless millennia. So, grab your blankets, bring some snacks, and prepare for a romantic evening under the twinkling African sky!

Featured Experience: Stargazing Experience in Oudtshoorn - From R 790

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Skincare Gifts

You don’t need to spend a fortune to pamper yourself (or your partner). The Body Shop is well-respected for their eco-friendly, sustainable approach to cosmetics and toiletries and has a lot of great gifting options for the most romantic day of the year. 

This Body Shop Trio Shower Gel gift set will be a sweet-smelling addition to their bath time routine, making them feel instantly pampered in the comfort of their own home. With Strawberry, Pink Grapefruit and Mango as the chosen scents, your giftee will be spoilt for choice.

Featured Gift: The Body Shop Trio Shower Gel - From R 150

Spa Experience Gifts

Treat your loved one to a much-needed break with this Express Spa Day in Fourways, Gauteng. This getaway offers access to the spa's award-winning facilities, including a heated indoor pool, Swiss shower, steam room, and Himalayan salt room. Choose between a refreshing express facial or a thirty-minute back, neck, and shoulder massage, complemented by an express manicure and pedicure.

Indulge in relaxation, expertly delivered by qualified professionals using premium beauty products. The spa's top-notch customer care ensures a rejuvenating experience. This Express Spa Day makes an ideal Valentine's Day gift for anyone craving a brief escape. Surprise your partner with an Experience Days gift voucher and let them unwind in style.

Featured Experience: On The Go Express Spa Day in Fourways Gauteng - From R 780

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Dance Class Experience Gifts

Experience the enchanting world of Argentine Tango with a Private One-Hour Lesson in Cape Town. Led by experienced instructor Rachael, discover the dance's intricate beauty, fostering a deeper connection with your partner as you gracefully move as one. Rachael, a tango enthusiast since 2001, offers a holistic teaching approach emphasising non-verbal communication and a mindful connection between partners. Regardless of your dance proficiency, you'll witness remarkable progress in just one hour.

The Tango Class is a perfect opportunity for partners to reconnect through this passionate new hobby. Surprise your beloved with an Experience Days voucher, turning this unique experience into an extraordinary Valentine's Day gift.

Featured Experience: Private Couples Tango Lesson in Cape Town - From R 600

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Book Voucher

If your partner is a bookworm, you can’t go wrong with a book voucher from Exclusive Books South Africa this Valentine’s Day. With titles ranging from biographies to literary fiction to cookbooks and more, they’ll have plenty of choice to keep them entertained.

Whether they want to brush up on their knowledge, try some self-help for the new year, or lose themselves in fiction, they’re sure to find a book for them. Give the gift of reading this Valentine’s Day!

Featured Gift: Exclusive Books South Africa Book Voucher - Various Prices

Segway Experience Gifts

If your partner is a fan of unusual vehicles, this Express Segway Tour in Durban will make a unique Valentine’s Day gift. Whilst booking their experience, your partner can choose either the Moses Mabhida Stadium Tour or the Golden Mile Tour that takes them down the iconic promenade on the Durban coastline.

Whichever they decide to go for, they’re guaranteed plenty of fantastic photo opportunities, expert tuition from the instructor, and a full 45 minutes of fun facts and interesting stories. They can discover the 80,000 capacity Stadium and learn about its history and engineering, or glide along the seafront to the famous Suncoast Casino which homes its own semi-private beach - rated one of the top three in South Africa! This makes an unforgettable experience gift for Valentine’s Day.

Featured Experience: Express Segway Tour Experience in Durban - From R 300

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Rock Climbing Experience Gifts

Treat your partner to the gift of a new hobby, and learn to Rock Climb in Cape Town together! Rock climbing and bouldering are fun and entertaining sports that happen to be great for your health - exercise that doesn't feel like exercise is definitely the best kind! 

Whether your partner is a seasoned climber or has never tried before, the friendly staff will make sure they're comfortable and confident in what they're doing, so the two of you can help each other reach those goals. The day pass is valid on weekdays and weekends throughout the year, giving you and your partner access to the gym for a full day. The equipment is all provided by the centre, so all you have to bring is a sense of adventure!

Featured Experience: Rock Climbing Day Pass For Two in Cape Town - From R 220

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Horse Riding Experience Gifts

Take your partner on a unique equestrian adventure with this relaxed and enjoyable Horse Riding Trail in Stellenbosch. Your scenic journey begins at Wild Clover Farm with a friendly instructor providing a brief tutorial on saddling up, mounting, and riding your majestic steed. Once you're at ease on horseback, the group sets off on a captivating trail towards either Pete's Place or the expansive Villiera wine farm. Experience the enchanting natural beauty of Stellenbosch in a leisurely 60-minute horse ride.

This equestrian escapade is a perfect Valentine's Day gift for animal lovers and those who appreciate the outdoors. Treat your loved one to the joy of horseback riding while immersing yourselves in the picturesque landscapes of Stellenbosch. Create cherished memories and share the thrill of exploring nature together.

Featured Experience: One Hour Horse Riding Trail in Stellenbosch - From R 440

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Thanks for reading our guide to romantic, budget-friendly Valentine's Day gifts. We hope you've found something perfect for your partner, but if you're still looking you can browse our full range of experience gifts.