You just started dating.  The relationship is new and you like each other a lot but that doesn’t mean you are going to drop hundreds of dollars on a weekend getaway to Aspen or Victoria Island for Valentine’s Day.  So you sit…and ponder. What, in goodness name, could you possibly give?  No wahala, no worry! With the holiday of Amor just around the corner, afiive has got you covered with very affordable gift ideas for the new beau in your life.

1. Cook a meal

Nothing says I love you like a nice, home cooked meal.  Gentlemen, we ladies think its sexy when you get in the kitchen and burn a little for us.  And ladies, we get wined and dined on a regular, would be nice to throw down one serious and satisfying meal for the man every now and again. Valentines Day presents the perfect opportunity.  Get creative and incorporate the theme of the day into your meal; the new beau is sure to appreciate the effort

Bonus: For more edible gift ideas, click here.

2. Write A Card

Take it a step further than the classic Hallmark card that spells out sentiments you didn’t even know you had. Buy a card that’s cute on the outside and completely empty on the inside. Grab a pen and write down, in your own words, how you feel.  You could write a poem, a verse from a song that reminds you of the other, or just talk about your favorite memory of the person – maybe your first day or the funny/awkward things you used to do before you actually snagged your beau.  Sweet = sexy

3. Burn a CD

If done right, you can have your new beau thinking about you virtually everywhere they go.  Put together a CD of songs that are special to the two of you, songs that remind you of moments you shared or songs, etc.  It doesnt have to be straight R&B, Norah Jones or Sade. Mix it up. Throw a little Jay on there, some Dbanj, a dose of Ursh, Asa and a host of others. You’ll have the beau bumping in the car, at work, at the gym and at home with a smile on their face and you on their mind.

4. Coupon Book

Remember when you were younger, you made coupons for your parents to redeem – a free “clean up your room” card or a “leave me alone I want to sleep, go play somewhere” pass?  Well you could make one for the new beau. Throw together a redeemable coupon book  for a hot oil massage, foot rub, and “Beau’s Choice” opportunities.  You could even include coupons for practical things like a tire change, full tank of gas, books for school.  Use your imagination for both sexy and smart coupon ideas.

5. Store Bought

• A really good book – If your new beau is a reader and you have a good handle on their taste in books (or you overheard them telling someone else how much they want to read a certain book) stop by Borders and scoop it up for them.  They’ll love it and it will show that you appreciate their affinity for books.
• Perfume - Scent is among the most alluring things about any individual and who doesnt want to smell good.  Perhaps not the most creative gift, but definitely one the benefits both your nose and theirs. Get them a scent that is bold and unique. You want the scent to stand out as much as your beau does.
• Shoes – Guys, it may be a little difficult for you to pick the perfect pair of shoes for your ladyfriend, however, if you two have been out shopping lately and she tried on or pointed to a particular pair that “spoke” to her, but she ended up not being able to get – GET IT FOR HER if you can. The relationship between women and their shoes is similar to that between men and their cars. It’s unexplainable yet powerful.

Interesting Gift Idea: M&M with their face on it.  You won’t be able to get it before Sunday, but if you wanted to do a follow up or a late Valentines Day thing, you could present your beau with candy covered chocolates with their face on it.  Weird…but could be cute.

Gifts to Avoid:

Gift Card – Unless you are handing your beau a 10,000 prepaid visa, don’t get a gift card. It just doesn’t show that you put time and thought into the gift.

Flowers – Flowers are fine but only if the accompany something like the empty card (see Suggestion 2) or are at the table for dinner (See suggestion 1).  Just flowers doesn’t denote enough thought or time. You can get a dozen roses from the gas station down the street in most American cities for 9.99.  Be creative.

So there You have it folks: Gift ideas for the new beau in your life.  What do you think? Anything we missed? Received a gift from a new beau you’d like to share? Add your own suggestions in the comments section below.