Gifts have overtaken everything in a relationship. Roses over commitment, a spa vacation over monogamy, and solitaires well, over just about everything else! Emotional connections and sweet nothings are passé; the longevity of a relationship now depends on how much you're willing to dish out; monetarily! So is to say that only the big buckers get some? What about us regulars with a limited cash flow, or those times when we are really strapped for dough?
The meagre 50
Mixed CD
Mixed tapes used to be the ultimate declaration of youthful love. Though CDs still aspire to that romantic standard, it is a nice gift if you know what your music your partner likes and wants.
See this
This works only if your loved one is an early riser. An early morning ticket to the talkies can never go wrong with a movie-buff.
Slip 'em on
Colourful, comfy and affordable, ‘Osho chappals' make for a super gift, when you can't rack your head for any other ideas.
Nail it
A few brands offers these mini-bottles in funky colours at Rs. 20 or so a bottle; gift her a couple.
Pinned up
The street kiosks to your rescue. Display a variety of hair accessories — multi-colored scrunchies, tic-tacs in all colours, shapes and sizes, hair bands and hair-clips. Adorn her tresses with these.
Rs. 200 and above
If your budget goes up by a fragment…
Cheap sparkles
So what if you can't afford that sapphire rock; she'll just have to make do with an amethyst for now. Danglers, studs, neck-pieces, rings, bracelets, anklets and toe rings are all available in metal with semi-precious stones at most malls.
Scentimental
Perfumes would be the way to go, but with a limited budget, body sprays are your next best. You could also go in for a fruit scented body wash or body scrubs which are at your disposal at any beauty store.
Top it up
Mobile bills playing villain to your all night conversations and texts? This gift is really simple, just recharge her SIM card.
Cover it up
Granted you'd love to gift her a BlackBerry, but settle for a scorching hot cell phone cover instead. A bejewelled one is an option for the ladies, and a Harley encrypted one for the men.
Book 'er now
There are a few books you can buy in this range (we trust you know what she likes to read). Leftover Classics from Penguin's 75 anniversary collection are priced in this bracket. So are some versions of To Kill a Mockingbird.
The pit stop
Rs 500 actually does give you a large variety to choose from
Hair's a way
What do women most freak out about and consequently pamper the most? Their hair! Get her a hair salon certificate for a haircut/hot-oil treatment/hair spa and see the loving in returns these bring you!
‘Inside'r tip
This one could work for both of you. Malls and lingerie boutiques have an assortment for you to feast your eyes on.
Etched
Well, we've had celeb couples sporting their love on their arms and other parts, so if you want to really make your better half feel special gift them a permanent tattoo; like maybe your name, initials or possibly your jersey number/date of birth. One caution though: This is lifelong, so be absolutely sure.
The instalments
Fancy something fancy for them? Most electronic stores provide month instalments (EMI) starting at as less as Rs 500. So that high end home theatre system or an iPod is not very far from your reach.
Not all about money, honey
There are some things money can't buy, so here are some cashless options.
Get poetic
Poetry works. Really! Most people (we're not talking only women) are enamoured by anything classic. So, pen a poem for and they'll be floored. It doesn't have to be all mush, you can also write a limerick about the day you met. If you can't think of anything, rhyme. For those not afraid to plagiarize copy and paste one from WB Yeats or E E Cummings — you could never go wrong.
Log on
If the object of your affection has a website, or writes a daily blog detailing Rajma-Chawal adventures, gift them subscriptions to more services or probably buy them extra storage on that pro account.
IOU
Your wallet is empty, but they are a lot of things money can't buy; get those. Use good stationery that you have at home, decorate it a bit to make it look pretty and spell out a big IOU (I owe you). This could be used by him/her to get that special gift which, you will be able to afford on the first of the next month.
Collage
If you've been dating for a while, you will definitely have some pictures together. Take some new ones if need be and make your girl/boyfriend a memory album, something they'll cherish for a long time to come.
