From Her Perspective

A reader recently asked me what the best gift I ever got under $50 was — a flower made out of tissue paper and a pipe cleaner. I’m serious. Even though it was probably one of the uglier things I’ve ever seen (sort of technicolor and childlike), it was sweet.

Living in and around Boston, one of the most expensive cities in which to reside, we’re all looking for ways to do things on the cheap — I mean, on the it’s-the-thought-that-counts route. More than likely none of us are rolling in hundreds. Even poker games have a $5 limit, right?

So, here’s a list of 10 gifts under $50 for your significant other:

• Gift certificate to get nails done — anywhere between $10 and $20
• Gift certificate for pedicure — $30-35
• Gift certificates — in any amount for $50 and under, to her favorite store
• Sex and the City DVD set — $42 (will keep her busy in the other room while baseball is on)
• Troy DVD — $20 (a naked Brad Pitt, priceless)
• Subscription to her favorite magazine — $25 or under for 12 issues
• Homemade coupons for a massage — $2-3 for paper from CVS
• A bouquet of daisies — $10 or less (free if you pick them from your neighbor’s yard)
• Tickets to a Boston Cannons, North Shore Spirit or New England Revolution game — $40 or less (a win-win gift— sports and beer for you, eye candy for her)
• Detail her car — priceless (something she probably wouldn’t do herself and will win you LOTS of brownie points)

These gifts are just a few ideas that will require little time spent at the mall and minimal effort. They’re quick, they’re easy and you can be home in time for the Simpsons. But the best part is these gifts are also thoughtful, something she’ll appreciate. And they won’t have you filing bankruptcy even before you sign the receipt.

However, if you’re looking to do something a little more elaborate you might consider taking her on a picnic to an area park or the beach (well, when the weather gets warmer. She’d probably just complain about the cold, unless she likes that sort of thing).

Or if you live together, for one night you could make her dinner and then afterwards clear the table and do the dishes. Even if you’re not a gourmet chef and can only make macaroni and cheese from the box, she’ll just be happy she’s not the one cooking.

Of course, if all else fails you could always make her a flower out of tissue paper and a pipe cleaner. Or abandon all these ideas and just ask her the question every woman is dying to hear

— “Honey, may I take you shoe shopping?”