Friday, February 6, 2015

Valentine's Day Countdown: The Top Five Types of Quick 'N Easy Gift Solutions!

By: Anne M. Raso and Finance Foodie

OK, V-Day is coming up fast and you might be at a loss about what you can get your significant other in a timely fashion that they will really love! So here we go--something for every budget and I admit that I picked out a few extra things for the ladies!

~*~*~*~*~

1. JEWELRY
The ultimate V-Day gift, I found three websites that have fine jewelry at all price points--as low as $35 and as high as $3,500! They can overnight items and the prices are honestly even better than if you dragged your guy over to 47th and made him peruse all the jewelry stores there in the hopes of the ultimate deal. The first site has a greater variety of pearl jewelry than I have seen anywhere (I had no idea they came in so many colors) and is called www.americanpearl.com. There are stunning Tahitian pearl rings (like the green one pictured here set in 14K white gold and diamonds at $1800) and bracelets with and without diamonds that are perfect for that chic NYC lady who likes to always likes to march to the beat of her own drummer! Then there is www.americandiamondshop.com, which has everything from classic diamond stud earrings to engagement rings (if you want to go that far this V-Day)!
American Pearl
Lastly, there is www.truefacet.com, which has Tiffany both new and worn at prices as low as $50 for sterling pieces! You can buy pre-owned luxury watches for HIM at discounts, too, so is not just about bejeweling HER!

2. SPECIAL MEAL
It goes without saying that most couples like to share dinner on Valentine's Day. For carnivores that have ravenous appetites for many varieties of meat, poultry (and fish), I strongly recommend Texas De Brazil at 60th and Third Avenue in midtown Manhattan. You can watch the chefs grilling long skewers of meat (that look like swords) over by the wonderful salad bar that is also included in the $60 all-inclusive price tag (drinks and desserts are not included, BTW). If you sign up for their website www.texasdebrazil.com, you will automatically get $25 off two meals.
Texas de Brazil
You will choose from several cuts of steak that are so tender they fall off the skewers as the wait staff slices them for you at the table, and the chorizo and Brazilian cheese bread are big winners you will not be able to get enough of! I love that the tables are far apart and that both the upstairs and downstairs have a modern, airy feeling with high ceilings.
Puff Cha
Those who want to dine on the cheap and love small intimate dark places should check out the fantastic Thai eatery called Puff Cha--the Basil Chicken traditional curry puffs (AKA “puff cha’”) are to die for, as are the Pork Ribs With Black Sauce over ramen (you can order both for under $20 along with a soft drink)! Puff Ramen is located at 457 West 50th Street between Ninth and Tenth Avenues, reservations not needed (go to www.eatpuffchanyc.com) for more info.
Henri on Fifth 
For those who want to head out off the island, Henri on Fifth (henrionfifth.com), a new restaurant & bar in Park Slope with an energetic, Brooklyn influenced atmosphere, is the perfect spot to boot. Serving an eclectic fusion of small bites and bespoke cocktails, plus a fun selection of retro board games to play, the space is casual cool way to spend Vday!

3. A NICE ACCESSORY 
 ...is always a great gift because you do not need to know sizes, but play it safe if you think a pattern is too bright or funky for your “S.O.”! Ladies love bags, and I fell in love with this wonderful with this Betsey Johnson black and gold quilted faux leather heart tote called Be Mine Again available for $98 at Lord & Taylor and www.lordandtaylor.com. It comes in other color combos as well but this is the most neutral. Or get a gift card for DSW Shoe Warehouse -- it is a great choice for guys and gals who love to get deep discounts on shoes and need the maximum amount of choices!
Be Mine Again bag

4. SWEETS AND OTHER TREATS
I recommend going to www.gourmetgiftbaskets.com for the guy or gal who loves their sweet and savory snacks. You can get everything from boxes full of exotic flavored popcorn (my favorite one offered that is perfect for V-Day is the Strawberry Cheesecake flavor), chocolate dipped strawberries and gift boxes and mix and match a lot of great items.
Snack For My Valentine Gift Basket
Snack For My Valentine is a runaway favorite on the site and features a great mix of popcorn, sweets and nuts for $39.99 in a large tin covered in a cute heart pattern. You get 10 per cent off when you open an account there, too!

5. LAST MINUTE GIFT 
The best way to save your skin if you didn't plan ahead is putting credits into a www.delivery.com account. It takes about ten seconds to fill out the online form and get a name and password, then you put in your zip code and dozens of restaurants, liquor stores (including the legendary Sutton Wine Shop pictured here) grocery stores and dry cleaners in your area pop up.
Sutton Wine Shop
The best thing is that you can choose to pick up or get delivery and most places offer 10 to 20 per cent off for first time users. I guarantee that dozens of your neighborhood faves that you normally could not get a discount on will be there!

****Giveaway****
Congrats Allen!

Financefoodie.com, in collaborating with delivery.com, wants to spread the love to our readers with a giveaway! One (1) lucky reader will win a 100 dollar one time use promo code to spend at delivery.com.

There are THREE ways to enter
1. REQUIRED: In my comments section, tell me what is your favorite way to spend Vday. Also please include your email address so I can contact you if you win!
2. Follow Finance Foodie on Twitter (leave separate comment telling me this)
3. Reblog / Retweet this giveaway (leave separate comment telling me this)

Contest ends Monday, February 9, 2015 at 5pm EST. Winners will be chosen via random integer generator on random.org announced on the financefoodie.com site shortly afterwards that night!

Full Disclosure: Promotional considerations provided by delivery.com. I was not monetarily compensated for this post

No comments:

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...