10 Valentine's Day Gifts on Amazon that Won't Break the Bank

* Heart Pendant Necklace

I used to hate buying jewelry because it's so expensive, but then I realized that it wasn't jewelry that I hated, it was that guy Byron who runs the store at the mall. Here, think your girl might want a pretty heart-shaped whatever to wear once and then forget about? Ten bucks. (Buy it here - $14.99)

* Ferrero Rocher, Flat 48 Count

Listen, Valentine's Day is about one thing: Chocolate (...Oh, and love, I guess.) For some reason, the only chocolate options at the store this time of year are the $5 Russell Stover junk, or the $80 giant heart filled with diabetes. Get these. They're elegant, relatively cheap, and they actually taste good. (Buy it here - $16.44)

* Burt's Bees Set

Apparently, many women have skin that's dryer than a desert iguana's, because they're always buying more and more lotion. Either that, or my wife is building a secret stockpile in anticipation of a global shortage of lemon butter cuticle cream. 

My point is, if you're at a loss of what to get a girl as a gift, get this. It's thirteen bucks, and, with a bow added, could look vaguely like a Valentine's Day gift. (Buy it here - $11.99)

* Satin Robe

Do you have any idea what the mall considers a fair price for a robe these days? Eighty bucks! For a loose-fitting shawl with a belt! Only crazy people and desperate guys shopping on February 13th would pay those prices. You, though... You're smarter than that. I can tell. (Buy it here - $29.99)

* Fuzzy Socks (3  Pairs)

You can never have enough fuzzy socks. OK, that's not true; three pairs of fuzzy socks is probably plenty. Fortunately for you, that's exactly how many are in this bundle, and the 470 weirdos who write reviews of socks on Amazon seem to like them a lot.  (Buy it here - $14.99)

* Fancy-ish Perfume

In honor of the Avon Haiku perfume, I have written this endorsement haiku:

On Valentine's Day

For sure, nothing classier

Than smelly water

(Buy it here - $11.44)

* Ceramic Candle Warmer

For some reason, it's gotten into our collective subconscious that we should gift candles. Yeah sure, they smell great, but after you light them once, candles look all lopsided and weird. This bad boy always looks the same (that is, "nice") and melts fragrant wax better than a wick. You'll never have to step inside a Yankee Candle store ever again, and that alone is worth sixteen dollars. (Buy it here - $17.06)

* Oh, the Places You'll Go (Hardcover)

I know that Dr. Seuss's Oh, The Places You'll Go is generally viewed as a graduation gift, but stay with me, here. At the heart of this book is a simple message: "Don't give up, because I believe in you," and personally, I don't think there's anything more romantic than hearing that from your boyfriend or girlfriend. To be safe, maybe buy some chocolates, too, but seriously at $10 this one's a winner. Trust me. (Buy it here - $10)

* Gift Tower full of Snacks and Sweets

If you have the kind of girl who likes getting lots of little things, this gift tower's got you covered. Why is it lime-colored? Because getting things in red boxes this time of year comes with a 50% markup. Throw a bow on it if it bothers you so much. We're just thinking about your bottom line, here. (Buy it here - $27.45)

* Casio Wristwatch

Personally, I prefer to give a practical gift. That's why for every holiday I give my wife nothing but multi-packs of AAA batteries and paper towels. I understand, though, that some people might want their gift to have a bit more pizzazz. So, here's a nice little watch for under $10. Everybody wins. (Buy it here - $9.48)

Getting the right backpack

How to make sure you have the right backpack 

It's that time of year again - back to school. And Consumer Reports has some backpack-buying advice to help you gear up when it comes to back to school shopping.

For many students, back-to-school happiness hinges on the backpack.

"I like to focus, like, on the color, see how much space is in it, pockets to hold, you know, extra stuff," said student Melanie Telleria.

"The most important thing is fit, for sure," said Alex Willen

"If a backpack has the right features and it fits properly, then a good one will distribute the weight more evenly on your body and take pressure off of your back and shoulders," said Willen.

"If you see things like loose threads or sloppy stitching, raw, unfinished edges, it's usually a sure sign that the bag wasn't made well," said Willen.

Buying a new back-to-school backpack ? Here's what you need to know :

When choosing a backpack, most important thing is fit. Look for straps that are wide, padded and contoured. The top of the shoulder straps should sit one or two inches below the shoulders.

You want the bottom of the pack to rest in the small of your back -- never more than four inches below the waistline. Also look for a backpack with a good, padded waist belt.

If a backpack has the right features and it fits properly, then a good one will distribute the weight more evenly on your body and take pressure off of your back and shoulders.

Another important step to preventing injury is be careful how much your child carries. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends students carry no more than 10 to 20 percent of their own body weight in a backpack. Reflective trim can also be important, particularly if your child walks to school.

Sporty

To kit out the sporty kids, there are packs and bags designed to carry the maximum amount of gear and even a few books. And some have a bottom compartment for dirty cleats or other stinky gear. 


Nike Hayward Futura M 2.0 Backpack  :

This Nike® Hayward Futura M 2.0 backpack lets you store your stuff in streamlined style. A large main compartment, organizational system and laptop sleeve provide a place for everything, and the padded back panel and adjustable straps promise comfy carrying. The front is detailed with an oversized Nike wordmark that offers a super-sporty look.

Features
    600D polyester material
    Zippered main compartment
    Laptop sleeve
    Organizational system
    Key clip
    Adjustable straps
    Cushioned back panel
    Top loop
    Screenprinted Nike wordmark
    Dimensions: H 18 in x W 15 in x D 7 in
    Volume: 1,526 cu in

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Classic SuperBreak Backpack :

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Messenger Bags

They're all the rage among pint-sized commuters. They're perfect for laptop or tablet-toting teens and tweens. Typically having one large pouch with a zippered section in the flap, messenger bags often hold as much as a backpack but with a different, more hipster look than the typical double-strapper. 

Skooba Design Skooba Satchel V.3 Mini :

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L.L.Bean :

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Budding Fashionistas

All sorts of funky prints, chic looking totes and patterned packs are available. You'll have to shell out upwards of $40 for the haute carriers, but it's a grand chance to showcase personality. One startup called Bold Face lets you upload a photo or your own design and they'll print it on a knapsack.  

Herschel Supply Co. "City - Mid Volume" Backpack :

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MadPax :

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Multi-Use

For anyone who camps or travels, it might be smart to spend a few extra bucks to own a high-quality, versatile backpack. Use it for school and then dump out the books for weekend hikes or outdoor adventures. This backpack is perfect for school or outdoor activities:

Grab all your gear and go in the reliable, durable Refugio from Patagonia®. Made with three main pockets, the Refugio maximizes storage while the main compartment comes with a padded sleeve that securely stores your laptop. Air Flow mesh on the shoulder straps provides a comfortable carry in the Patagonia® Refugio 28L backpack while a stretch-woven side pocket securely holds water bottles to keep you hydrated.

FEATURES:
    Three main pockets maximize storage and keep you organized
    Main compartment includes a padded sleeve that securely stores up to a 15" laptop
    Sleeve also can hold a hydration reservoir, which is great for backpacking
    Second, zip-closing pocket holds smaller items and is great for keys, pens, business cards, etc.
    Exterior vertical zip pocket offers quick access to a wallet, tickets and your smartphone
    Brushed tricot-lined pocket on the pack's top securely stores sunglasses or an audio device
    Stretch-woven side pockets are great for holding water bottles
    Air Flow mesh on shoulder straps and back panel offer breathability and carrying comfort
    Sternum strap comes with an emergency whistle for safety
    Compression straps help to stabilize and hold contents
    Durable, light recycled polyester with water-repellant finish protects your gear

SPECS:
    Best Uses: School, Sports
    Number of pockets: 5
    Carry-on Size: Yes
    Weight: 1 lb., 8 oz
    Volume: 28 L
    Dimensions: 20" x 13" x 10.5"
    Fabric: 7.5 oz 450-Denier Recycled Polyester Plain Weave

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See Also: 
10 Cute High Heels Inspirations To Complete Your Girly Style

10 Cute High Heels Inspirations

10 Cute High Heels Inspirations To Complete Your Girly Style

Yes, shoes can come in various designs, styles, and shapes. Even today’s high heels aren’t too ‘serious’ and can look playful and fun. For those wanting to look stylish while adding several inches for their height, the high heels can really be the perfect comforter. Different styles can deliver different effects and outcome. Be sure that you choose the right high heels before you decide to purchase a pair.

Open toe high heels are perfect for those with perfect toe shape. You can even boost the look with the right nail polish. Besides the regular open toe (or peep toe, some may say), you can choose the gladiator form with lots of slits and openings. The forms are different – from the regular high heels with the thick heels to the pointy stiletto. You can also have the heels or the wedges basic – depending on your preference. Some shoes may come with alternative accessories like bow, belt accent, and ankle straps. But be sure that your feet looks good wearing shoes with those accents. Bow accent, for instance, can make your feet look drowned, especially if you have bulky or big feet. Ankle straps, for example, won’t look so good for those with big legs calf. It won’t look good for those with short legs either.

Buying the most expensive shoes doesn’t always guarantee that you will look good and stylish. Be sure to choose the ones suit your figure. After all, choosing the right high heels should compliment your look, not diminishing it.

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