Creative and Affordable Valentine’s Day Gift Baskets for Under $20
TikToker Fabiola Reyes shared her inspiration: “Times are tough, and I want to help people find budget-friendly gift ideas without overspending.”
Despite some uncertainty on TikTok, new trends continue to emerge on the platform. Currently, users are preparing for Valentine’s Day and aiming to share ideas for thoughtful yet inexpensive gifts.
In a TikTok clip released earlier this month, 23-year-old Fabiola Reyes demonstrates how to create a Valentine’s Day gift basket using items from Dollar Tree and Walmart, totaling just $20. By Wednesday, her video had accumulated nearly five million views, sparking a wave of TikTokers eager to share their own affordable gift baskets for the holiday.
In her video, Reyes picks up a pair of Valentine’s Day baskets, a fuzzy pink headband, two claw hair clips, tinted lip oil, a pink hand mirror, and a pack of three Ferrero Rocher chocolates—all from Dollar Tree. Next, she heads to Walmart to buy a Valentine’s Day t-shirt and a stuffed animal. She concludes by revealing the total cost: $18.40.
In a subsequent video that showcases the gift basket in detail, an on-screen caption reads, “This was all under $20. You have no excuse not to get her something this Valentine’s.”
After her initial success, Reyes released another video focused on gift ideas for men.
In this follow-up, she gathers a Valentine’s Day basket, a single pack of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Puffs, a jar of “52 Fun Things To Do On Date Night,” a black beanie, and a citronella candle from Dollar Tree, along with an 18-ounce black stainless steel tumbler and Gillette shaving cream from Walmart. To add a personal touch, she includes a wallet-sized photo of herself for 99 cents from Walgreens. In total, Reyes spent $20.27.
What Sparked the $20 Valentine’s Day Gift Basket Trend?
Reyes pointed out that she wanted to create her video because gift-giving can be quite pricey.
“I know people are facing challenges right now, and I aimed to provide suggestions for gifts that anyone can afford for their significant other, friends, or coworkers without overspending,” Reyes shared.
She was also inspired by another trend—“Brr Baskets.” This concept gained traction during the 2024 holiday season and involved creating cozy gift baskets filled with items like fuzzy socks, herbal tea, and scented candles.
Although Reyes’ Valentine’s Day basket video has received millions of views, she is also well-known for her other budget-friendly content. This includes videos featuring Walmart alternatives to Lululemon, makeup tutorials using only Dollar Tree products, and holiday shopping at TJ Maxx on a budget.
The Trend Expands
Twenty-six-year-old Precious Beeman, who goes by Stitched by Precious on TikTok, has also joined the trend, with her original $20 Valentine’s Day basket video garnering over 3.2 million views by Wednesday.
“The response was incredible, with viewers requesting more themed baskets based on different characters, colors, shows, etc.,” Beeman explained. “That motivated me to start a series showcasing Valentine’s Day gift ideas that anyone can create for their special someone.”
By Wednesday, Beeman had released more than ten videos featuring themed Valentine’s Day baskets inspired by franchises like “Bluey,” “Nightmare Before Christmas,” and Hello Kitty.
Responding to viewer demand, Beeman also made a Spider-Man-themed Valentine’s Day basket using items from Walmart. In her video, she collects a heart-shaped basket, a Spider-Man stuffed bouquet, a Spider-Man blanket, two boxes of Spider-Man chocolates, a Spider-Man toy, a Valentine-themed Spider-Man mailbox, various candies, a teddy bear made from faux roses, and a set of Spider-Man socks. She did not disclose the basket’s total cost at the video’s end.
“Gift-giving is my love language; it’s been a joy to motivate others to craft unique gifts,” Beeman said. “Being able to express my creativity is something I genuinely enjoy, and I hope it adds extra joy and smiles this Valentine’s Day. It’s about making the day feel special, regardless of your budget.”
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross.
