When friends first set foot in my apartment, the first thing they notice is the abundance of pink, white and red cupcake goodies lining every wall, tabletop and windowsill. Some might call it an unhealthy obsession with cute, but in my opinion, there’s nothing better than waking up to décor that puts a smile on your face.

With that being said, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Valentine’s Day is one of my all time favorite holidays. Yes, even though I know Hallmark is cashing in on my single status with lonely girl chocolates and love of all things girly-chic with massive amounts of glitter.

So, in honor of the loveliest day of the year, here are 10 treats that’ll prep your pad for a romantic evening in or movie night with your unattached gal pals. Oh, and they’re all $16 or under –take that, card store chains!

1. Warm My Heart Tea Infuser ($12.99, modcloth.com).

Forget run-of-the-mill coffee and celebrate Valentine’s Day the creative way with a hot cup of tea and this heart infuser.

2. Cupcake Mug & Spoon ($9.99, kohls.com).

What’s a holiday without a few dozen delicious cupcakes? Here’s one that’ll keep you looking festive, sans the calories!

3. Valentine’s Day Wreath ($15, etsy.com).

What do you get when you combine a vintage French volume and a novel idea? A gorgeous wreath you’ll want to keep on display long after that day of love has passed.

4.  ‘Key to My Heart’ Natural Stone Coasters ($14/ set of four, etsy.com).

Whether you’re drinking alone or sipping wine with the beau, these coasters are an elegant apartment must-have for every gal out there.

 5. ‘Stuck on You’ Arrow Drink Markers ($8/ set of six, fredflare.com).

Hoards of friends hitting up your place for a Valentine’s Day party? They’ll be struck by Cupid’s arrow at the sight of these cute drink markers.

6. Heart Hole Punch ($16, uncommongoods.com).

Feeling those start-of-semester binder blues (yes, that’s a thing)? Add a little love to every sheet of loose-leaf with this heart hole punch! But be warned: you might want to hide it from your roomies!

7. Momiji ‘Love’ doll ($12, lovemomiji.com).

What’s sweeter than a hand painted resin doll from your Valentine? One with a secret love message inside! Give (or get) ‘em as a gift or pick a few and create your own pretty display. I’m officially obsessed!

 8. Frog Salt & Pepper Shakers ($13.95, catchingfireflies.com).

Don’t you wish all of the frogs you’ve ever dated were magically transformed into salt shakers? There’s no harm in daydreaming…or keeping these on your table!

9. 8-Bit Flower Bouquet ($14.99, thinkgeek.com).

Some ladies like flowers, other prefer not to have to tend to a vase of dying roses. But even the most ardent floral naysayer won’t be able to resist this geektastic 8-bit flower bouquet.

 10. Chocolate Magnets ($4.99/ set, orientaltrading.com).

Have you already chowed down on all the chocolate in the house? Make a lasting impression with this sugary-sweet magnet set. Even if the contents in your fridge consist of a jar of pickles and apple juice (like mine does), the only things your guests will notice are these delish treats!

 

Image via CutestFood.com.