Valentine's Day gift baskets for under $20? Trend inspires creativity, affordability
Despite TikTok's uncertainties, trends are continuing to pop up on the short-form video platform. And recently, users are gearing up for Valentine's Day, hoping to inspire others on how to give thoughtful and affordable gifts.
In a TikTok video posted earlier this month, 23-year-old Fabiola Reyes shows her followers how to make a Valentine's Day gift basket with items from Dollar Tree and Walmart, all for $20. The video had garnered nearly five million views as of Wednesday and appeared to spawn a trend of TikTokers sharing their affordable gift baskets for Valentine's Day.
In her video, Reyes purchases a two-pack of Valentine's Day baskets, a fuzzy pink headband, two claw hairclips, a tinted lip oil, a pink hand mirror and a three-pack of Ferrero Rocher hazelnut chocolates from Dollar Tree. She then goes to Walmart, where she purchases a Valentine's Day t-shirt and Valentine's Day stuffed animal. By the end, Reyes said she spent $18.40.
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In a follow-up video, which shows the basket in more detail, the video's on-screen caption reads, "This was all under $20. You have no excuse to not get her anything this Valentine's."
Following the success of her video, Reyes created another, targeted this time for a man's gift.
In this video, Reyes purchases a Valentine's Day basket, single pack of Flamin' Hot Cheetos Puffs, a jar of 52 Fun Things To Do On Date Night, a black beanie and a Coleman citronella candle from Dollar Tree and an 18-ounce black stainless steel tumbler and Gillette shaving cream from Walmart. Reyes also purchased a wallet-sized photo of herself to add to the basket for 99 cents from Walgreens. The grand total came out to $20.27, Reyes said.
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What inspired the $20 Valentine's Day gift basket trend?
Reyes said she was inspired to create her video because of how expensive gift giving can be.
"I know that times are hard right now and I wanted to help people out by giving them ideas on what to gift their significant other, friend, coworker, etc. on a budget without having to break the bank," Reyes said.
The content creator was also inspired by another similar trend − the creation of "Brr Baskets." Brr Baskets, which gained popularity during the 2024 holiday season, are another type of gift basket, full of cozy items like fuzzy socks, hot tea and scented candles.
Though Reyes' Valentine's Day basket video has gained millions of views, the TikToker is popularly known for her videos that center around affordability, including Lululemon lookalikes at Walmart, makeup looks done completely with Dollar Tree products and Christmas shopping at TJ Maxx on a limited budget.
Expanding the trend
Twenty-six-year-old Precious Beeman, known as Stitched by Precious on TikTok, has also hopped on the trend. Her original $20 Valentine's Day gift basket video had more than 3.2 million views, as of Wednesday.
"The response was overwhelming, with people asking for more themed baskets based on different characters, colors, shows, etc.," Beeman said. "That's when I decided to turn it into a series, creating Valentine's Day gift ideas that anyone could put together for their loved ones."
As of Wednesday, Beeman had posted more than 10 videos creating themed Valentine's Day baskets, from franchises like "Bluey," "Nightmare Before Christmas" and Hello Kitty.
Per a request, Beeman also made a Spider-Man Valentine's Day basket with items from Walmart. In her video, Beeman purchases a heart-shaped basket, Spider-Man stuffed bouquet, Spider-Man throw blanket, two boxes of Spider-Man Valentine's Day chocolates, a Spider-Man Funky toy, a Spider-Man Valentine's Day mailbox, various Valentine's Day candy, a teddy bear made from fake roses and a set of Spider-Man socks. She did not indicate the price of the basket at the end of the video.
"Gift-giving is my love language, so it’s been so fun and fulfilling to inspire others to create personalized gifts," Beeman said. "Being able to express myself through creativity is something I really enjoy, and I hope it brings some extra joy and smiles this Valentine’s Day. It’s all about making the day feel special, no matter your budget."
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Make a Valentine's Day gift basket for $20 or less in latest trend
