List Of EBT Eligible Valentine’s Day Gift – Purchasing a gift for your beloved on Valentine’s Day can be pricey for a lot of couples. The cost of a Valentine’s Day gift on average is $21.47. But you can be surprised to know how people are paying for their Valentine’s gift using EBT assistance cards or food stamp benefits.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is designed to provide health and nutrition support for poor households but it is interesting to note that EBT-accepted stickers are marked on gifts from authorized retailers that accept EBT payments. As for USDA SNAP, you can use food stamps to buy eligible food that can be a part of your Valentine’s Day gift.
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Highlights of this Post
Key Takeaways
- Use EBT for SNAP-eligible Valentine’s Day gifts.
- Gifts must be at least 50% edible food.
- Examples: gift baskets (with mostly food), coffee, tea, seeds, plants.
- Not allowed: flowers, alcohol, tobacco, greeting cards.
- Purchase online (Amazon, Target, Walmart) or in-store.
Can You Purchase Valentine’s Day Gift With SNAP or EBT Benefits?
Yes, it is possible to purchase Valentine’s Day gift baskets, candies and chocolates with EBT benefits. The USDA rules are quite strict but this guide will provide an overview in detail so that you can identify what you can purchase with your EBT that can be a part of your Valentine’s Day gift for your lover. There is a lot of confusion among SNAP recipients about what they can buy with their EBT card and what not.
EBT funds can be used at authorized retailers to purchase eligible food only including candy. As per the official USDA website beneficiaries can use their EBT benefits to buy eligible gift baskets in case the value of the non-food part of the item accounts for more than 50% of the purchase price. If most of the item’s values are edible then you can buy them using your EBT payments.
For instance, a stuffed holiday bear sold with a chocolate box is not allowed for EBT purchase since the value of the stuffed animal is greater compared to the post office candy. However, a Valentine’s gift basket that comprises cheese, snack food, meat including a small toy where the food item accounts for 50% or more of the purchase price of the item can be allowed for EBT purchase.
Interested in knowing: Does H Mart Accept Food Stamp or EBT? Find the answer in our next guide.
What Valentine’s Day Gifts Can I Purchase With My EBT?
Formerly known as food stamps the SNAP is the most critical anti-hunger program in America. USDA SNAP will offer food security to nearly 41.5 million people in 2021 with a monthly allotment of $218.14 per person. If you’re looking for EBT-friendly Valentine’s Day gifts then take a look at the following options that you can cover from any grocery store or online retailer.
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Coffee And Tea
If your beloved is a tea or coffee lover then you can purchase packaged tea or coffee with your EBT card. It is important to note that you cannot purchase ready-to-drink tea or coffee for your partner. Tea and coffee are limited to packaged and unbrewed since USDA does not allow EBT funds to be used for purchasing hot beverages.
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Seeds And Plants
USDA allows EBT recipients to purchase edible plants such as basil or food-producing plants such as tomato plants using their food stamp benefits including seeds for growing produce at their household.
As per USDA a household can grow $25 worth of produce for every dollar spent on fertilizer and seed. You can purchase seeds and plants using your EBT card at any SNAP-approved retailer including the farmers market.
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Snacks Of All Kinds
A lot of people know that SNAP recipients can purchase EBT cards to purchase household groceries like milk, meat or vegetables, bread, and eggs but this also comprises snack items such as chips, chocolate, candy, pretzels, cakes, donuts, pies, pastries, offense, crisps, finger food of all stripes, popcorn, ice cream, churros, scones and many more items. You can also purchase marzipan, popsicles, pudding, and marshmallows.
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Energy Drinks
You can use your food stamp funds to purchase energy drinks, juices or meal replacement shakes for your beloved if they meet the USDA guidelines. It is critical to know that the energy drink should have a Nutrition Facts label marked on it instead of the Supplement Facts label. Any kind of supplements are not approved by EBT.
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Gift Baskets
Depending on what is inside the gift basket USDA enables SNAP recipients to use their EBT card on gift cards or similar purchases as long as half of the inside products are edible foods. Items containing meat and cheese are acceptable however stuffed bears that come with a small package of chocolate are not eligible.
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Meat And Seafood
If your partner loves to consume meat and seafood then you can purchase any kind of meat and seafood using your EBT card. Similar to vitamins, medicine, alcohol, tobacco, live animals are not EBT eligible except for shellfish or fish removed from water and animals slaughtered before pick up from the store.
Read also: Does Lidl Accept Food Stamps or EBT?
What Can’t I Purchase With My EBT For Valentine’s Day Gift?
There are strict guidelines on the type of food or gift baskets that you can purchase using your EBT funds. It is critical to note that you cannot purchase gift baskets with EBT that come with ineligible items such as the following:
- Alcoholic products including wine, liquor beer
- Tobacco products
- Medicine, vitamins or supplements
- Dietary supplements or any products that come with Supplement Facts label
- Products like household and hygiene supplies, pet food, makeup or non-edible items
- Live animals except shellfish and fish available at grocery stores
- Toys, stockings, tin or any baskets comprising non-edible food.
Read also: What can you Shop Online With EBT?
List Of EBT-Eligible Valentine’s Day Gift On Amazon
The Ghirardelli Chocolate Gift Tower
If your partner is a chocolate lover or if he or she is sentimental about San Francisco then gifting them a Ghirardelli Chocolate Gift Tower using your ebt will be a smart choice. The cost of this chocolate box is $33. This gift basket comes with a beautiful blue boxed set and is available on Amazon.
Wine Country Gift Baskets sells the Ghirardelli chocolate gift tower on Amazon and also offers many EBT-friendly Valentine’s Day gifts for people to choose from. You can browse their offerings to find a perfect gift option to give your beloved on Valentine’s Day.
Love Berries
Gifting chocolate-covered strawberries is not only affordable but also an amazing gift option for Valentine’s Day. There are amazing varieties of chocolate-covered strawberries available on Amazon that are also EBT-eligible.
These love berries may come with an additional shipping cost since they’re shipped cold to stay fresh for your partner. The chocolate-covered strawberries are 12 in number and include pink chocolate swirls and decorative sprinkles that make it one of the best EBT-eligible Valentine’s Day gifts. The cost of this gift is $36.51.
Village Date Night Gift Box
You can gift your partner with everything needed to make a perfect Italian dinner at home. The Village Date Night Gift Box that comes with a cost of $89 includes gourmet sauce, handmade pasta, cookies, cheese spreads, crackers and many more options for you to choose from. This is a lovely idea for those looking for an eligible Valentine’s Day gift option. You can inspire your partner to create a romantic dinner at home for Valentine’s Day.
Gourmet Cheese Board Gift Set
You can find California’s Delicious Gourmet Cheese Board Gift option that includes 8-piece sets and comes with a cost of $34.61. The eight-piece cheese board gift set comprises beautiful cutting boards and an adorable little knife that your partner can use again and again. The treat comes with smoked cheese, presence, savory beef steak and many more options.
4 Box Gourmet Food Gift Tower Snack Gift
For those looking for an eligible Valentine’s Day gift within a budget, will find the four-Box Gourmet Gift Tower Snack Gift a worthwhile option. The four-box set comes with a cost of $27.95 only. This is a floral gift box that has a floral visual appeal and includes chocolates.
This gift basket is a perfect option for Valentine’s Day which comes with a blend of sweet and savory. The basket includes gourmet popcorn, fruit cookies, and chocolate cookies with premium ingredients.
Back To The Roots Reusable Fabric Grow Bed
Even though flowers form an integral part of the Valentine’s Day gift you cannot gift flowers using your EBT. Instead, you can purchase produce-bearing seeds and plants with your best benefits. Back to the roots, reusable fabric grows the way you have ample space to grow 3 large vegetables, 18 to 24 small root vegetables or 9 to 12 herbs or leafy greens.
This gift option is lightweight, durable and portable and your beloved can last the box for multiple seasons. It is marked EBT-eligible on Amazon and it includes eligible seeds to grow produce at home. The cost of this gift option is only $19.98.
Broadway Basketeers Photo Gift Box
One of the most preferred EBT-eligible Valentine’s Day gifts available on Amazon is the Broadway Baskers Photo Gift Box. This is a beautiful photo box that comes with fun treats. The treats include cookies, snacks, gourmet food, tea and snack care packages.
This is a perfect assortment of treats and sweets together with flavored hot cocoas and gourmet teas. It is a sweet and unique way to show your love for your partner. The cost of this gift is $39.95.
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List Of EBT-Eligible Valentine’s Day Gift Items On Target
Lindt Gourmet Chocolates Candy Truffles Gift Box
The cost of the Lindt Gourmet Chocolate Candy Truffles Gift Box at Target is $12.29. The gift box comprises dark chocolate white chocolate or milk chocolate. It is one of the best options for those who are looking for a Valentine’s Day gift option within a budget. This gift will add a sweet touch to your Valentine’s Day.
Mondelez Cookies, Crackers, Candy Care Variety Pack
The cost of these food gift boxes is $32.99 at Target. The gift basket comes with 14 individually packed snack favorites for your beloved for any occasion including Valentine’s Day.
This is a great variety of cookie favorites that includes Nabisco cookie variety, Oreos, big Newtons, Nutter butter bites, and chips ahoy mini etc. Besides cookies, it also comes with cheese mini crackers, sweet candy peanut butter, and fresh gum.
Ghirardelli Milk And Caramel Cello Bag Gift
The gift bag of Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate Squares with caramel filling is available at Target and comes with a cost of only $19.99. The gift boxes are EBT eligible and you can give these milk chocolate candies to your beloved on the occasion of Valentine’s Day.
Ghirardelli chocolate is made with premium ingredients as well as high-quality cocoa beans. You can showcase your love to your partner by gifting these chocolate caramel candies squares.
Ferrero Rocher Hazelnut Chocolate Diamond Gift Box
The Ferrero Rocher Hazelnut Chocolate Diamond gift boxes available at Target and comes with a cost of $32.99. This is a 48-piece gift box of Ferrero Rocher Hazelnut Chocolate and comprises individually wrapped hazelnut and chocolate candy in gold foil. It is one of the most perfect chocolate gifts for your partner if he or she is a chocolate lover.
Valentine’s Day Candy Gift TIN
The cost of the Valentine’s Day candy gift TIN at Target is $39.99. This includes 60 pieces of Hershey’s miniatures, Reese’s peanut butter cups and Hershey’s kisses. This is another delicious Valentine’s Day gift option with a custom sticker. You can cover the cost of this gift box using your EBT card from the store.
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How To Purchase Eligible Valentine’s Day Gifts?
The process of using your EBT card for purchasing a Valentine’s Day gift with your SNAP benefits or EBT card is quite easy. Once enrolled into the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program you’ll be issued with an EBT card that gets reloaded with credits every month.
As soon as you get the card you will get a secret 4-digit PIN that will allow you to make eligible purchases at authorized stores like Amazon, Target, Walmart etc. You have to follow the below-mentioned steps to complete the transactions.
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Update Your Payment Details
If you are purchasing eligible items from online retailers like Amazon and Walmart then you need to create an account with the retailer and add EBT card details to your account. Once you have connected the food stamp card to your account you can use the card online for purchasing eligible products.
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Add Products To Your Cart
You can start shopping for an eligible Valentine’s Day gift to your card once you have updated the payment information. On viewing the card you will see the total for the SNAP-eligible item. Review the card before placing an order, self-checkout to pay for it and complete the transaction.
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Go To Checkout
You need to select the checkout option after viewing the cart. On the select payment method, you need to select your EBT card to continue the process. Decide whether you want to use your EBT cash or EBT food allotment to pay for the goods. The next step is to enter your EBT card with the 4-digit PINs to approve the transaction and finalize the order.
Also read: How To Get Emergency Food Stamps
Where Can I Purchase A Valentine’s Day Gift With My EBT Card Online?
Fortunately, you can use your EBT card to purchase eligible items including gift baskets online from authorized retailers in your state. However, you cannot use your benefits to pay for shipping, delivery or other associated fees. Following are the top retailers that accept EBT online and are enrolled in the USDA Online Purchasing Pilot Program.
Walmart
You can shop for food gift baskets, Valentine’s gift baskets along with basic groceries from Walmart. They have SNAP EBT labels marked on their products that make it easy to identify the type of products that you can cover with your SNAP funds.
Walmart is one of the most popular retailers in the United States of America that accepts EBT payments in 44 states. Walmart provides an affordable and convenient place for SNAP recipients to pay for their eligible food and groceries at checkout or online pickup.
Amazon
Amazon is another platform that allows all EBT cardholders to shop online and get them delivered to their doorstep. Customers need not become Amazon Prime members to shop with Amazon. Groceries on Amazon as well as AmazonFresh are now accepting EBT cards throughout the country.
Amazon Prime members get free shopping on their orders with Amazon.com. If you’re not a Prime member then you can obtain free delivery if your order exceeds $35 or more for eligible items or else you have to pay a small delivery charge. It is critical to note that you cannot cover the shipping or delivery cost with your EBT card.
Target
One of the leading grocery retailers in the United States of America that accepts food stamps, or SNAP benefits as a form of payment at all its authorized store locations is known as Target. Target customers can use the EBT card to purchase groceries like fruits, vegetables, meat, and whole wheat bread, including gift baskets.
Approximately 4500 items present in Target stores are SNAP-eligible. Target is one of the leading grocery stores with a loyal customer base due to its eye-catching products, welcoming layout and trendy products.
Few more stores from where you can shop for EBT eligible products including gift baskets are as follows:
- Albertsons
- H-E-B
- Hy-Vee
- Costco
- City Market
- Family Food Stores
- Foodland
- Food Lion
- Safeway
- Stop & Shop
- ShopRite
- Friendly Foods
- Harris Teeter
- Hometown Foods
- Jubilee Food
- Market Basket
- Piggly Wiggly
- Costco
- Sam’s Club
- Big Y Foods
- BJ’s Wholesale Club
- Publix
- Walgreen
- CVS
- Rite Aid
- Speedway
- Sam’s Club
- Kroger
- H Mart
- All Stores
- Dollar Tree.
Conclusion
The federally sponsored Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program helps a lot of families in America purchase healthy food and groceries. SNAP is run by local offices in all 50 states including Washington D.C and other U.S territories like Guam, the U.S Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. It is interesting to note that you cannot only purchase basic groceries with your EBT card but also Valentine’s Day gifts with EBT benefits for your beloved. You can use your EBT benefits to pay for gift baskets as long as you’re purchasing eligible food items that make up a minimum of 50% of the cost. For instance, your gift basket must comprise cheese, crackers, fruits, and other edible food with a small toy. You must also adhere to the USDA guidelines about the type of products that you cannot purchase with your EBT card.
We hope this article has been informative enough to give you all the details you need regarding EBT-eligible Valentine’s gifts. You can learn more about the government grants and financial assistance program at the Get Government Grants’ blog section today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do Food Stamps Work?
Once you are eligible for SNAP the government will provide you monthly funds to your EBT card that you can use for purchasing eligible food at farmers market, grocery store and other authorized retail outlets. You can purchase food for human consumption but there are certain exceptions for instance you cannot use your EBT card to purchase ready-to-eat food, alcoholic beverages or vitamins.
Who Is Eligible For SNAP Benefits?
Low-income housing that can meet the income and resource requirements set by the federal government can qualify for SNAP benefits. A lot of people are subject to work requirements as well. It is critical to note that everyone in your household has applied for the Social Security number to qualify for SNAP benefits and must prove you’re a citizen of the United States or a permanent resident.
How Do I Apply For SNAP Benefits?
You can apply for SNAP benefits by contacting your state SNAP or Social Security office. Once the SNAP office receives your application you have to go for an interview either in-person or over the phone and submit relevant documents to confirm your income and identity. Once approved you will get SNAP benefits within a period of 7 days if your household can qualify for expedited service.