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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Bethan Shufflebotham

Poundland divides shoppers with ‘disappointing and cheap’ Valentine’s gift that others think is ‘so cute’

Poundland has left shoppers in two minds after bringing back an extremely popular gift from their Valentine’s range. The high street retailer’s £1 engagement rings are back in store, meaning you can pop the question on a budget this February 14.

Poundland’s collection of rings feature a choice of faux sapphires, diamonds, rubies and topaz in a range of sizes, as well as a more masculine ring with a plain band, too.

But while some shoppers think they’re ‘so cute’, others said they’re ‘disappointing and cheap’.

READ MORE: 'I visited every McDonald's in Manchester city centre and found some HUGE differences'

A Facebook post shared by Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK racked up more than 1,000 comments in 24 hours, with customers quick to share their thoughts on the plastic jewellery.

Some shoppers loved them, including Stacey F Racy, who said: “That is actually so cute,” with Elizabeth Mounce-Stephens adding: “I think they’re cute. I’m already married but I love a bit of bling. Cheap is better cos I work on a farm.”

Other customers just loved the packaging - a red heart-shaped jewellery box - with Marie Moriarty adding: “The box alone is gorgeous.”

The £1 engagement ring from Poundland (Hannah Louise/Facebook)

Deanne Head commented: “I’d buy on just for the box,” as Tracey Moore wrote: “I bought one but not for the ring. I just liked the box so I could put a pair of my Disney earrings in.”

However, not everyone was keen on the idea of their partner getting down on one knee with a £1 ring, as Karen Baldwin wrote: “Personally I would prefer a Haribo ring,” with Joseph Dempsey quipping: “May as well take her to PizzaHut and propose with an onion ring.”

Meanwhile, Chris D Fowler said: “Most disappointing and cheap engagement ever lol. What does he do? Take his gf for a mcds for food and use a voucher for the cinema before the big ask?”

Some shoppers certainly saw the appeal in opting for a cheap ring before committing to a ‘proper’ engagement ring. Loved-up couples could be strapped for cash, while others may want to pick out the perfect ring together. It’s also a fantastic idea if you’re not sure on ring sizes, too.

In fact, after our review of the Poundland rings last year, we used it to secretly obtain my brother's partner's ring size so he could take it to a jewellers and buy her real engagement ring, popping the question in Manchester the following month. I also mentioned in the review that my 'M' sized ring was ever so slightly too small - so my boyfriend was able to get the correct sized ring for when he popped the question in November. It must be said - these Poundland rings are pretty true to size.

On social media Tanya Evans said: “All of you moaning that they are cheap and why would you wear a £1 ring...are missing the point of these. I was watching a programme where a surfer was proposing to his gf and the ring fell into the sea...but thankfully it was a £1 ring. This is to help with the act of proposing so you can choose a ring your partner will love together.”

Jenna Kelly added: “Imagine a man loving his girlfriend so much and wanting to make her his wife or a girlfriend to a girlfriend and then having no money at all but wants to ask all the same. Surely, this ring would be perfect for those who see a ring as just that: a ring to be married to the love of your life means more than a ring. You can save up and get a better one in time just take the sentiment it was meant as.”

“Lots of people slate these and laugh but there shouldn't be a price on love,” said Joanne McCrickard. “The sentiment of this ring is still the same despite the cost and for some people this sort of thing would mean more to them than a ring that costs hundreds more because of the intention over a price tag.”

While Rosie Nicoll added: “The perfect ring for a fussy bride to be. If you know they aren't going to like anything you pick out. Use this poundland ring then go pick the perfect ring together.”

Not only that, but heaven forbid your partner declined your offer of engagement? At least you’ve only lost £1!

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