CHEAP VALENTINES DAY TREAT
My daughter asked me how El Carino and I typically spend Valentine’s Day. As one who is not particularly romantic, it’s somewhat ironic that I’m writing about this topic. Yet, in spite of my underdeveloped sense of romanticism, we usually celebrate by going out to dinner and exchanging gifts, such as candy or a small memento; earrings or costume jewelry for me and sports memorabilia for El Carino.
As an expert on the cheap way to do just about everything, I do have some wonderful ideas for making this holiday really special while not catering to the pressure of excessive consumerism. After all, do you want Hallmark to tell you how to spend your money?
Know Your Partner
Think long and hard about what makes your honey happy? Create a celebration tailored just for them.
Is she/he the type who loves to stay in and cuddle? Order a gourmet meal in, rent a favorite movie, buy them their favorite indulgence, and trade massages. Tie in a traditional gift. They are popular for a reason; perfume, candy, flowers, jewelry, additions to a collection or hobby. Put in the time and thought and create a special memory.
Are you an adventurous couple? Plan an evening excursion. If you live in a cold climate, bundle up and go for a special walk. Live in the south or west? Visit a nature area for a romantic walk in a local park. Bring a picnic dinner and a bottle of wine.
Laser tag or video games your guilty pleasure? How about a valentine’s day session?
If your partner swoons for jewelry, flowers, and candy; get the best for less. Take a beautiful glass dish from the dollar store and fill it with an assortment of bagged candy from the supermarket; elegant and cheap. You don’t have to spring for roses, buy a more affordable variety of flower and put in a vase you already own. Personally, I love costume jewelry. Shower your honey with a new watch, necklace, or bracelet. Check out Kohl’s, Target, Macy’s, and JC Penney’s, you’re certain to snare a bargain.
Get Creative
Smart Marriages lists 50 Valentine’s Day Ideas for Less. Some of these clever ideas are adapted from the PDF.
Burn a CD with romantic love songs.
Make a quick movie “card” espousing your love. I think I’ll try this one and email it to El Carino at work! Update; just made one with “10 Ten Things I Love About You”. Don’t worry about making it perfect, the more personal, the better.
Have kids? Bake valentines cookies together then send the kids to watch a movie while mom and dad have some couples’ time.
Don’t want to spring for an expensive restaurant meal? Go to a cozy spot after dinner for a special valentines day dessert.
If one spouse normally cooks, let the non-chef surprise their partner with a special meal.
Mighty Bargain Hunter eschews the traditional Valentine’s Day gifts with surprise gifts throughout the year. Why not celebrate Valentines Day this year on Saturday, February 18, when related gifts are 50% off or more?
For more ideas, stop by Invest it Wisely and read this super romantic article about 3 Frugal Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day.
What are your cheap valentine’s day ideas?
Does doing nothing count?
Thankfully my wife doesn’t expect much of anything, but I’ll do something nice (and free).
John | Married (with Debt) recently posted..The Best Travel Tip I Ever Learned
Thanks for including my article, Barb!
Hope you have a great Valentine’s this year.
Invest It Wisely recently posted..Creating Incomes Streams to Make More Money
My wife and I like to spend the evening together away from the maddening crowds so I bring dinner in. I also get a relatively inexpensive bouquet of fresh flowers. We have a candlelight dinner with the fireplace going (depending on the weather). We exchange token gifts.
krantcents recently posted..Friday Night Links Pinched Nerve Edition, Part Deux
This year is going to be a pricey one, with dinner planned at a very expensive restaurant. Still, even for special occasions, it’s infrequent that we do this. Last time we were there was 5 years ago. Other years we’ve opted for exchanging time vouchers, or a picnic. It all balances out.
101 Centavos recently posted..Travel Like a Boy Scout
“Think long and hard about what makes your honey happy!?” I just couldn’t resist as to how that relates to my recent Valentine’s post. Sorry, my mind doesn’t venture far from the gutter at times.
Matt recently posted..Rambling Road: Driving Around in Circles
I prefer to spend time at home on Valentine’s Day. My husband and I went out to eat one time on Valentine’s Day, and due to the three hour wait, we decided to never do it again.
Thanks for some good tips.
@John, Sounds like you have a great wife!
@Krantc-How romantic.
@101 Centavos-There is nothing wrong with a splurge! Isn’t that what we work for?
@ Matt-The gutter is a good place to go on Valentine’s day.
@MElissa-There’s something to be said for being a home body
Thank you very much for the tips! I am sure this can help…Happy Valentine’s Day!
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My wife and I have decided once we throw the kids in their beds and tape the door shut, crying or not, we are having a nice romantic living room picnic Jenny Craig dinner for 2 with a nice bottle of sparkling water with a sprits of lemon.
Jai, Sounds like a great plan!!! Enjoy!
I love the creative ideas…especially since I’m not creative at all.
Last year I bought my wife a guitar, but had someone else play it. Then when she began to admire it and ask questions, he said, “it’s yours, your husband got it for you”. She began to cry…I don’t know how I can top that one.
Khaleef @ KNS Financial recently posted..Why Debt Consolidation May Help You
We don’t do anything for Valentine’s day, but our anniversary is in a couple weeks. I got my husband a handmade wallet that I knew he really liked, and he got me a locally crafted hibiscus syrup that I adore. I spent under $10, him a bit more, but the gift we gave each other was an acknowledgement that we listen to each other, even hearing the small things that some may think go by the wayside.
Andi @ MealPlanRescue recently posted..Bacon Milkshakes?
Thanks for sharing all the tips in here..Love it a lot of people will like this..
Lindset recently posted..Cd Mastering Belgium
I’m not a huge fan of Valentines Day personally, but I still like to let my wife know I love her, I got her some of her favourite chocolates, might do flowers at some other random time so it is a bit more personal / thoughtful
Shaun @ Money Cactus recently posted..A Winners Guide To Buying on eBay
Thanks for the post! I’ve been scrambling lately for a thoughtful V-Day idea.
Mark D. Cook recently posted..Eurozone and Bernanke’s Speech Do Not Fuel Market: February 6 – February 10
I had a great Valentine’s Day. Thanks to your post. This was such a helpful post. How did your Valentine’s Day go?
Thanks for sharing.
-Kevon
Kevon Cooper recently posted..how to seduce a woman
@ Khaleef- That one is really hard to beat!! I guess you knew she wanted one.
@Andi-Perfect. It’s so nice to get something you really want.
@Shaun-The commercialism gets me. Why should Hallmark tell us what to do?
@Mark & Kevin-Glad you got some good ideas! Mine has been great!
My valentine’s Day celebration with my family is great! We go out for the dinner and watch movie.. Happy hearts day everyone!
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