My husband Brian and I have been married for more than 20 years. We’ve experienced seasons where we’ve comfortably celebrated Valentine’s Day and those when we didn’t have money to spare. Both of us are fairly frugal in nature, so even when there’s extra room in the budget, we have chosen to spend it in other ways.
In the words of the wise philosopher, Jennifer Lopez, “My love don’t cost a thing.” Over the years, I’ve learned the simplest gifts are the best and sometimes absolutely free. While we all long to feel validated by those closest to us, money (or lack thereof) doesn’t have to prevent you from showing your affection. There are plenty of ways to celebrate the love you share with others on a dime.
Write a letter
How you feel and more importantly what you appreciate about your significant other carries more worth than any gift you could ever give. Sit and down and hand-write a love letter. Recall special memories you treasure. Highlight your favorite things. Don’t be shy. Gush over your sweetheart.
Dine in
Instead of going out to a crowded restaurant, fix a fancy meal at home. Spend time planning the menu, go grocery shopping and even prepare the meal together. Or surprise your spouse or partner by having the entire meal ready when he or she comes home. Light some candles and savor both the time and delicious food. Since you’re dining at home, you can even spring for pricier items and still save a bundle compared to going to a restaurant.
Celebrate a day late
Seasonal items in big box retailers have an expiration date. In the final hours of Feb. 14, they’ll be priced at a premium. However, when the clock strikes midnight, their worth plummets. Suddenly, they’re no longer as valuable as they were mere minutes ago. This year, choose to delay your Valentine’s Day by a day or two. Take advantage of deep discounts. The cards will be just as sweet and the candy will be, too.
Choose lunch
If you do plan on dining out, consider hitting a favorite restaurant for brunch or lunch this year. The prices are typically a bit lower and you’ll probably find the destination less crowded too. You still may want to call ahead and/or book reservations to hold your spot, just in case.
Explore a local museum
Spend some time learning together. Many local museums offer days with reduced ticket prices. And some don’t even charge admission at all. Do some online research to find one you’re both interested in and plan a day of wandering and exploring.
Be smart about flowers
Since our family has crazy allergies, I often forget that flowers are a traditional Valentine’s Day gift. If you want to bestow a bouquet on someone you love, it’s smarter to go into your local florist than ordering on a random online site. They’ll be able to make you aware of any special discounts or lower priced arrangements. If you’re a last minute shopper, you may be able to score a good deal at a warehouse retailer like Sam’s Club or Costco. Be sure to look for the refrigerated cases. Flowers kept at cooler temperatures hold on to their blooms longer. Get more bloom for your buck.
Serve rather than give
Remember that one household chore your spouse keeps asking you to do? Whether it’s cleaning out a cluttered closet or repairing leaky faucet, there are plenty of ways to give a gift of love within the four walls of your home. You can choose to surprise your Valentine by taking care of a few things on the “honey do” list or you can endeavor to tackle small odd jobs together. From vacuuming out the car to picking up this week’s groceries, the littlest things make the biggest difference.
Please don’t misunderstand me. I’m not giving you a free pass to neglect Valentine’s Day this year. In fact, I think you should celebrate your love all year long, not just on a day designated by others.
However, think through what you can actually afford before you begin making it rain glitter and red hearts. Talk to your sweetheart about a creative plan to spend less and love more this Feb. 14. You may discover in the end that spending time together is worth more than any gift purchased from a store.
