So it’s that time of the year again when we celebrate the ones we love and the Hallmark company lovingly tries to coax us into dropping $25 bucks in the card aisle alone. Seriously, if the eldest princess sees that Hannah Montana singing card commercial one more time, I’m going to be deemed a bad mother for the rest of life if her lunch doesn’t sing to her tomorrow! Here are a few random ideas of how to share the love this weekend and still keep some cash in your pocket.
- Free card from Family Christian Stores (value $2.50) when you use this coupon .
- I’m going today to get a Valentine’s Day card from Old Navy! The card is to be colored by your child and returned on Saturday (only good on Valentine’s Day) to be a $5 off $5 coupon. Woot Woot. I had been eyeballing a cutie patootie rain slicker for the eldest princess there either for V-Day or Easter so that will basically slice the price in half. 🙂 You can get one per child. Read more about it here .
- Money Saving Mom did a great post rounding up lots of frugal Valentine’s Day ideas.
- We’re spending Valentine’s morning with our Life Group from church passing out handmade Valentines that our kids made to the residents of a local nursing home. Remember there are all sorts of folks who need extra lovin’ on Valentine’s Day and every other day of the week. It really doesn’t cost a thing to share a smile!
- There are a ton of restaurant deals going on out there. Texas Roadhouse has a V-day special good through Feb. 15th for $30, Ruby Tuesdays is offering free cookies, TGIF’s has a B1G1 entree coupon, PF Chang’s has a 2 dine for $40. Go to dealnews to read about several opportunities. If you do eat out, I suggest going @ lunchtime or even breakfast to save cash or waiting until after V-Day is actually over to beat the crowds. 🙂 AND be sure to Google your favorite restaurant for coupons or money saving ideas!
- I plan on cooking in for this Valentine’s Day. A little Aldi shopping should yield plenty of fresh meats and veggies to whip up into a gourmet meal to feast on after the kiddies have gone to bed. I’ve been cruising recipes and ideas @ $5 Dinners (an awesome site if you’ve never been there!) to make sure I don’t go too crazy. 🙂 And we’ll cozy in with a movie from the library afterward. Perfect!
- A dozen doughnuts @ Krispy Kreme right now comes with special Valentines that are good for one free doughnut each (12 cards come with your dozen so you’re really getting 2 dozen for the price of one).
- It’s not always about eating. The King and I will probably celebrate Valentines Day out by getting a sitter and going to the gym together. We love to work out together. Think outside of the box about ways you can spend time and not money! You could even do your weekly grocery shopping and stroll the aisles without kids at your heels. 🙂
- If you do get a sitter, consider asking a friend to swap kid watching so that you don’t have to pay the big bucks. OR let your sitter raid your closet for a new purse or pair of shoes or book or CD in exchange for watching your kiddos.
- Finally for the Fellas. All of the ladies are different but I would much rather have flowers that will bloom in the spring than those that wilt on my counter. Or if your gal enjoys baking buy her flours. I loved that scene in Stranger than Fiction when Wil Ferrel’s character gave his baker girlfriend an assortment of flours all in cutesy bags. Be creative and don’t waste your resources. A gal who really appreciates you will appreciate your thoughtfulness and maybe even your thriftiness more than a big ticket item. The King is amazingly wonderful at being thoughtful in gift giving. He could probably start a blog all of his own on the things not just that he’s purchased but on the gifts of service he’s given (cleaning out a closet, organizing a workout space for me, and more). Don’t fall for the big box traditional chocolates and over priced roses. Man up and be creative. Get something your girl really likes.
That turned into a rather lengthy post! I hope I’ve given you a few ideas at least. Tomorrow I hope to give just a few more last minute ideas to you. Have a great day.
Be a Money Saving Lord or Lady! Join us daily for savings, tips, and fun @ The Queen of Free.
www.queenoffree.net
www.queenoffree.net
Great Valentines Post!
I like the working out idea. I definitely feel better after a good workout than after a big meal…