My husband Brian and I have been married for more than twenty years. We’ve experienced seasons where we’ve comfortably celebrated Valentine’s Day and those where 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 choose to spend it in otherways.
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. 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 gift. 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 they come home. Light some candles and savor the time and delicious food. Since you’re dining at home, you can spring for pricer 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 February 14th, 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.
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 almost 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.
Serve Rather Giving
Remember that one thing 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.
Special Restaurant Offers
Last but not least, many restaurants offer specials for couples and families on Valentine’s Day. This list will only grow over the next few days, but here’s what I spy right now:
- Chili’s $25 Meal for 2
- White Castle: Make reservations for a romantic meal!
- Waffle House: Make reservations for a romantic meal!
- Heart Shaped Pizzas at Papa John’s, Papa Murphy’s, ALDI, California Pizza Kitchen, and Pizza Hut
- Dunkin’ Donuts
- Qdoba
- Firehouse Subs
- McAlister’s Deli
- Chick-fil-A
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 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 February 14th. You may discover in the end that spending time together is worth more than any gift purchased from a store.
Our new book Your Money, Your Marriage is now available! Be sure to check out videos on managing money together on Facebook.
My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out The Debt Free Devotional
This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal, learn about a way to save, or maybe even something for free, I may end up making a small commission. All prices are subject to change.
