Since the Middle Ages, Valentine’s Day has been a day for lovers to show their appreciation and affection to one another. Those who are in relationships often go to great lengths to show their love – buying flowers, going out to fancy restaurant, and showering the objects of their affection with lavish gifts. But when money is tight, it’s just not practical to do all of that.
Even if you don’t have piles of money lying around, you can still have a great Valentine’s Day with the one you love. It just takes a little more creativity.
Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind.
* Flowers are a Valentine’s Day staple, but you don’t have to go with costly roses. Red carnations are also symbols of love, and they’re much less expensive. And there’s no reason to feel obligated to buy flowers. If your mate has shown little interest in them in the past, use the money you would have spent on flowers to buy her something she will truly enjoy.
* Have a romantic dinner at home instead of going to a fancy restaurant. Cook your partner’s favorite dish, light up some candles, and get a sitter for the kids. You could even get all dressed up just like you would if you were going out. You’ll have good food and plenty of privacy at a fraction of the cost.
* Instead of going on an expensive date, do something free. Have a picnic in the park, go to the playground and play like you’re kids again, or go for a walk in the woods or on the beach. These activities allow you to spend time with the one you love, and isn’t that what Valentine’s Day is all about?
* Make a Valentine’s Day coupon book for your partner. You can find templates for them online, or you can make one by hand. You could make coupons for things like taking out the trash, washing the car or giving a massage. These gestures will mean a lot to the one you love, and they won’t cost you a dime.
* Give your partner a handmade gift. Crafters can create beautiful and useful items to give on Valentine’s Day. But you don’t have to be an expert to make a great gift. Even if you’ve never knitted, simple scarves are easy to make and greatly appreciated. Start on the project several weeks ahead of time, and you won’t have to fret if you make a mistake. You can go back and fix it or start over and still have it ready on time.
A happy, romantic Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Gifts and fancy dinners are nice, but they’re not what it’s all about. You can keep expenses to a minimum while still showing your lover how much he or she means to you.
