Valentine’s Day is usually a special day for couples. It is a time to share how much you care and love each other by doing a little something special. This can be as simple as getting flowers or candy for your significant other. Or, you could go out on a more elaborate date.
Having a great Valentine’s Day does not mean that you have to break the bank. There are plenty of ways to show your appreciation of your partner while still staying frugal.
When I was dating my future-wife in college, I certainly did not have much extra money to spend on Valentine’s Day. As we got older and got married, our financial priorities also changed as we got a house, dogs, and started planning for children.
Instead of spending a ton of money on gifts and dates, we decided to save that money for other things. However, we quickly realized that we could still make Valentine’s Day special on a budget.
Here are some easy ways to stay frugal on Valentine’s Day to save money while still showing your love.
1. Skip Delivered Flowers
For several years, I would get flowers delivered to my wife’s work on Valentine’s Day. She loved them but I could see how expensive they were when all said and done.
The big flower companies suck you in with their “deals”. On the website, the flowers are priced at $45 to $60, which doesn’t sound too bad. They get you at the checkout, though. By the time they add in delivery, a special Valentine’s Day fee, and a fee to guarantee delivery before 4pm, it can be $100! They also have upsells for vases, candy, and stuffed animals that can drive up the price.
Instead, get flowers at a local flower shop and deliver them yourself. This year, I went to Walmart and was able to get three bouquets of flowers for $25 total. I set them up in a vase myself and they look just as great as any other flowers that would have been delivered.
Another option is to get flowers delivered earlier than on Valentine’s Day. Instead of just waiting for the big day, your partner may like to have flowers for the whole week. This can also help cut costs since flower shops often raise prices for deliveries on Valentine’s Day.
2. Make Dinner Together
With everyone having busy lives in the family, it is often difficult to cook dinner together on a regular basis. For Valentine’s Day, you can make a special night by staying in and cooking together. Not only will you save money by not going out to a restaurant, but you can reignite your bond by working together.
For your special dinner, pick something that you both love and may be a little different than your normal meals. Instead of a quick go-to meal that you normally make, consider something a little more involved. Spend the time together preparing the food and then enjoy some wine as it cooks.
3. Put Away the Electronics
Sometimes, showing your love isn’t about what you do but what you DON’T do. Try putting away your phone, turning off the TV, and closing your laptop for Valentine’s Day. Get away from the electronics that we get so consumed with and just spend time with your significant other.
This will help to make them feel engaged and is a great reminder to enjoy each other’s company. Plus, it is completely free to do and an easy step towards showing your love.
4. Get Outside with the Family
Try spending some time outside on Valentine’s Day to save some money. If you have a dog, take them for a walk with your partner or go for a hike in a local park. If you have snow, go sledding, build a snowman, or have a snowball fight.
Physical activity together can help you bond, relieve stress, and get you out of your house for a little while. Depending on the weather on February 14th and where you live, you may have a few options for cheap outdoor activities.
5. Make (or Skip) a Gift
Instead of spending money on a Valentine’s Day gift for your partner, make it yourself. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate and can be as simple as a homemade card. If you have some skills at knitting, woodworking, or art, consider making a special gift to show your love. For most people, it is the thought that counts and it certainly does not have to be perfect.
Another option is to skip gifts entirely. We do that in our house to help save some money since we aren’t overly sentimental about physical gifts. Instead, we focus on having quality time together and sharing some candy.
6. Netflix Movie Night
Movie date nights are pretty cliché but they are great options for spending time together. Stay in and pick a movie that maybe you wouldn’t pick normally to watch. If you have children, schedule some time away from them so that you can watch something other than a kids movie. If you tend to pick most of the shows, let your partner pick what they would like to watch.
You can make your movie night more special by including dinner or making a snack that you both love. Like popcorn? Try making “gourmet” popcorn with toppings like cheese or chocolate.
7. Play a Game
To be a little more interactive, try playing a game with your spouse. Card games like War and Egyptian Rat Screw are easy to play with two people and a deck of cards. You can also play other forms of card games that are more unique, like Cards Against Humanity and Exploding Kittens.
Board games are another excellent way to have some special time with your partner. While they may be a little more expensive upfront, they can last for a long time and provide endless entertainment. Some of our favorites include Ticket to Ride and Catan since they are strategy games that change each time.
If you don’t have any games that you want to play, ask around your friends and family to see if they would trade. Since you might get sick of playing the same games, you can create a pool of games with your friends that you can swap around for free.
Happy Valentine’s Day
Having a great Valentine’s Day with your significant other doesn’t have to break the bank. Spend the day as a couple doing something a different than normal to make it special but get creative to save money.
When you make the effort to show your love on Valentine’s Day, your partner will certainly appreciate it, no matter the price. Happy Valentine’s Day!
