Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and while it’s a fun day to celebrate those special people in your life, it is easy to get caught up in the pressure to spend more than you can afford to prove your undying love. Valentine’s Day has become a huge retail holiday, in fact according to the National Retail Federation’s Valentine’s Day Consumer Spending Survey, 54.8% of consumers will celebrate Valentine’s Day, spending an average of $146.84 on flowers, jewelry, candy, apparel and more, up from $142.31 last year. Total spending for Valentine’s Day this year is expected to reach $19.7 billion!
So what are you to do if you don’t have or want to spend this kind of money? Don’t worry, you aren’t doomed to have a miserable February 14, you can still have a special, memorable day without breaking the bank or your partner’s heart.
Get Crafty
You don’t have to spend a fortune to get your loved one something special for Valentine’s Day. There are thousands of blogs and sites like Pinterest that have really creative and nice gift ideas that you can DIY. Don’t worry; there are a lot of easy ideas out there too for those of you who aren’t as craft-inclined so that it won’t look like a kindergartener made it.
Stay-at-Home-Spa Day
If you are scheduled to work try to take the day off to make it extra special. Even if that isn’t an option, you can still create a luxurious in-home-spa. Splurge on special treats to eat and drink that you normally wouldn’t have around your home. Turn down the lights and have the house filled with aromatherapy candles or essential oils. Turn on your loved one’s favorite music and give them a massage. Draw them a bath and have warmed towels and a robe ready for when they get out.
Make a Gourmet Dinner at Home
Take a look at your favorite restaurant’s Valentine’s Day dinner menus and then come up with your own dream menu. You’ll save a lot of money by not having to pay for expensive food, drinks, desert and tips. Turn your house into a romantic venue, dress it up with linens, your best flatware and plates. Create a fun centerpiece and put on your favorite music. You’ll pay half the price you would have at a restaurant, and all in the comfort of your own home.
Give a Thoughtful Gift
An expensive gift is not always a good gift. Come up with something thoughtful for your favorite person. Maybe it’s a book you just know he’d love or a scrapbook you spend time putting together of all your first moments. Putting a little time and effort into finding a gift that is just right and thoughtful for your partner will blow them away.
Create Your Own “Valentine’s Day”
Retailers bump up flower, chocolate, and anything-Valentine’s Day related before and on February 14. Talk to your significant other ahead of time and come up with your own special day when price on these items aren’t sky-high. Not only will you save money, but you’ll create a day completely unique and special to you and loved one.
