Love is in the air. Cupid is around the corner.
The jeweler is saying “diamonds” but i’m saying “don’t go broke over bae“.
Here’s how you can save money this Valentines Day.
Stop the pressure to “buy” something.
Valentines Day. Mothers Day. Fathers Day. Halloween. Black Friday. Christmas.
Are you celebrating the occasion and enjoying an excuse to spend time with somebody that you care about? Or is it going to be another day where somebody spends a ton of money on the “perfect” gift that we can’t remember the following year?
Diamonds can range between $100 and $2,000 without even trying. Roses primed for V-Day can be upwards of $30. Then you’ve got dinner ($20 – $100+), a movie ($20+. Add another $100 if you want popcorn nowadays), and all the other fixings to make the day perfect.
Stop trying to buy your sweetie’s love and make a memory instead.
- Roast marshmallows, make s’mores, swap ghost stories and rekindle things!
- Take a romantic walk on the scenic side of town
- Watch a movie at home with your boo
- Cook each other a romantic dinner
Goofy Gift Exchange.
Try something new! Each of you agree to spend $10. The mission is to see who can get the absolute worst, cheesiest, and goofiest item. The person who gets the funniest gift doesn’t have to cook dinner!
Skip dinner. Go for dessert.
Lines are long and the food is expensive. How about you take a different approach? Go out with your partner for dessert and maybe a glass of wine. Even if you splurge on the cake, you will still come out significantly cheaper than you would for dinner.
Don’t buy a card.
I hate greeting cards (unless they come with money). The humor is generic and cringe-worthy, the sentiment is barely there, and it’s hard to find a card that sounds natural. Instead of spending money on a card, take a good photo of yourself (no selfies) and write a heartfelt message on the back! Don’t underestimate the power of your own handwriting. I’ve never received or given a gift like this, and chances are, your boo hasn’t either. Talk about memorable!
Keep gifts cheap.
Check your budget, and agree to spend no more than $X on a gift. Period. Avoid getting up-sold, stay away from TV/radio commercials, and don’t even step foot in the stores that make you feel inadequate for not spending extra. Just because you spent more money doesn’t mean you got a more thoughtful gift.
It’s the thought that counts.
At the end of the day, the important thing is spending time together! You partner would probably agree with me, they’d rather get your undivided attention for an hour than to receive a bouquet of flowers and a drug-store card in a rush.
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