Valentine’s Day is one of the most expensive holidays, reaching almost $19 billion per year. That equates to about $142 per person ($190 for the average male and $96 for the average female). With those numbers, you may feel like you’re not properly expressing your love if you don’t spend that much on your significant other. However, there are ways to navigate the holiday without spending a fortune. Here are 4 tips to help you rock this Valentine’s Day on a budget.
Focus on Experiences Rather than Gifts
Instead of showering your significant other with expensive and meaningless gifts, take them somewhere special. Go on a night hike together, give your significant other a massage, go to a small yet adorable restaurant, or go star gazing. The memories that you make will mean more than the money that you could have spent.
Stay In
Rather than going out to a fancy and expensive restaurant, and spending a fortune on a hotel, stay home for Valentine’s Day. Prepare a delicious meal including a desert, play games together, watch a movie, and just be together. Light the evening by candlelight to make it more romantic.
Give Homemade Gifts
Instead of buying expensive jewelry or chocolates, make something for your significant other that they will appreciate. Love coupons are always a hit (coupons for massages, breakfast in bed, dishes, bubble baths, etc.), as are homemade treats. Make them a card to go along with your gift. Homemade gifts are always more meaningful than store bought ones.
Spend Time Together
Dedicate the entire night or weekend (if possible) to giving them undivided attention. Do things together without being distracted by bills, family, work, etc. Be 100% there. Put your phone away, turn off the tv, and give your significant other all of your attention.
Celebrate on a Different Day
Flowers, chocolates, restaurants, travel, and more are nearly twice as expensive around Valentine’s Day than they are the rest of the year. If your significant other is ok with it, change your Valentine’s Day to a different weekend. Purchase gifts the day after Valentine’s Day to get them on clearance, and go out to restaurants when they are not priced at a premium. If you have kids, convince another couple you know to do a kid swap. You’ll watch their kids on the actual Valentine’s Day and they’ll watch yours on your Valentine’s Day.