Valentine’s Day is next week, and couples everywhere are under immense pressure to spend an inordinate amount of money to prove their love. While most of the financial burden tends to fall on men during Valentine’s, ladies can have just as much trouble and pressure to find the perfect gift or date idea for your guy.
However, despite what society will tell you, there’s no reason why you have to spend a ton of money on your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day. Instead, here are some frugal ideas for Valentine’s Day that are sure to make it as memorable as it is inexpensive!
1. Make a meal together from scratch
Instead of opting for an expensive and crowded restaurant, spend the evening cooking a meal together. It doesn’t have to be fancy if you don’t want; but make sure that you try something new that you’ll both love. Or, try baking something like cookies or cake together.
2. Head to the park, bookstore, or coffee shop
Instead of following the crowd and spending money an an expensive venue, go to a quiet place and spend time together. If it’s warm, do a picnic; if it’s cold, enjoy a cup of coffee or hot chocolate at a quiet coffee shop and chat.
3. Spend the day antiquing or window shopping
Exploring an antique shop together can be a lot of fun. You don’t have to buy anything, of course, but sometimes it can be fun to see what strange and interesting things you can find. Make it a contest to find the most unusual, strange, or old thing in the store.
4. Take a day for yourselves
If you have vacation days, why not both take the day off and enjoy the time together? This is especially great if you have kids, as they will probably be at school and you can have most of the day with the house to yourselves. Cuddle up and watch a movie, and pretend like you’re teenagers again for a few hours.
5. Give a homemade gift
This Valentine’s Day, pass over the expensive chocolates and the jewelry, and instead opt for something you made yourself. Handmade gifts tend to mean twice as much as anything you can get in a store. If you aren’t creative, try something simple like “honey do” coupons, or even just a card.
6. Write love notes to each other
Even if you aren’t very good with words, take a few minutes and write out a letter to your loved one, telling them how much you care. If you have it, use some nice stationery, or print some off for free online. The important thing, though, is the contents so don’t hold back, and make it as romantic as possible. Your loved one will cherish it for years to come.
7. Check your city for free concerts, events, or activities
Most cities have free events around Valentine’s Day, so take a look at the local newspaper or check the local event calendar to see if there is anything going on. This can be a great way to get out of the house without having to spend too much money.
8. Try something new together
Is there something you’ve both always said you’d try someday? Why not do it on Valentine’s and make a memory of it? Whether it’s some sort of craft, a new project, or learning a foreign language, try something new.
The most important thing on Valentine’s Day isn’t all the money you spend—it’s how you spend time with those who mean the most to you. When the day is over, the memories of what you did will last far longer than the gifts will.