You don’t need to break the bank to show your loved one you care. Which is why I’ve compiled a list of 8 ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day on a budget. Read on to discover ideas for you to try this year and make that special person feel extra special.
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8 Ways To Celebrate Valentine’s Day on a Budget!
My husband and I started dating on Valentine’s Day 2010. Very cheesy I know, but at the time I thought it would be cute to wait until Valentine’s Day to make our relationship official! It’s ironic that we chose to get together on Valentine’s Day since neither of us actually care too much for the day. We think it’s very commercialised, overpriced and overrated!
Chocolate and flowers are cheaper on every other day of the year. It’s impossible to get a decent dinner reservation. If you’re able to secure a table the meals are overpriced and you’re sitting on top of other couples. One year we made the mistake of going out to eat on Valentine’s Day and vowed never again.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day on a Budget – Don’t Break The Bank!
A 2017 report by Mintel revealed that Brits spent £620 million on Valentine’s gifts in 2017. The report also showed there was an increase in the average spends. Consumers spent £60 on average on Valentine’s Day gifts in 2017, compared to £41 in 2016.
Sometimes a little bit of creativity, a few pounds, and a little foresight are all that’s needed for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day. The best gift I’ve ever received from my husband was a picture of the two of us that he painted (see below). It was such a thoughtful gift which took him hours to create. It meant more to me than flowers or chocolates ever would. The painting is hanging in our living room till this day and I plan to keep it forever!
I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not the most romantic of people, but I’ve compiled a list of inexpensive ideas that you can try this Valentine’s Day that will not break the bank and I’m sure your spouse will appreciate.
1. Fine Dine In The Comfort Of Your Own Home
As I mentioned already, my husband and I never go out to eat out on Valentine’s Day. We stopped doing this even before we started having children. Instead of paying a fortune for a meal out, why not cook your spouse’s favourite meal at home instead?
2. Write A Letter Or A Poem
The other day I found a birthday card that I gave my husband years ago which had a really sweet poem that I had written. I was surprised he still had it and surprised even more by amazinng poetry skills. I was a poet and I didn’t even know it (see what I just did there!?). That card cost a couple of pounds but the message inside was invaluable.
Photo by John-Mark Smith on Pexels.com
3. The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts
I’ve been married for almost eight years but I’m continually learning new things about my husband. The 5 love languages: The secret to love that lasts is a famous book that talks about the different ways we all express and receive love. While you may think that telling your partner you love them daily is enough, if they receive love by acts of service they won’t actually hear you! If you haven’t read this book, I’d highly recommend it as a perfect Valentines Day gift for your spouse – it’ll actually be a mutually beneficial gift!
4. Give Your Spouse A Break on Valentine’s Day
For a week, take over some of your spouse’s responsibilities at home. For example; wash the plates, vacuum the house, put out the bins, put the children to bed etc. Not only will you be giving your spouse a break from the pressures of home life, but you’re also recognising all the things they do which go unnoticed. Acts of service is after all one of the languages of love.
5. A Sentimental Gift That Doesn’t Break The Bank
Thoughtful gifts don’t always have to cost an arm and a leg, consider a creatively sentimental present instead. Maybe buy a copy of the first film you watched together on a date, or make a compilation CD with your spouse’s favourite songs or songs that have meaning to you as a couple. E.g. your first wedding dance song.
6. Start Your Own Valentine’s Day Tradition
If you don’t already have one, now’s as good a time as any to start a new tradition. For example, your new tradition could be a duvet day, spend the day lounging around the house drinking hot chocolate and eating junk food while watching your favourite films on Netflix. Whatever you decide to do, make it inexpensive and make it your thing!
Photo by Alex Qian on Pexels.com
7. No Phones For 24 Hours
I know this sounds like torture but bear with me for a moment. If you’re constantly glued to your phone, even when your spouse is trying to talk to you, maybe it’s not such a bad idea to have the one day of the year where you give your spouse your full undivided attention. Quality time is one of the love languages that Chapam discusses in The 5 love languages: The secret to love that lasts, so if this is your spouse’ love language I’m sure this gift will mean so much more than any monetary gift you could give.
8.What I Love About You Book
I find this idea a little cringeworthy, but if you’re the soppy type then this idea might be right up your street. The book prompts you to fill in the answers to approximately 50 statements. For example; ‘I love how you BLANK every day’, I love to watch you BLANK’ and so on. I guess you can make the book funny, serious and romantic, or whatever reflects your relationship, check it out here. 
These are just a few ideas of things you can do for Valentine’s Day that will cost little to no money. It really isn’t about breaking the bank all in the name of having the perfect picture to post on your social media account or What’s App stories. It’s about showing your spouse you’d still choose them, no matter how many Valentine’s Days you celebrate together. I know, it’s more important to let your spouse know this daily but a sweet and inexpensive reminder once a year won’t hurt either, will it?
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure policy for details.
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This is one of the best practical post I have ever read about valentine’s day. I have never been one for Valentine days (and there is nothing wrong if you are) but this all makes sense, as to me it read as a life style love for each other on a regular;ar basis……….and most definitely don’t waste money on over price meals and flowers etc.
Thanks Tolu .xx
Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment auntie P! Your support and Feedback is very much appreciated.x