10 Tips for a Fun but Frugal Valentine’s Day
February 2, 2010 No CommentsThere are many ways to tell your sweetie they’re special without having to bruise your wallet. Here are some ideas:
1. Write a sincere, original poem. Original is the key here. Although song lyrics can be tempting, it’ll mean a lot more if it came from you. Even if it’s corny. A letter would do the job too, but I just think a poem is a bit more romantic. If it’s just not your thing, write a note listing the things you love about your partner.
2. Flowers. Ok, that certainly isn’t a unique idea, but we women still love them and most of us don’t get them very often. Many times you can find them at grocery stores on clearance or at deeply discounted prices. They have packages of a dozen roses at Smith’s grocery store for $3.99 almost every day as a “Manager’s Special”.
3. Sweets. I find some of the most unique holiday candies at Wal-Greens of all places. My kids LOVE it! I also shop at the Dollar Store. Who says it has to be seasonal stuff? Anything sweet is always fun, although you can find seasonal items at dollar stores too.
4. Buy on clearance. Seasonal items go on clearance the day after the holiday, often up to 90% off! Stock up on items that won’t spoil and that you can use the following year such as knick-knacks, stuffed animals, hard candies, mugs, toys, cards, etc.
5. Go somewhere just for dessert. Even if it’s an expensive dessert, that’s cheaper than a full meal PLUS dessert and gives you time together away from home. My husband and I enjoy getting the occasional ice cream cake from Dairy Queen. This lasts a lot longer and they range around $20.00. Uh oh. There’s drool on my keyboard, and it’s not little Suzie’s. I better refer back to my post about MY Top Ten Reasons for Wanting to Lose Weight NOW!
6. Bake a heart-shaped pizza together. Cooking with your partner can be a very fun and memorable experience. You can even pick red toppings to go on it such as red bell peppers and sun-dried tomatoes. Experiment with an Alfredo sauce instead of the traditional marinara. “Classico” carries a couple amazing varieties. Yum!
7. Do a one night house swap. This can be great fun! Trade houses with a friend for the day/night. Each of you can make the house ready for the Valentine’s guest couple by putting chocolates on the pillows, for example, or candles and a sparkly beverage by the bathtub. Of course you can bring your own things too. This way you have a pleasant change of scenery without having to spent big $$$ on a hotel.
8. Have a Valentine’s themed progressive party with some friends. Get several of your friends to help make this happen. One can host a simple but nice dinner for the couples involved, then you can go to the second house for dessert, then a third house for a movie, etc. That way the costs are distributed between several families.
9. Serve your sweetie their favorite breakfast in bed. Make heart-shaped chocolate chip pancakes with maraschino cherries and whipped cream. A new discovery of mine is this spread called “Nutella”. Found it at Wal-Mart in the peanut butter section. It’s a hazelnut spread mixed with skim milk and cocoa. Anyway, Shawn (my husband) tried it and can’t get enough of it! I found this recipe for Nutella Stuffed French Toast that I plan on making him for Valentine’s Day. (SHHHH. Oh yeah. He reads these.) You may want to give it a shot too!
10. Get a pedicure together. Ok, I’m sure all you “manly men” out there are laughing hysterically at this suggestion, but trust me – you will totally enjoy it! Ask my hairy husband. Get over your testosterone already, and at least give it a shot for the woman in your life. She will be SO impressed, and it’ll be a wonderful time for you and her to relax and rejuvenate together. P.S. You don’t have to get the pretty flower painted on your big toe either!
What are your suggestions? Please comment below, and I may include them in a future post.
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