5 tips to help you make the most of Valentine’s Day on a budget
By Helly Barrett
Whether you’re planning to go out dancing with the girls, play poker with the boys or spend the evening with that special someone, Valentine’s is the perfect excuse to do something a little more special. However, just because it’s more special, doesn’t mean it needs to be any more expensive. Sure, you need to be cupid on the 14th but who says you can’t be a slightly cheaper cupid? Check out the tips below on how to do Valentine ’s Day on a budget, in or outside of London!
# 1 I.Y: Valentine’s it yourself
What does a 3 course meal, a photo book and a mug and sharpie combo all have in common? They’re all cheaper if you do it yourself. Without sounding like too much of a cynic, although the sentiment behind Valentine’s Day is truly lovely, there’s no denying there’s a lot of overpriced, consumer tat out there! Nothing is more special, more thoughtful (and more inexpensive) than making something yourself as a Valentine’s present. Think ribbon tied mason jars filled with their favourite sweets or how about a pack of playing cards with 52 things you love about your partner?
For more D.I.Y valentine ideas check out buzzfeed’s suggestions – although I’m not sure how effective a dream-catcher made of straw will be in helping you score….
Playing cards – Image Credit: Papervine
#2 Be innovative!
Yes, extravagant candle lit dinners, (think Disney’s Lady and the Tramp) and sky-high cocktail evenings are extremely romantic date ideas. However, they’re not exactly wallet friendly activities, especially on Valentine’s weekend. Instead, why not use this special day to indulge in something you wouldn’t normally do? Pack a picnic with hot chocolate, strawberries and a blanket and rent a local rowing boat, or whack on those roller-skates and leg warmers and head on down to a roller disco? There’s nothing more special, whether it be with a group of friends or as a couple, than experiencing something new together! The more innovative and less Valentine’s geared the activity, the cheaper it’ll probably be!
Picnic – Image Credit: Pinterest
#3 The heart wants what it wants
For all of you who revel in the cliché surprises of the Valentine’s tradition, this tip probably won’t be your favourite. However, although bouquets of red roses, mountains of dark chocolate and a giant cuddly toy may seem adorable in theory, I doubt anyone has ever really whispered the words ‘I’d love an enormous, heart covered singing bear, wearing a tutu while sporting kiss shaped antenna!’. If you have, no judgement, but if you’re in a longer term relationship then one way to achieve value for money on Valentine ’s Day is to communicate! Ask each other what the other wants on the special day, or at the very least leave subtle hints such as open internet tabs around the house. Although it may not result in a tearful surprise reveal, in the long run you’ll have spent your money on something that truly matters.
Image credit: Buildabear.com
#4 Double date
The idea of a double date on an intimate romantic holiday may not be what some people have imagined. However, if you’re happy to spend the 14th with another couple why not do something as a group? For adrenaline junkies there’s no doubt that theme parks are cheaper if you go as a 4, or why not try a sushi-making or wine tasting class?
See websites like Groupon, Wowcher, Red Letter Days and Livingsocial for discounted group activities.
Sushi-making – Image credit: groupon.com
#5 Create your own home cinema
There are hundreds of DIY projects out there that would be great for Valentine’s Day, but this one really stood out so I wanted to include it as its very own tip! There’s nothing more romantic than having your hands meet over the popcorn bowl as your surrounded by fairy lights, candles, an array of pillows, your very own sheet den and an in-house movie theatre.
So, grab the romantic necessities listed above to create the perfect valentine’s den, then follow the steps listed here to create your very own movie projector for just $1. Whether it’s friends, family, boyfriends or girlfriends, everyone and anyone you love will adore this inexpensive valentine’s idea.
Home Cinema – Image Credit: lucy-abigail.blogspot
So, hopefully these tips have given you some ideas on how to enjoy Valentine’s Day on a budget. Whether you choose to splash out or have an evening on the cheap, just remember at the end of the day February 14th is all about spending time with the people you love.
You may also want to chek out 4+4 Great Anti Valentine’s Day gifts for her & for him.
