Previously, I’ve written about the things I would love to receive for Valentine’s Day, or about how I would love to receive unique gifts, but I really haven’t talked about the many times that we used to let Valentine’s Day pass us by because we simply couldn’t afford it. Not even close. There have been so many times that Valentine’s day has been impossible and has passed with muted words of “I’m sorry I didn’t get your anything” with a woeful smile, and later on just a smile and a kiss with no apology because that is life, and a commercialised holiday is NOT the be all and end all.
If you are the couple that wants to do Valentine’s day, but doesn’t have the extra disposable income then I thought this might be useful to share, because this is exactly what we did.
So how can you “do” Valentine’s day on a budget?
- Make it
Foodie treats are often the way to a person’s heart. Making something delicious for the pair of you to enjoy together was always a fave with me (I used to make chocolate bomb puddings, and when I was on mat leave I would bake with the kids all the time – It’s one of my favourite memories of them being toddlers. Alternatively if you aren’t a whizz in the kitchen but you’re a dab hand with something crafty then get crafty!
- Go for a walk together
I know it sounds really cliche but it’s just not – sometimes it’s just lovely to hold hands, walk the dog, or through a nice park, and just spend time together.
- Check Voucher sites for codes and discounts
Little bit of cash put aside for a gift? Grand – but don’t be put off expensive brands, check out voucher sites to grab a bargain. I know Adam has a thing for Superdry but I think it is pricey, so I always checked the voucher sites for superdry codes around his birthday and Valentine’s day.
- Can you second hand it?
No, I’m not messing with you, think about it, can you second hand it? This isn’t applicable to the fancy undies that you want to get, or even the beauty products that you like, but it is ideal for certain things like collectables. Adam collects some very bizarre football stuff and I know if I were to get him something that was a vintage second hand badge from his football club, it would mean more than a £50 top. The only thing with these is that they are often pricey so you have to look HARD for a bargain, but you will occasionally find one!
- Pick flowers instead of buying them
Why not? Ok, not in someone’s garden but in a wild field… geez, if you have a partner who likes flowers and you take 20 minutes to pick them some when you take the dog for a walk, I promise it will be appreciated.
- Spend £10 on a dine In meal for two
Our friend’s do this all the time, they get a delicious 2-3 course meal, and I mean REALLY delicious, from M&S for £10. They set the table, light the candles and BOOM, instant meal “out” in their home. Who says you have to go out to get dressed up and have a lovely, effortless meal? Not me.
- Rent a movie instead of going to the movies
I think I included something about this in the “date your husband” post I did a few years ago. Going to the cinema costs us a fortune. We both like snacks and drinks, comfy seats… we’re talking £30-40 easy. So, we frequently buy some popcorn (£3-4 max for a couple of bags), rent a movie on sky (£5) and have a nachos to share (£3.50-4 to make and SO easy). Grand total of £13 max.
So there you have it.
Any tips?
This valentines day we did dinner and netlfix in our bedroom, we just moved so our new bedroom is like a tiny apartment away from the kids. I also cooked dinner so the total cost was $35 aftr drinks.
We don’t bother with Valentines day. The only reason I handmade a card was to show it on my blog!
Sounds good to me. We are having KFC at home this year – and they say romance is dead!
Now THAT is the way to my heart…
What a good tips and perfect for budget saver, I will share this to my sister my hubby was not a kind of sweet
Thanks Angela x
I definitely think one of the best things to do is have a nice relaxing night in with food and a movie!
Totally!
Picking flowers is one of our favourite ideas…especially wild flowers like daffodils and woodland foliage. Hand tied with a ribbon is sweet and thoughtful x
Ahh that’s a lovely touch x
These are fantastic tips! It is all about the love you share and not the cost or how much money you can lavish on each other. Sometimes the littlest things mean the most! xx
Thanks lovely x
I will forward this post to my hubby. Maybe he can take some clues 😉
Haha thank you – hope you got some good stuff!
It’s as much about being thoughtful and spending time together as anything else. I’d be so happy if someone picked flowers for me but sadly there’s not really anywhere around here to do that x
Ahh we’re in the countryside so there is loads of meadows for us!
So many great ideas. I think Valentine’s day can get so expensive, but it’s nice to know that you can do it on a budget.
So many great ideas. I think Valentine’s day can get so expensive, but it’s nice to know that you can do it on a budget.
Thank you lovely x
I am ALL about the M&S to for £20 thing. We used to go out back in our early days but it seriously is sooo expensive. That meal deal is the best thing for us on Valentines Day
We still haven’t tried it!