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Ideas and Tips for a Budget Friendly Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is approaching, hopeless romantics! Along with the holiday of love comes the misconception that we must buy extravagent gifts or fancy dinners for our significant others. However, having a great holiday does not mean that you are required to break your bank account to prove your love to your other half. Here are some budget-friendly ideas for gifts, a night in, or a night out.

  • Redbox movie night
    • Did you and your significant other happen to miss seeing a movie in theaters that you were dying to see? Does it happen to finally be out on DVD? Perfect. No lines, no obnoxious popcorn-eaters, and no overpriced snacks and drinks. Redbox movies can be rented for under $2 per night, which immediately eliminates the expensive ticket prices at the theater box office. Purchase popcorn, soda, and candy at the dollar store, and the stay-at-home movie night experience is complete.
  • Cook a fancy dinner at home and get dressed up for it
    • Going to a fancy dinner on Valentine’s Day can take weeks of planning, due to the fact that everyone and their dog is out and about on date night at the same exact time as you are. Reservations may have to be put in place, or you may just have to get to the restaraunt early. Eliminate the burdens of planning, overpriced food costs, and leaving a tip for the waiter. Instead, plan to make a homecooked fancy meal with your significant other, complete with appetizers, a main course, and desserts. Dress up for the occasion (after the messy cooking, of course), light some candles, and enjoy a night in.
  • Picnic together and go tech-free
    • Want to spend the day out and about instead of in the house? Picnic together. Lay out a blanket in one of your favorite parks or outdoor locations (or in the living room if the weather isn’t cooperative), pack a basket with both of your favorite foods and drinks, and spend a few hours solely in each other’s presence – with no phones around!
  • Go ice or roller skating
    • A date to the ice or roller skating rink is often under less than $10 per person for admission and skate rental, making this outing one that doesn’t break the bank! This is also an activity that guarantees hand holding. Whether it’s by choice or because you can’t stand up by yourself, I’ll let you figure that one out for yourself.
  • “What I Love About You” journal
    • No matter how long you and your significant other may have been together, it’s important to let them know why you love them in the first place. Amazon sells journals like this with 100 different prompts to help you out, and for under just $10! A simple, affordable, and thoughtful gift like this one will be sure to leave your partner feeling very loved and appreciated.
  • Celebrate Valentine’s Day after Valentine’s Day
    • Everything is half off. One of my favorite things to do post-holiday is load up on Valentine’s Day candy the day after because it is so cheap and isn’t picked over just yet. Since Valentine’s Day falls on a Friday this year, a celebration on Saturday at half the cost is a great way to spend it. Besides, who’s to say that only one specific day out of the year should be the only day you appreciate your other half?

Showing appreciation for your other half does not mean that you have to go to extreme financial lengths in order to prove how much you care. Little thoughts and actions add up, and this Valentine’s Day can be an example of that. I hope these ideas and tips inspire you to have a happy and budget-friendly holiday.

Need help incorporating gifts into a tight budget? Please contact Powercat Financial or simply request a free appointment today with one of our counselors at https://www.k-state.edu/powercatfinancial/. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Carson Cox

Peer Counselor I

Powercat Financial

www.k-state.edu/powercatfinancial/

Sources:

https://www.brides.com/story/budget-friendly-valentines-day-date-ideas

https://www.mydomaine.com/affordable-valentines-day-ideas

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/valentines-day-ideas/g30520110/cheap-valentines-day-gifts/