Valentine’s Day on a Budget

My contributor Rebecca is sharing some great ideas for Valentine’s Day on a Budget

My husband and I purchased our first home this past fall, and since then we’ve been sticking to a very strict budget. Holidays have been a little less lavish, but no less memorable. With Valentine’s Day approaching, I’ve been thinking of ways that we can celebrate the day on a budget, without sacrificing any of the romance. Here are several ideas I’ve come up with:

Have a fancy meal at home

A night out at a nice restaurant can really start to add up, especially when you factor in the cost of a cocktail or two and a ride home. A fancy dinner at home can be just as romantic, without the big bill. There are even several grocery stores that sell pre-cooked items that will make the cooking less overwhelming. Dress the dining table up with a nice tablecloth and candles, and it’s almost like you’re out on the town.

Give the gift of service

It may not sound very exciting to do chores for your significant other, but often times doing the dishes, laundry, or vacuuming can be the most appreciated gift you can give. One of my husband’s love languages is acts of service so I know he appreciates me tidying up the house way more than a mushy card. And the best part, it’s free!

DIY Gift Basket

Pre-prepared gift baskets can be so expensive. Why not create your own with little inexpensive items you find at Target or the Dollar store? The items themselves may not be fancy or expensive, but the fact that you picked them out individually with your loved one in mind, means so much more than a basket from a store.

Tech-free day

Instead of planning a fancy date, have an afternoon or evening at home without computers or phones. Just sit and talk with your significant other or play a board game. Sometimes a little undivided attention can be better than any gift.

What are your plans for Valentine’s Day?