I’m sure you’re already bombarded with advertisements for flowers and store aisles full of Valentine’s candy. Valentine’s day doesn’t have to be all about how much you’re spending on your loved one. After all, love is about so much more than that. So if your budget can’t handle a big gift and a night out, that’s completely fine! Here’s how to celebrate your love while sticking to your budget.
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Valentine’s Day Spending is out of control. Don’t feel pressured to keep up.
Per Bankrate.com, 1 in 3 Americans have more credit card debt than emergency savings. That is a big problem. A third of us are one unexpected expense away from big trouble, and you can count on unexpected expenses arising at some point. And yet, the average person expected to spend $192.80 on their significant other for Valentine’s day last year, per the National Retail Foundation. While I love the idea of showering your loved one with affection and gifts, I think it’s clear our priorities are a bit askew. Please, please, please do not feel that you need to spend $200 to have a good relationship or to be a good partner. Materialism is not what love is all about.
Set Expectations
If you can’t afford a big Valentine’s gift or night out, be upfront and open about setting expectations. My husband is one of those people who chooses to never believe me when I say we’re not doing gifts. Likely thanks to the expectations set by our materialistic culture, he is convinced that I am secretly expecting something. Have a money date and be open about your finances, get everyone on the same page, and decide how you’ll handle the holiday together. We’ve gone over the budget together to decide what we can spend on a gift or night out, and now we’re on the same page.
Let’s take a look at some ideas for a great night on a tight budget!
Traditional Gift: Fresh Flowers
Budget Alternative: Paper, Glass or Wooden Flowers
Flowers for Valentine’s Day can easily cost $70 or more, and we all know they won’t last. There are a few things you can do instead. First, you could head to the grocery store aisle or the garden store and purchase a bouquet or potted plant for cheaper than fresh flowers from the florist. When you are in a better financial situation, then you can buy the expensive flowers if that’s what you want to do.
Another alternative is handmade flowers. You don’t even have to make them yourself. Head to Etsy and you’ll find a number of options including paper and wooden flowers. They cost less than arrangements from the florist, and they last forever. You may even be able to find something to match your loved one’s interests, like flowers made from the pages of Harry Potter or special song lyrics. I was once gifted glass flowers, and they are exquisite! They are delicate, beautiful, and I’ve had them for at least 10 years. And while I can’t say exactly how much was spent on them, I know it was far less then the cost of a dozen red roses that would have been in the garbage in a matter of days.
Traditional Gift: Spa day or Massage
Budget Alternative: Spa and Massage at Home
While a spa day and a good massage are fabulous, it may not be an option right now if you can’t afford it. But it can be very romantic to set aside that time for you and your partner for an at home spa day. Set the mood with a scented candle or essential oils and relaxing music. Buy or make facial products, body scrub, and massage oil or cream. And most of all, make sure you leave plenty of time so that you can relax and enjoy being together.
Traditional Gift: Chocolate covered strawberries or other fruit
Budget Alternative: Dip your own chocolate covered fruits
Chocolate covered strawberries are one of my husband’s favorite treats. If you purchase them, you could easily spend $40 or more. Instead, we make them at home. A box of strawberries cost me $3 this past week, and I can get chocolate melting wafers for $7 per pound. Chocolate covered strawberries are pretty quick and easy to make. You don’t need any special dipping spoons, double boiler, or melting pot either. If you’ve never tried this at home, my tips would be to never use a soft strawberry and also to make them on the day you plan to eat them. Chocolate covered strawberries don’t keep very well, so another benefit of making them at home is that you can make a small quantity to enjoy that day. Then, in the next day or two, dip a few more strawberries to eat fresh. They are so much better that way! No more day-old, slightly soggy chocolate covered strawberries!
Of course, you can do other fruits as well, like banana, melon, apple, and more. Another idea is chocolate covered rum-soaked cherries. Simply soak the cherries in the rum overnight, in the refrigerator. Melt some chocolate, dip the cherries, and set on wax paper. No special tools required!
Traditional Gift: Candy
Budget Alternative: Make Your Own Candy
Now, I’m not expecting you to make your own candy conversation hearts at home. I’m thinking of those expensive boxes of truffles or assorted chocolates. Very few people really enjoy every kind of flavor in that box, so why not make your loved one’s favorites at home? If you really want to make it look perfect and will make candies over and over again, consider investing in a few chocolate supplies. I like to have candy molds, a melting pot or double boiler, a paint brush and dipping tools. If you don’t have the money right now, don’t worry about it. There are plenty of ways to make chocolate candies without all the equipment.
Candy making with molds
For making candies in a mold: once the chocolate is melted, I use the paintbrush to cover the face of the mold in chocolate. Set it in the freezer briefly to harden, then fill with whatever you want. Ideas include: jelly, caramel, marshmallow fluff, peanuts, cashews, Rice Krispies, or heath bits. Fill the mold with melted chocolate and set in freezer briefly to harden. You can use white chocolate, milk chocolate or dark chocolate.
Candy making without supplies
Other candies you can make at home are fudge, chocolate covered oreos or pretzels, and truffles. If you’ve never made fudge, try this recipe from the makers of Marshmallow Fluff. It’s easy and you don’t even need a candy thermometer. I’ve never tried truffles, but this recipe from SugarLaws is sitting on my counter waiting until I have time. Their truffles look delicious, and the recipe seems simple to make.
Dipping oreos or chocolates would be easier with a chocolate melting pot and dipping tools, but you can absolutely make them without supplies. We’ve melted chocolate in ramekins placed in an electric skillet filled with warm water, especially when doing multiple colors or kinds of chocolate. You can also use a metal mixing bowl and a saucepan. Heat water in a saucepan, then remove from the burner. Place the bowl with the chocolate on top of the saucepan with hot water. The bottom of the bowl shouldn’t touch the water. Make sure the chocolate doesn’t get wet, and reheat the water as needed to melt the chocolate and keep it melted. Instead of dipping tools, use a spoon or a fork for dipping. Place them on wax paper until they’ve hardened. If you want, top them with colored sugar or sprinkles.
Budget Alternatives: Have a special meal or drink at home
Personally, I hate to go out around Valentine’s day because everywhere you go, it’s crowded. We always plan a special meal and a quiet night at home. Aside from making a favorite meal, make it special by cooking together. Break out the special occasion glasses, and mix up a fancy drink at home. We love to dress it up with square, round, or diamond ice cubes from this set of ice cube trays. We’ve had other ice cube trays like this before, but this set locks together better, so they’re easier to use and make a better ice cube.
I also feel a bit more pampered if I have a fancy latte. My milk frother is my favorite appliance, but you can froth milk with just a glass jar and a microwave. If you’re feeling bold, try to make heart-shaped latte art for your loved one.
And if you really just want to go out but don’t have money, consider ways you can cover that bill at the restaurant. Save up your credit card reward points and use them for a gift card. Sell a few items that you don’t need anymore. Pick up a few extra hours at work if you can.
However you choose to celebrate your love this Valentine’s day and every day, I just want you to remember not to be overcome by materialism. Let your loved one know they are VALUED every day, and spoil them with affection and thoughtfulness which is always FREE.
