Valentine's
Day on a Budget
by Kimberly Danger
Saying “I love you” doesn’t have to be
expensive. After all, it’s the sentiment that counts.
Do-it-yourself techniques can help save you money, with
the benefit of putting a personal touch on the holiday.
Here are some fun, creative ideas you can use to express
your feelings towards those you love, without spending a
lot of money.
Cards
If you’ve purchased a card lately, you
may have noticed how expensive they can be. Why not
make your own? You don’t have to be especially creative
to pull off something that looks great. Pick up some
paint color swatches in reds and pinks at your local
hardware store. Look for colors like “lipstick red” or
“kiss me pink”. Glue them to pink, red, or white
cardstock to create a fun, creative card. Write your
own special message inside.
Other ideas:
Sweets
For some, it just wouldn’t be Valentine’s
Day without chocolate. Instead of splurging for a box
of premium chocolate, get creative instead. Use a pizza
pan to shape cookie dough into a big heart-shaped
cookie. Adding bright red M&Ms in a message (think
initials or short words) to the batter is a fun touch.
Or, bake a cake and top with a romantic saying or
favorite quote.
Other ideas:
The Romantic Meal
Instead of fighting the restaurant crowd,
make your own romantic meal at home. It’s less
expensive, and you’ll also be able to create a more
intimate setting. Don’t forget the candles and mood
music. Candles can be found at your local dollar store,
and you can create a playlist of love songs from your
current music collection. Or, borrow a CD from the
library.
For menu ideas, turn to the Internet for
creative new recipes. Sites like
Coupons.com have a
wide range of recipes that will impress even the
toughest food critic. Plus, the recipes include
printable coupons on ingredients for added savings at
the grocery store.
If you have children, wait until after
they go to sleep for a late meal. Or, if you’re lucky
to have grandpa and grandma close by, request some free
babysitting.
If the weather allows, packing a picnic
meal can be incredibly romantic. Meats, cheeses, fruit
and an inexpensive (but good) bottle of wine create the
perfect setting.
Other dinner ideas:
Flowers
Even in February, you can take some great
cuttings from bushes and shrubs outside. Evergreen
boughs and bright red dogwood branches look great when
combined with a single red rose and tied with a
decorative ribbon. Or, buy an amaryllis bulb or packet
of seeds. Include along with a note saying, “My love
for you grows stronger every day.”
Delay
Celebrate Valentine’s Day a day or two
later, and you can save big. This works especially well
if the 14th falls midweek. You’ll find
everything discounted up to 50%, and you just may be
able to get a restaurant reservation!
Other Gift Ideas:
Mixed CD of love songs
Homemade coupons for back rubs
A photo of yourself in an inexpensive
frame
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