How to Save on Valentine’s Day (Without being “Cheap”)

Valentine’s Day is next week? Cue going online, and then ordering the expensive gift you know they will love. But, if I think back to the best Valentine’s Day I have had, it never involved an expensive gift. It involved a human and an experience.
In this month of love, I have put together three tips to help you celebrate Valentine’s Day with your special someone while saving your money for the things that really matter for your family in 2018:
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1.Wait a few days.
I have friends that choose to celebrate Valentine’s Day a week late. What fun is that, you ask? On February 15, all of the stores want the heart-shaped chocolate OUT; especially this year with Easter being early, they will be in a rush to get the eggs and bunnies out to replace the hearts! That means big savings- think 50-90% off. And, if you choose to eat out, you won’t have to fight the enormous crowds and two hour-long wait times. It’s just another week for everyone else!
 
2.It’s the thought that counts.
Don’t be afraid to use your creative side! Plan out a unique date night. One of my favorite Valentine’s, my husband brought home a heart-shaped pizza and lots of candy (sweet tooth over here).  Does your significant other love books? What about a trip to the library and coffee at the café? If you two like to laugh together, a comedy show could be the perfect date night. Do you both have a healthy competitive spirit? If so, find a local place that has board games, pool tables, or skee-ball. Make it special and memorable by taking some time to think through what experience would top any gift!
 
3.Make it from scratch.
In this digital age we live in, buying a gift is just one click and two days away. What if you planned at least a few days out and created something that is beyond a simple click? Some ideas may include: create a painting, collect pictures of special memories from the past year, or have close friends write in a journal explaining why they love your significant other. There are so many ways to make Valentine’s Day memorable without spending a whole paycheck or going into debt.
 
So, what are you planning to change about your Valentine’s Day celebration this year? Maybe I will see all of you on February 15 at the store stocking up on candy or posting about a sweet, homemade gift you gave your person. Either way, try not to stress out over a day that is really about love. Let’s spread the heart eyes emoji next week, whenever and however you choose to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year!