Valentine’s Day is a time to cherish yourself and that special someone in your life. With a bit of creativity and an open heart, you can give a budget-friendly valentine day gifts without sacrificing your cost-conscious mindset. You can make this holiday feel decadent and romantic, regardless of any financial limitations.
Home-Cooked Meal for Two
No matter your taste, there are easy ways to make Valentine’s Day special.
There’s nothing we appreciate more than the gift of a home-cooked meal. Think about a dish that your significant other loves the most—maybe it’s a batch of warm cookies or pasta primavera. By keeping the meal mostly vegetarian, you can cut down on costs. And to add to the romance, put on your favorite outfit and light some candles. If you don’t want to do all the work yourself, make it a date night activity. Most grocers sell premade pizza dough at an affordable price. How about a make-your-own-pizza night? It’s fun and flavorful.
Undivided Time
Time spent together in meaningful ways is often the best gift we can give to our loved ones.
For those of us who are especially busy, carving out this time, in itself, can make the day feel like a holiday. Block off an evening on your calendar, even if it’s just for an hour or two. Undivided attention is incredibly rewarding, so try turning off your phone and only focusing on your partner. Do something that feels like a treat. Museums often have donation-based entry that makes beautiful artwork accessible for free. Or you could visit the bar of your favorite restaurant—but just for dessert. Make sure you’re showering attention on your partner and everything will unfold from there.
Words of Appreciation
For a lot of us, words of appreciation evoke the most powerful emotions. Sharing your favorite things about your significant other in a Valentine’s Day note or letter of appreciation will only tug on heartstrings. It is rare for us to learn, with such candor, exactly what our loved ones feel toward us. Putting those feelings onto paper can leave an indelible mark, not only on your significant other, but also on your relationship. You can easily make a card with leftover paper or inscribe an affordable card from a drugstore or paper shop.
Meaningful Gifts
If you would like to give a physical, budget-friendly Valentine’s Day gift, there are some great cost-conscious options. Think about what kind of gift would have the greatest impact? Maybe you would like to make a romantic gesture, in which case, Paperwhite Narcissus bulbs cost very little, bloom beautifully, and last longer than traditional flowers. Simply place some stones in a jar, followed by a bulb and enough water to reach the roots. Beautiful white blooms will follow. If you prefer a more practical gift, buy something that your partner could use or see in daily life. Consider a small gift certificate to a favorite coffee shop or a framed photo of you both.
Whatever your decision, personalize it! Make sure that it speaks to your time together in a unique way.
Budget-friendly valentine day gifts are not impossible! Focusing your intentions on romance and love will shine through your chosen gift, whether it be a meal, undivided time, a beautiful card or a token of your love. It’s caring about that someone special and making the effort—rather than your budget—that will create a memorable Valentine’s Day.
The team at CESI is committed to helping you make wise financial decisions and to helping you understand how to get out, and stay out of debt. For a free debt analysis, contact us and find out how we can help.