5 Frugal Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday in 2016, which is great because it’s a weekend and really opens up the possibilities of how and where to celebrate with your One True Love.
But, the reality is that a lot of us are still recovering from the Holidays so although we want to make the day special we don’t have a lot of money to spend. So what can you do that is romantic but frugal?
Stay Home
Babysitters are pricey. So are meals out. SO skip the cost of both and stay home. Valentine’s Day falls on a school night, so if you are like me I will still enforce regular bedtime. After a nice family dinner, plan something like a fun Valentine’s Day treat for the family. Chocolate Fondue is great! Add in some family fun time, then make sure you put them to bed at their normal time or maybe just a wee bit earlier so you have some alone time with your significant other. I’m not saying put the kids to bed right after dinner, but if you plan out your time a romantic spot in your bedroom with a bottle of wine is a nice celebration at home that won’t cost too much.
Celebrate Early
My wedding anniversary is the same week as Christmas which never works out for ANYTHING. We have become masters at celebrating before or after. No frills. Keep that in mind for Valentine’s Day. Having it fall on a Sunday also puts a HIGH demand for babysitters but what about celebrating the Wednesday or weekend before? Avoid the crowds and in some cases inflated costs associated with holidays and celebrate early.
It doesn’t have to be Dinner
It can be brunch (especially on a Sunday!) or lunch. Even better how about making a special lunch and meeting your significant other for lunch during the week? Or how about coming home for a romantic lunch when the kids are at school?
Ditch the Sitter!
Babysitters cost as much as dinner. Yes they do, so what is an alternative? If you have good friends, offer to watch their kids in exchange for them watching yours. How about you go to dinner on Friday or Saturday while they watch your kids and they go out on the other day? Or the Weekend before? If you have family nearby, start buttering them up NOW. Sundays may not work well for them, so be flexible and make sure your kids schedules aren’t disturbed too much either
My Funny (or Sexy) Valentine
When we were newlyweds, many many years ago, I use to buy silly notes and put them in my husband’s lunch. I stopped that after a while what with work and kids, but Valentine’s Day is a perfect time to include a note in your significant other’s lunch, wallet, briefcase or leave it in the car visor so it falls on them or whatever works for you. If you really want to heat things up how about a sexy text? Or find on a deals website a boudoir photo shoot or couples massage? I checked on Groupon for romantic ideas, and several places are running great specials for boudoir photo shoots and couples massages, so make sure to look in your area if you want to get adventurous.
