Roses are red
Violets are blue
I’m broke on Valentine’s Day
How about you?
It’s that time of year. The calendar turns to February and Valentine’s Day is approaching faster than Cupid’s speeding arrow. The pressure is on to plan the most romantic date that you and your bank account can conjure; the state of your entire relationship depends on it! However, is that really what it’s all about? Do you really have to break the bank to show the one you love how you feel?
Here are some clever ideas to celebrate Valentine’s Day without spending a lot of money. They’re sure to leave your loved one whispering those three little words: “You paid what?”
An evening at the spa
You don’t need to visit an exclusive spa to enjoy indulgences. Play ambient music, give a massage (include the feet!), apply a facial mask complete with cucumber slices, give a mani/pedi, and of course, serve champagne. Don’t forget the fluffy robe and soft lighting.
Video games
If your spouse is into gaming and you’re not, giving a night sharing in his/her favorite pastime is a grand romantic gesture. Let your spouse decide from which takeout place to order dinner as well.
Lights out
Pretend there’s been a power outage and rely on candlelight only! Cook hotdogs with the heat of your fireplace, play some games, and of course, snuggle for warmth.
Wait on your loved one
Spend the entire evening waiting on your spouse. Make dinner; serve drinks; do the dishes. Don’t let your spouse lift a finger!
Coupon booklet
This is an old one but still a good one. Besides romantic “deals,” be sure to include tasks that’ll make your loved one’s life a little easier, such as kid-free time or buying and putting away the groceries.
Cook together
Pick a lavish meal and make it from scratch. If you’re the more competitive type, make it a contest similar those seen on popular Food Network shows; give peculiar ingredients to work with to see who can come up with a better dish.
Scavenger hunt
Create cards with clues to the location of the next card until you reach the end. The end of the hunt could be dinner at a restaurant, a movie, a homemade meal, or even your bedroom. Leave clues around your house, or for the more adventurous, around your city or town.
Room service for two
Set up your bedroom like a hotel room, complete with chocolates on the pillows. Allow your spouse to choose from a menu that you’ve printed and prepare the meal while your loved one relaxes. Serve the meal on a small table with a tablecloth that you’ve set up in the bedroom. Since most of us don’t have silver plate covers lying around, just use metal bowls to cover each plate to keep the food warm.
Trivia night
Print cards with trivia questions about your life together so far. Remember to keep it fun and be forgiving if your spouse misses some of the questions!
Have a picnic
A romantic picnic is the quintessential cheap date. However, much of the country is in a deep freeze in early February. No worries; just take it inside. If your indoor picnic is on your living room floor, go all out with a picnic blanket, pillows, and a delicious collection of picnic food. White Christmas lights strung around can simulate stars. Don’t forget the rose petals.
If none of these ideas strike your fancy, check out some cheap and fun outdoor activities. Remember, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to show your loved one how you really feel. Use your imagination and have fun!
