Valentine’s Day can be expensive, and in an odd way- it can make such a romantic holiday feel really cheap with the rampant commercialism and the cliché marketing geared to make us want to spend. If you’re not looking for gift guides and instead want ideas that can inspire moments, not overpriced things from the store- read on!
Reclaim the romantic season by finding inexpensive and special gifts for the special person in your life. Read below for our tips on frugal – and fun – gifts.
It’s Ok to Get Artsy
While many of us have not used our creativity since high school art class, giving a homemade gift is a great idea. One year, my friend’s boyfriend painted her cats on a mug and gave it to her. It remains the cutest present I’ve ever seen.
If your idea of drawing is more of the stick figure variety, try making a collage. Find images from magazines relevant to your boo’s hobbies and passions. You can make it a vision board, something that will inspire them every day.
Being Silly Is Good Too
One of the best gifts my husband ever got me was an oversized fleece bathrobe. The silly part? The hood had mouse ears and whiskers on it. I love fleece in the winter, and I wore the robe every day I could.
Don’t be afraid to buy something silly for your loved one. Whether it’s a copy of their favorite children’s book or a game of Operation, making them laugh is a huge accomplishment.
Give the Gift of Convenience
If you’re really broke, the most expensive thing you can give is your time. Give them coupons to do their laundry, fix dinner, take their car to get an oil change – whatever you can think of. Make a list of the tasks you’re willing to do and how many coupons they get. If you have been going through a tough time, or have been too busy with school or work- you know how awesome it is when your partner surprises you by finishing the laundry or finally taking that tail light to get fixed…those are the things you remember most!
As adults, many of us can’t afford to outsource our dry cleaning pick up or car detailing. Having someone else do that can be the difference between a Saturday running errands or a weekend of relaxation.
Buy a Membership
If your partner loves to visit the big cats, get them a zoo membership. If they love to spend an afternoon at the art museum, buy them a membership there. And if they’ve been dying to try a new gym, guess what? Buy them a membership.
You can often find annual memberships for around $50, not a bad deal for something that will remind your sweetie of you every time they use it and you’ll get lots of wear out of it during date nights later in the year.
Feed the Stomach – and the Soul
It’s one thing to cook Valentine’s Day dinner for your partner, but it’s quite another to make them a full week of frozen meals that they can defrost easily. You can also pack together ingredients that they can throw in a crock pot in easy mason jar meal ideas. You can make them their favorite meal or the best thing you know how to do.
For extra goodies, throw in a box or two of brownie or cookie mix. You’ll never know when they’ll be too tired to cook dinner or too sick to meal plan.
It may sound cliche, but the thought really does count when it comes to gifts. Instead of just buying something that will take up space, use the same amount of cash to put together a gift that will keep them feeling loved throughout the year and helps ease stress or can be used for date nights throughout the year. Take some time to think about your person and what they would love the most.
Also, feel free to check out 100 Frugal Date Ideas For Any Season!
We don’t generally do much for the day. I’m usually too stern about spending money (and difficult to buy for) that my husband has mostly given up. Once in awhile, I’ll get him a gift — though usually it’s more something vaguely indulgent that I buy in January and say, “Consider it an early V-day gift.”
This year, we’re going to see Deadpool! (What? Blood is red!) With free movie passes, of course.
This year, I’m going to make my version of this cute kissing garland 🙂 http://adamandhaleykjar.blogspot.com/2011/02/valentines-day-mantel-and-kisses-galore.html I’m excited to add more pictures to it each year!