The kids are back to school, and the holidays are over, but don’t be down, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and is a great excuse bring a smile to someone’s face and show those around us how much we care.
Whether you celebrate by going all out on meals, flowers and gifts or simply take a moment to say “I Love You” to someone (even if that’s the dog!), it’s a special day for us all.
We all love to receive a gift from a loved one, and hey, what girl doesn’t love a box of chocolates, a lovely piece of jewellery or a bunch of their favourite flowers but Valentine’s Day needn’t be about spending money.
So here’s our top tips for having a wonderful Valentine’s Day without the expense…
It’s not about money
We can be so easily distracted by the TV ads, the store front displays etc telling us what we need to buy but remember, the media is spending a fortune to persuade us to hand over our hard earned money. It’s not about love, it’s about profit for them.
And at the end of the day, whilst a gift is lovely to give and receive, the most important thing we can give is our time, attention and being present with our loved ones. By all means give gifts if you want to and enjoy doing so, but please don’t feel pressured to do so.
Less is more
If you want to save money on Valentine’s Day but still feel like you are indulging your loved ones, just do it on a smaller scale. For example, instead sending 12 red roses, just choose one and think of a creative way to send it – e.g. attach it to the dog, get the kids to dress up and deliver it. Or give a box of their favourite chocolate, rather than the large boxes of expensive chocolates available in the shops just now.
Get creative
A homemade card is always more meaningful than a store bought one. As well as the actual words you include, it says “I care enough to take the time to create this for you”.
And you don’t need to be Martha Stewart to create a lovely card or gift full of meaning. Just think of the skills you have and use those e.g. if you are a great cook, make a beautiful cake, if you can write, make a poem, if you love walking outdoors, find a new location to take someone special and maybe leave a message at the end of the path for them to find.
Get couponing
Coupons aren’t just for getting cash off your groceries. They can be a really fun way to show your love. Coupons can be for anything at all from simply doing the dishes to something really sexy – whatever you think your partner would appreciate most. Here are some examples:
- This coupon is good for one week of all dish washing by me.
- This coupon is good for guaranteeing one season of your favourite TV show to be shared with me. And I promise that there will be no channel surfing or complaining during said show.
- This coupon is good for one week of all the ironing – even the shirts.
- This coupon is good for one foot massage.
- This coupon is good for one massage in a bubble bath.
- This coupon is good for a long snog in front of a movie of your choice.
- This coupon is good for the night of your wildest dreams. To be redeemed when you’re in the mood.
Have a valentine’s stay at home date
Make a lovely meal which you wouldn’t normally make – it doesn’t need to be expensive food; just not the normal Monday night spag bol. Be romantic – if you’re going to watch a special DVD together, be sure to make some popcorn or your favourite nibbles to share and spell “I love you” on the plate using food! Or make a love heart shaped pizza or cake.
Cheesy stargazing
Make the most of the warm nights, grab a blanket and a glass of sparkling, or a coffee and go check out the night sky. Use an app or a star chart and look for stars that you know, or just choose a star just for the two of you and make a promise to look for it every Valentine’s Day.
Be spontaneous
We all get stuck in the same rituals so this year do something unexpected! Get your Youtube on and learn a few dance moves, learn a love poem, set the lounge up like a proper cinema, or if, you’ve the budget for it, pretend that’s what you’re doing and then surprise your partner with a movie, show or concert ticket.
Memories
Do you have a special place where you met, or first kissed or maybe there is somewhere your partner has favourite childhood memories off? Take them there and reminisce.
Alternatively, dig out old photos and videos and spend the evening going through them together. This is such a great to have an excuse to enjoy all those photos that get locked away and forgotten about!
No matter how YOU choose to spend Valentine’s Day, we wish you all a day full of love and laughter with loved ones and friends.
Looking for inspiration for what to write in your Valentine’s Card this year?
Here are Mister Minit‘s Top 5 most popular sentiments they see regularly at this time of year…
- I’ve fallen in love many times… always with you.
- You are like a dictionary; you add meaning to my life.
- There are plenty of other fish in the sea but you are my only Nemo.
- True love stories never have endings.
- You hold the key to my heart.