Budget-friendly Valentine’s Day ideas
The National Retail Federation indicates Valentine’s
Day is the fifth largest spending
event in the United States after the winter
holidays and Mother’s Day. Each February, people
clamber to get gifts for their sweethearts and
create romantic memories through fine dining
and decadent desserts.
According to Finder, a tool used to navigate complex
decision-making processes, Americans were
expected to spend a combined $50 billion on gifts
and activities in 2021, with gifts averaging $187. Men
tend to spend more than women on Valentine’s Day.
Everyone may be spending more on Valentine’s
Day this year due to inflation. In 2021, used
cars and trucks, oil, meats and poultry, airline
fares, and women’s apparel were just some of the
items that increased significantly in price. Finding
ways to be frugal may be challenging this
February, but these ideas are a start.
DIY card
While a card may be the smallest purchase on
your shopping list, you can still save an average
of $3 to $5 on a card by making one yourself or
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Valentine’s Day
Save on Valentine’s Day festivities with a homemade meal,
like a heart-shaped pizza at home. Metro Creative Connection
sending a free digital greeting.
Dine in
Restaurants are popular options for couples on
Valentine’s Day, but they can be busy and prices
may be inflated. Many also offer limited prix fixe
menus. By making a meal at home and picking
and choosing less-costly ingredients, couples can
save a substantial amount of money.
Be fl exible with jewelry
You don’t have to spend a fortune to make an
impression with gifts. Diamonds may be a girl’s
best friend, but other stones are often less costly.
Try giving a birthstone as an alternative. If gold
is out of your price range, many sterling silver
options are just as beautiful. In addition, consider
warehouse retailers for jewelry purchases,
as they may have lower costs.
Frugal fl owers
The cost of roses definitely goes up near Valentine’s
Day, so consider giving another flower. Lilies
can be lovely or maybe that special someone
has a signature flower. A flowering plant, which
will cost less than many bouquets and will last
far beyond Valentine’s Day if given care, is another
alternative to consider.
Save on chocolate
Sweet treats are the name of the game, but
many popular chocolate boxes can be pricey this
time of year. Plan ahead and keep a stockpile of
chocolates from Halloween or Christmas. Then
use floral wire or pipe cleaners to turn bite-sized
packages into a handmade chocolate bouquet.
Otherwise, purchase various chocolate bars and
package them with hot chocolate, chocolate cookies
and other decadent offerings in a themed gift
basket.
Saving on Valentine’s Day comes down to being
creative and focusing on the sentiment rather
than the price.
— Metro Creative Connection