Many people consider Valentine’s Day a “Hallmark Holiday,” or a holiday that exists for commercial purposes rather than one that has any true meaning behind it. While that may be partially true, I think any excuse to celebrate love is great. However, restaurants and stores seem to really take advantage of the holiday by jacking up the price of candy and cards or doing price fixed only menus with limited options for a higher than necessary price. To avoid spending more than necessary here are 6 money-saving tips for Valentine’s Day.
Go Out to Dinner Before or After Valentine’s Day
This is my number one on this list because as I mentioned above, many restaurants offer price fixed only menus with limited options to choose from, slower service and lesser quality. For me, I enjoy going out to eat because I can choose whatever I would like from the menu and I thoroughly enjoy the experience when I receive great service and I’m eating good quality food. I want to specify that I do not blame the restaurant or the staff for not being to provide a top-notch experience on a holiday such as Valentine’s Day; it makes complete sense when you have an overwhelming demand. Because of this, I think celebrating Valentine’s Day by going out a couple days before or after is better. Why do you HAVE to go out on the actual holiday? Truthfully, this time of year is especially busy for my husband so unless Valentine’s Day falls on a weekend, we don’t even have another choice. I am also not a fan of going on to eat during the week when I am working that day and the next day before I feel more tired and anxious or stressed than I should.
Order Takeout
Skip the entire restaurant experience and order take-out instead! You may run the risk of the timing being slower (for example, normally the restaurant takes 20 minutes for takeout orders, but maybe take 40 minutes on Valentine’s Day), but at least you don’t have to cook! Plus, when you order takeout and pick it up yourself, you save money because you don’t have to tip!
Make Dinner at Home
To save the most money, make your own dinner at home. There are plenty of ways to make it feel fancier than a regular night by doing things such as dressing up, lighting some candles, opening a bottle of wine or making cocktails, creating a menu of your own, setting the table, doing a multi-course meal, breaking out the fine china, playing some music, etc. This is great because not only do you save money by not having to pay the premium for a restaurant meal, but you also feel more relaxed because you’re in the comfort of your own home. You’re in control of how the night goes.
Buy Candy After Valentine’s Day
If you are planning on buying your loved one candy for Valentine’s Day, you’re better off waiting until the day after. After Valentine’s Day (as well as after any holiday that has its own holiday-inspired candy) you can get the same candy for 50-75% off depending where you go. Truthfully, do you or your significant other even eat the candy on Valentine’s Day? Personally, I end up indulging after if we go out to eat or eat a big dinner at home because I’m too full. If I can have that same exact candy for literally half the price, that’s a better gift in my mind!
Make a Card or Gift
No exaggeration, I have seen cards being sold for as much as $9.99. This is insanity! Sure, some cards are very well-written and aesthetically pleasing, but isn’t a personalized card or letter better? My husband and I often write each other letters on holidays so we can really put a personal touch on it. We discuss our specific feelings and the events of our own lives that the cards are not able to portray. I think there is a lot more emotion put into this, so I prefer this to a card. If you struggle to come up with your own words, visit the card aisle or browse online for some inspiration. Many people throw cards out after displaying them for a short amount of time. Would you throw a $10 bill in the garbage? (I hope not!)
Spend Quality Time Doing Something You Love
This is obviously far from specific, but you most likely know your significant other better than anyone else. Think of something that he/she enjoys or that you both enjoy doing together. It doesn’t have to cost money either. For example, I love when my husband and I take our dog for a walk together or when we cuddle up on the couch and watch a movie or one of our favorite shows. Some other ideas are cooking a meal together, playing board games, going ice skating, visiting a museum, and getting coffee at a local coffee shop. Sometimes thinking outside of the box is even better!
