Valentine’s Day…Not Just For Romance

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be just about significant others and it can be celebrated without draining your wallet. This Valentine’s Day, take some time to celebrate the meaning of the holiday with those you love most, whether it’s friends, family or your significant other. Looking for some fun ways to indulge this Valentine’s Day without breaking the bank? We’ve got a few suggestions!

Trade Dinner Reservations for an Apron. Let’s be real, most of us don’t want to spend our Valentine’s Day at a jam-packed, stuffy restaurant, paying for over-priced food and drinks. Not to mention, do V-Day plans get any more predictable than dinner reservations? Instead, save some of your hard-earned money and prepare a special meal for your date, family, or group of friends. What says “I love you” more than a delicious, home-cooked meal? Even if you’re not an experienced chef, it’s the thought that counts here. Pick up some store-bought pizza dough and form it into the shape of a heart before smothering it in all the most indulgent toppings. Or, if you want to get really fancy, try cooking a new dish (and maybe have a back-up frozen pizza stashed away, just in case). You’ll spend far less money on ingredients to make a meal at home, and your loved one(s) will probably appreciate you cooking for them far more than you picking up the check on an over-priced restaurant meal.

Ditch the Cinema for a Comfy Couch. Instead of dropping big bucks at your local theater to see the latest cheesy romance film, consider hosting your own movie night at home. Whether with your date or a group of friends, you can inexpensively provide all the trimmings for an enjoyable and cozy night in. Stock up on candy from your local dollar store, as well as plenty of microwave popcorn and refreshments. Then, pick out (or invite your guests to pick out) a line-up of movies. Maybe even insist that everyone show up in their comfiest pajamas. You really can’t go wrong here!

Forego the Fancy Flowers. Many people think of a big, beautiful bouquet of roses when they think of Valentine’s Day. And don’t get us wrong; roses are lovely. But they also wilt within a few days of receiving them. Not to mention, they’re crazy expensive. Rather than sending roses to your date, friends, or family, why not write them a heart-felt letter telling them what they mean to you? If you want to get fancy, you can even break out the construction paper, scissors, and glue to create a hand-made valentine. Either way, writing something from the heart will warm their hearts more than any bouquet of flowers ever could.

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be just for couples, and it definitely doesn’t have to break the bank when you give these ideas a try!