10 ways to save money on Valentine’s day

With Valentine’s Day coming up, you might be wondering what you are going to get your significant other. You are also probably wondering what you should do for a date.

Valentine’s Day has become a bit of a big deal. Most of us feel as though we need to do something for a significant other. While the average American plans to spend a little more than $140 for Valentine’s Day this year, Canadians spend less than their counterparts to the south, spending only about 25% of what Americans do.

Whatever you spend on Valentine’s Day, though, chances are that you will want to make it memorable without breaking the bank.

How to save money on Valentine’s day

It’s nice to show you care, but you can do that without overspending. It truly is the thought that counts if you want to have a memorable day without going overboard. Here are some great ideas for a romantic Valentine’s Day that your significant other is sure to love.

1. Make dinner together at home

Instead of paying extra for a limited Valentine’s Day menu at a restaurant, why not make dinner at home? Not only will this save you money, but it’s also more romantic than a crowded restaurant.

Plan the menu to include your favorite indulgences, and fix the meal together. Reconnecting over your favorite foods — foods that you have prepared together — can be a great way to have a nice evening in.

2. Breakfast in bed

Another great way to show your love through cooking is providing breakfast in bed. Start the day out right by bringing your significant a favorite breakfast, and serve it in bed.

3. Take a cooking class together

Maybe you’re not such a great cook. A fun Valentine’s Date could be to take a cooking class together. You’ll learn a new skill, and you can put those new skills to work later by making a meal together.

4. Go on a non-traditional date

When we think about Valentine’s Day, we often think about dinner at a fancy restaurant or some other traditionally romantic excursion. However, there’s no reason to go on the “traditional” Valentine’s Day date, especially when it’s going to be crowded and expensive.

Instead, do something that’s not in high demand, and is also less expensive. Visit a museum or zoo. If you want to share a meal, go to lunch instead of dinner, since it will cost less. You can also go to the matinee movie rather than the later movie to save some money.

5. Go to a dollar store

Chocolates and cards cost you as much as five times more anywhere else. A discount store provides you with what you need for a much better price. Even if you want better quality chocolates, you can get a better deal if you go to the grocery store rather than a specialty shop.

Additionally, you can usually get decent roses, and have them put in an attractive vase, for less at the grocery store than you would pay at a more traditional flower shop.

6. Buy on Valentine’s day

Flowers are going to cost you more if you order them on Valentine’s Day. However, other items might not cost as much. Many stores have started dropping the price of their Valentine’s Day items in advance, no longer waiting until after Valentine’s Day to reduce them.

So, if you plan to get something on your way home from work, you might be able to get a good deal on some sale items.

7. Coupon book

This is a classic and thoughtful Valentine’s Day gift. You create a coupon book full of service ideas for your significant other. These coupons can be for anything you can think of, like back rubs, doing the dishes, or watching a movie of their choice together. It’s a fun way to show you care.

Choose items that your significant other will really like and appreciate so that it’s clear you put serious thought into it.

8. Discounted activities

Go to the movie for less than what you would pay at the till by picking up discounted passes at CAA or Costco. You can get discounts on other activities as well. Look for coupon codes and special deals so that you can enjoy savings on almost anything.

9. Watch a movie at home

Save even more money, and avoid the crowds, by renting a movie or watching one on television. Pick one of your old favorites or a movie that reminds you of when you first fell in love. Cuddle up with homemade popcorn or a decadent dessert.

10. Create a photo album

Gather old photos of memorable moments and special occasions. You can even use online sources to compile photobooks using digital pictures. Consider themed pages revolving around when you first met, when you were engaged, your wedding day, and other special vacations and holidays. It’s a sweet memento of your life together.