Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Make Love Not Debt: Budget-Friendly Valentine's Day Ideas

Adoration and appreciation cant be purchased. They don't come in a box and they aren't on the menu at an expensive restaurant, because they are priceless. 

Yet these are the gifts that most women crave on Valentine's Day. More than anything, a woman wants to feel loved and that she is someone unlike anyone else in your life.

Money is no impediment, because very little of it needs to be involved in designing a Valentine's Day that is just right. This is great news if you are short on cash and want to make love, not debt on Feb. 14.


However, whether expensive or nearly cost-free, a good Valentine's gift requires thoughtful planning. The last thing a woman wants is to be the recipient of a rushed, last-minute gift. That tells her she is almost the last thing on your mind.

Here are some budget-friendly suggestions for telling your sweetheart she is special.

 

A Fresh Baked Breakfast


One way to say you appreciate your wife or lover is by preparing a simple breakfast for her on Valentine's Day morning. Surprise her by running out for some bagels or whipping up some eggs and placing a small bouquet and maybe a hand-written card on the table. Have it all set up and ready for her when she wakes up.

 

A Simple Picnic Lunch


Take time to meet for lunch at her workplace or a nearby park. Pack some simple foods you know that she enjoys. You peel the orange, so she doesn't have to mess up her manicure.

Beauty Delivered During the Day

There is something enchanting about receiving a special delivery of flowers or a lovely potted plant while at work. It is a public announcement of affection. If you are shy about the thought of all her coworkers staring at you, let professionals do the delivery. If you buy flowers online at FTD.com they will deliver the flowers with a special message from you, and it's usually a better price than a traditional florist.

 

Ice Cream and Time for Talk


Women love time for meaningful conversation. So here's a sweet, low-cost gift for when she gets home from work. Purchase fresh fruit and a pint of her favorite ice cream to share. Set the table nicely and be prepared to listen and ask questions.

 

Roller Skates and Go-Karts


After work is also a good time to let the good times roll. Make arrangements to go rollerblading or to visit the closest fun center where you can ride bumper cars or go-karts. Maybe you might even bowl a few lanes before dinner. Remember that couples who unwind together, laugh together and that couples who laugh together ... well, you get the picture.

 

Hot Chocolate and a Starlight Drive


Fill a thermos with hot chocolate and head out into the night for a starlight drive or walk. Stop by a park or lake to listen to the ducks and geese settling down for the night, gaze at the moon and hold hands.

 

A Chick Flick Cuddle Fest


When you get home, give her the cheesy but heartfelt Valentine you made for her or the poem you wrote. Then make the ultimate sacrifice and watch a touchy-feely, romantic chick flick of her choice while cuddling on the couch.

Of course, lucky you, she might prefer old Clint Eastwood movies. In that case, you really owe your woman. So make her day by offering a shoulder massage. She'll get the message; you adore her.

11 comments:

Shelly Peterson said...

these are some great ideas!

Unknown said...

These are wonderful ideas. We don't do much for Valentine's Day and like to keep it simple so any of these would fit into our day. I love the hot chocolate and starry drive idea. I might try to make that happen this year!

Tesa @ 2 Wired 2 Tired

ConnieFoggles said...

You've listed some of my favorite gifts for every holiday.

Sippy Cup Mom said...

Such great ideas, these are what I love!

Liz Mays said...

I have to say that your ice cream idea is beyond brilliant. I would LOVE that!

Zanymomintx said...

For me, a hopeless romantic, these ideas are way better than the traditional expensive dinner, chocolates, and soon to be dead flowers. Thanks for sharing!

Cori said...

Awesome ideas!! TFS!!

Anonymous said...

Great ideas! I love surprising my husband with something delivered to his work =P

Unknown said...

We don't really "do" Valentines Day, but these are great ideas for dates or even birthdays/anniversaries.

Andrea Kruse said...

I agree those are some great ideas! As a busy Mom, nothing would say, " I love you" more than sharing of my load of daily duties. Nothing more attractive than my man letting me sit for a bit and do the dishes. I am not so big on jewelry or chocolate, but the simple things do warm my heart.

Sara @ Mom Endeavors said...

Great ideas!