Valentine’s Day is almost here and for many people that means hitting the high street or browsing online for that perfect, albeit, last-minute gift for someone special on February 14.
Whether you are celebrating the global day of love and romance with your other half, favourite family member or four-legged friend, it’s a day for showing someone special how much they mean to you.
However, the cost of living crisis means that most people will be watching the pennies this year and fortunately, personal finance expert, Paul Wilson from Little-Loans.com, has shared 14 top tips on how you can avoid breaking hearts, and the bank, this Valentine's Day.
14 ways to have the perfect Valentine’s Day and keep your finances on track
1. Agree on a gift budget
Talk with your partner and set yourself a gift budget. This way, there’s no unexpected surprises when one of you has splashed the cash. Remember, you don’t need to buy into the hype of the day with expensive gifts - it’s the thought that counts.
2. Cut down the cost of a romantic break
Many couples like to take a break somewhere romantic for Valentine's Day. If this is your plan this year, make sure you’re getting the best deal possible. Check any last minute deals and if you’re a student you can get 10% off bookings with Hotels.com if you’re signed up to UNIDAYS.
If you’re travelling by rail, find out if you qualify for any of the various railcards available to save on your journey, and try to travel outside of peak times. For even more savings, why not agree with your partner that this will be your gift to each other - then you can ditch the extra cost of getting each other gifts on top.
3. Have an unconventional date
Going on a date doesn’t always have to come at a price. Why not suggest visiting a museum or art gallery, or going for a bike ride or hike to watch the sunset?
4. Make a sentimental playlist
If music is your partner's love language, compile a playlist of sentimental songs or songs that you’ve both shared happy memories to. Sharing songs is an intimate gesture and shows you’ve put a lot of thought into marking the day.
5. Set the scene
Do you really need the entire living room filled with love heart balloons? Save on the cost of unnecessary decorations that you’re going to bin the following day and get the candles out. They’re just as romantic, smell nice and you can use them all year round.
6. Token of love
Why not print out a little IOU token for your partner? This could be to offer a nice massage or to do that pesky chore that they always hate doing.
7. Celebrate Valentine’s Day over the weekend
You don’t have to cram everything in on the day, for Valentine’s Day why not have a theatre night-in at home?
Scenesaver is completely free and allows you unlimited access to over 500+ performances from offwestend and fringe theatres from all around the world.
8. Meal for Two
Why not have a romantic meal for two at home? Making a special meal for your partner really adds that personal touch. If you still really fancy heading out for food, there are so many ways you can save money. Try going on a brunch date, out for fancy dessert or opt for lunch out rather than dinner.
9. Gift of memories
Frame a photo of the two of you that you both love or make a photobook. If you’re seeking further savings, opt for making a photo presentation online where you can accompany the show with their favourite music.
10. Handmade Valentine’s Day cards
If you have children together, get the kids involved in making sweet Valentine’s Day card covers for each other. It’ll be sure to melt your partner's heart.
11. Flowers and plants
There are so many ways to save on the cost of flowers.
Buying flowers from a supermarket rather than online will save you on the cost of delivery - which is usually expensive because the flowers need to be carefully transported.
This will also allow you to inspect which flowers are the freshest. Try to opt for a bunch that haven’t bloomed yet as they will last longer and provide better value for money.
You could also opt for buying a plant instead as this will provide better value for money.
12. Thoughtful bed in breakfast
Make your partner breakfast in bed. Add a deck of cards to the tray with handwritten notes of different reasons why you love them. It’ll be sure to raise a smile and set the day off on a high.
13. Experience days
If you and your partner are looking for an experience day together, make sure you’re not paying full price. Head to Groupon online to see what discounts you can find. If you’re an NHS worker, you can get a range of discounts on experiences with Viator, Klook and Buyagift. If you’re a student or have a graduate account with UNIDAYS you can take advantage of 20% off on Virgin Experience Days.
14. Good intentions
At the end of the day, putting on your best clothes and complimenting your partner shows you’re making an effort. It doesn’t cost anything but will make a world of difference.
Just remember, telling someone special how much they mean to you is priceless - and completely free.
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