Updated February 2, 2018
Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching. Many of you are probably thinking that this year, the day will just have to slide by and not be special because you can’t afford to do anything for the special people in your lives.
Valentines’ Day has become over-commercialized. That leads to things costing much more. I mean, have you ever seen the price of flowers this time of the year? It is ridiculous!!!
It also seems that many people feel Valentine’s Day is only for their spouse or partner. If you have a family, you know that you don’t only remember them, but you also do something for your kids. They too deserve to be remembered!!
Of course, if you don’t remember that special person in your life, he or she may end up with hurt feelings. Rather than go into debt, why not try some ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day without spending too much money.
Looking for gift ideas for your kids? Check out these inexpensive Valentine’s Day gift ideas.
VALENTINE’S DAY IDEAS THAT DON’T COST MONEY
1. Get in the kitchen
Why not pull out the cookie sheets or cupcake tins and bake some goodies. I know that sweets usually buy me a one-way ticket to my family’s hearts!! Have some fun and bake a heart-shaped cake or cookies!
2. Write a love letter
Get out the paper and pen and put your feelings down on paper. Everyone appreciates knowing they are loved and Valentine’s Day is the perfect time of the year to say so.
One year, my husband took the time to write me a letter. He talked about our relationship and how much he loved and cared for me. While that happened more than 10 years ago, I still have the letter to this day.
3. Pack a lunch note
Grab the sticky notes and jot down a note of love for your kids and put it in their lunchbox. You may even add a special sweet treat to make lunchtime extra special. I love these adorable lunch box love notes from Happiness is Homemade.
4. Make a coupon book
Make a coupon book for your significant other or spouse! You can make coupons for things such as “one free night off of bath duty for the kids” or “Complete control of the TV remote one Sunday”…..or, you can also go…ahem….naughty if you wanna! Giggle!!!! If you don’t have ideas of your own, you can download and a coupon book.
And, you don’t have to make coupons only for your spouse or partner. You can make a few for your kids! Imagine their surprise when they get a card with coupons such as “No making your bed one day,” “Staying up 30 minutes late” or “Ice Cream for Breakfast.” They will love you (even more than they already do).
5. Romantic dinner at home
If your kids are younger and go to bed early, have dinner once they are asleep. As much as you love your kids, it is nice to have a meal where no one is complaining about having to eat their vegetables or crying because they are tired. You can sit down and have a meal with real adult conversation!
6. Movie time
Pop some popcorn and throw in a movie! Of course, if you rent one from RedBox or On Demand, it doesn’t make your evening completely free — but it is pretty close to it. Or, if you want to add extra romance, watch your wedding video.
You don’t even have to watch a movie, but could scroll through pictures of your honeymoon, vacations, or even the kids when they were younger. Spending time together matters more than what is in the screen.
7. Sweets for dinner
Do something special for your children for dinner — make it a sweets meal! Try to make steak, mashed potatoes and green beans…….. where the steak is a Hershey’s bar (cut it in a fun shape) the potatoes/gravy are ice cream with chocolate syrup and the green beans are string candies such as licorice sticks in colors. Just be sure to stock up on toothpaste and floss!!!
8. Plan a unique date
It seems Valentine’s Day has the stigma that you need to have a nice meal. That is not at all the case! Try something unique such as a video game challenge or hike (if it is not too cold where you live).
9. Hang love notes
Get some pink or red sticky notes and list all the things you love about your kids and spouse and put them on their bedroom door or bathroom mirror the night before. Then, when they wake up in the morning, they will be greeted with notes that tell them how much they are loved – but in a unique and fun way!
Valentine’s Day does not need to be expensive. In fact, it does not really need to cost anything at all. The idea is to remind your partner — and your kids — how much you love them!