5 Creative Ways to Celebrate Valentines Day Without Breaking the Bank

Whether you are planning a romantic evening with your significant other or a day of fun with your best friends, there are plenty of ways to enjoy yourself this Valentine’s Day while still showing some love to your piggy bank. Here are five recommendations for celebrating Valentine’s Day without breaking the bank:

• Set a budget & stick to it. By determining in advance how much you can afford to spend and sticking to that amount, you can avoid breaking your budget completely. Start by deciding what you would like to purchase for your loved one or friends. Figure out an appropriate amount for each and stick to this number. In addition to knowing how much you can spend, having a plan for gifts will help avoid unnecessary purchases and last minute over-spending. Jumpstart your shopping. Prices on items such as flowers and chocolate tend to rise as we get closer to Valentine’s Day. Don’t put off your shopping until the last minute. Also consider checking out local discount sites such as Groupon and Living Social. You will often find package deals and discounts on local restaurants and activities.
• Channel your creative side. Studies show that homemade gifts mean just as much, if not more, to your loved ones. Instead of buying another card this year, try making one. Another popular idea is homemade gift baskets. Filling up a basket or new storage bin with your valentine’s favorite things goes a long way, and can cost you a lot less.
• Spread the love. What better way to spend your Valentine’s Day than through generosity and random acts of kindness? Consider spending your afternoon at a local animal shelter or soup kitchen. Walking dogs or helping to provide a fresh meal to those who are less fortunate is sure to warm your heart without costing a penny.
• Pack it in. There’s no written rule that you have to go out on Valentine’s Day. Consider spending the night in with those whom you care about most. Rent movies and tell everyone to bring a favorite dish to share. Or instead of going out to dinner with your date, make a meal at home.

Coming up with gift ideas and Valentine’s Day activities need not take a toll on your finances. Keep in mind the true meaning of the holiday – to express your love for those you care about most. With a little creativity and planning you can make sure this Valentine’s Day is one of the sweetest ones yet.