LOL ok so maybe not for the poor but definitely for those of us on a tight budget.
Usually on Valentine's Day females expect dinner at a nice restaurant, a good bottle of wine, the best desert, flowers and a piece of jewelry... (forget the candy lol unless its chocolate then maybe you definitely have to throw that in there).
I've done it all. From going out to eat, received jewelry, bottle of wine... etc.
I've been with my boyfriend for quite some time now, through college and after. During college most of us tend to be broke college students surviving solely on the money we earn from our college part-time job or the occassional $20 your parents leave you when they visit or when you visit. (If you were more fortunate than this and were spoiled by your parents then....well, congratulations lol) So every holiday we had to improvise with what we had. This year (although college is over, bad economy has moved in... hopefully not to stay) we're both on a tight budget.
Here's ways to have a Wonderful Valentine's Day without spending your wonderful pennies (which i think its really unnecessary btw to spend so much money on just one night)
-"Popping love notes". One Valentine's Day I blew up one balloon for every letter in the phrase "I LOVE U". I took double sided tape and posted it on our bedroom wall. On a sticky note I wrote a reason why i loved him for every balloon I inflated. When he walked into the room he had to pop the balloons and for every one he popped a note came flying out with a reason of why he was soo great lol or good haha. (on this same Vday he took me to Red Lobster for my favorite shrimp platter and took me to the movies) balloons were just $1 and the thought was priceless!
-"Our picture in our frame". On another Vday I went to Michael's and bought a plain wooden frame and decorated it with tons of things that reminded me of him and posted our picture in it. (all materials were less than $10) (on this same vday he took me "hunting" lol see below)
-"Hunting Season" When i get to his apartment with my homemade picture frame he had set up a scavenger hunt throughtout the apartment. One clue lead to another clue and another clue till i finally found myself hunting for the most sweetest gift. He went to things remembered and got me a metal frame with the word LOVE on the side and our names engraved under it. Adorable frame! It's still alive lol
-"Bubbles everywhere" When i arrived to his apartment after work he had drew me a bubblebath with a huge scented candle in the bathroom, lights off with a glass of wine. Then he made dinner for us, Shrimp alfredo with garlic bread and we watched a movie we both wanted to see on Netflix. It was the perfect Vday.
-"Hearts for my heart!" Another vday Macys was having a sale and had a heart pendant and a heart bracelet both for $30 each. but we both agreed we werent going to get eachother anything and we were going to spend the day eating chinese, cuddling in bed and watching movies all day! But that day i decided to bake a yellow cake with chocolate frosting. I also baked cookies in the shape of I <3 U. When we were cuddling watching movies he handed me both the heart pendant AND the heart bracelet. I LOVED IT! and it was just $60 for both 925 silver.
These are all thoughtful things to do for Valentine's Day that can save you money and would probably make a better impression than spending tons of money on dinner and I dont know what else. The best gift is when you're creative and unique. Something you know no one has done for them ever.
-"Have a picnic" my friend Juliana told me while her boyfriend was out she had a picnic in her living room set up for him. Lay a bed sheet in the middle of your living room (with maybe a comforter under it so its softer) turn off the lights, light up candles, cook his favorite meal ,or order it from take out lol, maybe put some music in the back and bammmmm have a picnic right at home. Romantic, thoughtful and awesome!
-"Do a Samantha" if you've seen Sex and the city the first part you know that Samantha planned a nakey sushi dinner for her boy toy. You can do that too! Instead of sushi make finger foods like mozzarella sticks, cheese and crackers, fruits, etc... have some sexy time with your guy while having indulge in some snacks laid on your temple... rooaaarrr hahahha
Let your imagination run wild and do something creative this Valentine's Day.
Here are some ideas of what to do and buy! ALL FOR UNDER $25.
1. (Idea for him) If your girl likes Nailpolish (which most girls do) then you're in luck. CVS has them all!
Insta-Dri is only $4.99 and they come in every color. Love these! Try getting a CVS extra care card for coupons!
(If any males are reading this.. you can do this too)
2. Ladies get your guy some boxers and a pair of PJ Pants. Marshalls has great Puma socks for just $8.99 a pack! They also have awesome Ralph Lauren PJ pants for just $12. Buy some baby oil at the 99cent store and give them a nice back and foot massage along with the Marshall goodies! Delicious!
3. Ladies make it a chocolate fondue night! Get some chocolate melted in a pot, cut up a pound cake, strawberries, bake a brownie and cut it up along with a bag of pretzels and indulge in chocolate covered everything! All supplies should amount to $25 and you can BOTH indulge this great valentines day gift.
4. Order pizza or Chinese food from your favorite spot.($15 give or take) Pop champagne or a bottle of moscato which is only $7 at the liquor store. Get pound cake and whipped cream along some fresh berries and enjoy desert at the comfort of your home. (Although this will be more than $25 i think its a great way to have desert ALONE together... and then who knows... you can be creative with the whip cream lol)
5. Do what my bf did a few years back and surprise your guy with a bubble bath tell him you want him to go in there and relax.. wait 5 minutes and jump in there with him with a bottle of wine or champagne and have a great night ;)
6. Stop by Chipotle and have a mexican dinner... buy a burrito bowl for roughly $7 (which usually feeds 2 because of how big it is) Also buy guac and chips for another $4 and have it at the comfort of your home. For desert stop by CRUMBS bake shop (if you're in NYC) and take him assorted cupcakes 2 for just $8. they have the BEST cupcakes ever! From Red Velvet, to Cookie Dough, to reeses pieces, to cookies and cream... DELICIOUS!
7. Take him on a ride.. grab a blanket, a picnic basket with fruits and snacks and a bottle of wine or champagne of course and take him on a ride. There are great places to go with great views out in Long Island and by the city. Enjoy some nice music, a nice chat, the view and the company of eachother! Hudson river, Astoria Park, Battery Park etc (google it)
8. Go to the sex museum! The fee is only $10 per person and if you search for coupons online you can get the entrance for cheaper! You can learn about banned films and the history of sex which is interesting to know.
9. if you want to do the typical dinner and a movie take the day off and go to the movies during matinee at like 1pm and watch the movie for cheaper then head to dinner/lunch after at around 3pm when theres usually specials at the restaurant either happy hour or two-fers. Google within your area restaurants and menu prices and any specials offered. Then spend the time cuddling in bed.
10. Wear sexy lingerie you already have and give him a striptease. Get whipped cream and make it interesting lol and that should only be $3 hahahahhaha
Once we get closer to VDay i'll tweet store specials for cheaper gifts! :) So MAKE SURE YOU FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER :) @PinkRock
