Valentine’s Day has a bad reputation of being a “waste of time” holiday that encourages people to spend money and over consume. But it doesn’t have to be that way; Besides, what’s so wrong about dedicating a day specifically to celebrating love? As I previously mentioned, my husband and I are currently in a tough spot financially, but that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate the holiday or give each other gifts. Some of the best gifts, dates, and celebrations come from homemade, handmade, and at home items or ideas. I put together a quick list of my favorite ways to show each other some extra love this Valentine’s Day, no matter what kind of budget you are on <3
The Gift of Food
Cooking and baking (and everything in between the two) is such a heartfelt way to express gratitude and love for your spouse or partner. Here are some ideas of things you can make:
- Breakfast in bed
- Pack their lunch
- Home cooked dinner
- Yummy Dessert
Make it a date: As an added touch, you can use candles you have on hand or buy some cheap tea lights and have a romantic date night dinner at home! And, you can both dress nicely as if you were going out to a fancy restaurant. It doesn’t need to be expensive or over the top to be extra special.
Handwritten Gifts
Sometimes, really saying something from the heart is easier if you can get it down on paper or type it out:
- Love note in his or her lunch box
- Poem
- Handwritten letter
- Random email sent in the middle of the day (technically not handwritten, but still super sweet and thoughtful)
No matter which option you choose from this list, the meaning and effort behind it will truly shine through!
Thoughtful Actions
It’s amazing how appreciated small acts of doing and helping can be. For example, you can:
- Do housework (without being asked)
- Complete a project or two around the house that you’ve been putting off
- Offer to watch the kids so the other person can have some “me time”
- Plan a surprise date night
Crafty Gifts
If you’re feeling artsy, these are some easy and simple ways to get in touch with your creative side:
- Handmade card
- Framed photo
- Painting or inexpensive do-it-yourself craft set from Target (or any other store)
- Handmade heart garland
Make it a date: Find some crafts you can do together. Play some music, have snacks, and make it a fun time. Gifts like these are timeless and never go out of style. Plus, they make such loving memories and keepsakes!
Gifts from Kiddos
If you have kids and want to include them in the gifting and festivities, here are some great ideas for them:
- Handprint Bouqets
- Pictures they drew
- Pages they colored from a book
- Heart shaped cutouts
Inexpensive, At Home Date Night Ideas:
Sometimes it’s enough to just spend some much needed quality time together, laughing and having fun. It doesn’t need to be complicated.
- Game Night
- Movie Night
- Craft Night
- Cook something new together & enjoy it at the dinner table
- Combination of any of the above!
Whether it’s your first Valentine’s Day together or your 5th (or in our case, 8th) these ideas are always great for connection and to show love and appreciation for one another. Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be a dramatic day of overspending and flamboyant gifts. Make it magical and romantic in all the little ways you can, and really enjoy each other.