My hubby and I have been together for 23 years. Being a family of 5 it feels like we’ve never had any extra money. So, Valentine’s Day has always been an excursion in frugality. Here’s a list of some of the things we have done in the past!
1. Swap babysitting with another couple so that you can go on a date without paying child care and your friends can too. This means one of the couples will go out not on the actual Valentine’s Day. That’s actually a good thing because you will not have to fight the crowds.
2. If you are swapping babysitting and your kids are at someone else’s house you can rent a redbox movie and either make a quick meal at home or grab some take out. Either way you are not paying for drinks and tips!
3. Unplug and play a favorite board game or card game with your date. It’s all about spending quality time together and you will actually interact more during a board game than a movie.
4. Eat dessert out only and skip the meal. Have a light meal ahead of time and just enjoy dessert out.
5. Go to a matinee instead of a regular priced movie. We sometimes will then get our soda and popcorn afterwards at Target! LOL Nothing like saving $8 by driving next door to get our popcorn and coke on!
6. Enjoy a glass of wine and some homemade crockpot chocolates or crockpot brownies. Then enjoy some pillow talk and rest without the kids around. Isn’t that what all parents want? Just some consecutive sleep!
7. Find a local church that is having a Valentine’s Day dinner for couples. These are usually very inexpensive and a great way to hear a short uplifting message with great food. We’ve done this at least 5 times. It’s a great way to meet other couples and have a nice night out.
8. Take a date to your book store. Enjoy a coffee and a dessert while you find some new great authors to follow.
9. Go to a free museum in your town or a neighboring town. We love to enjoy art. There’s a local museum here that is very inexpensive and fun to go to. They change their exhibits about every quarter. Great way to hold their hand and walk around remembering all the reasons you are together.
10. Find other inexpensive attractions in your area and visit them. We have Antique Archaeology from American Pickers here in our town. It’s a great free activity to go down and wander around looking at the antiques and fun items that have been picked. You don’t have to buy a thing to enjoy this exhibit.
At Valentine’s Day the important thing is spending time with the one you love. It’s not about money and how much can be spent. You can show your significant other that they are loved. Enjoy your spouse and shower them with attention instead of money!
Check out my other posts on Valentine’s Day Drinks for adults and kids, Valentine’s Day Crafts for kids, more Valentine’s Day crafts are fun, my super easy and yummy Valentine’s Day Cake, how about 2 Ingredient Valentine’s Day Fudge (so easy) and follow me on pinterest for more fun activities!
There’s always a stroll by the bay, sipping a mocha espresso from your favorite waterfront coffee shop, and a heart-to-heart talk about the day while a Carolina moon rises to smile down on you……
You should be a writer! I want a date like that!
These are great ideas for the entire year – not just V-day! Now I’m gonna go check out those crockpot brownies/cookies 🙂