Your Guide to Planning a Fun (& Cheap!) Valentine's Day
Valentine’s Day may be one of the most high-pressure holidays in our society. Movies and media set an expectation that friends and lovers spend copious amounts of money to shower each other with gifts, meals, and experiences to prove their love for one another. But it doesn’t have to be that way!
Valentine’s Day should be fun and celebrate the love you feel daily for the people closest to you, whether they be lovers, partners, friends, family, or that person it’s hella complicated with. In 2019, we know most people are ballin’ on a budget, so this article is here to guide you through curating all the basic elements--cards, gifts, and dates--of a fun and expensive Valentine’s Day you’ll remember for years to come... no matter your Facebook status!
♥ CARDS ♥
Let’s flashback to elementary school: remember how it exciting it was to get 23 valentines? As an adult, it’s a pleasant surprise if you get one. Think of gifting someone that joy: your best friend, your partner, a few coworkers, even family members that could use a little pick-me-up.
While the days of Snoopy themed lollipop holders might be past us, crafting is here to stay. Pull out your craft box and queue up that show you’ve been meaning to binge-watch because we’ve got work to do. Pair pink or red paint chip samples with stamps for a quick and easy project. If you like using your hands, grab an ink pad and some blank paper to make a fingerprint heart tree.
Don’t be afraid to use random items around the house: if you have a collection of old Polaroid or Instax pics (remember when that trend hit full speed?) pull out pictures of you with your faves and write cute messages on them to create personal and nostalgic valentines. You can also just pull out all the stickers, stationary, gel pens, and sharpies you have and let your imagination fly. There’s no wrong way to tell someone how much you care about them!
♥ GIFTS ♥
When you’re trying to stay on budget, time and thoughtfulness are key in choosing what to give. If you want to kick it old school, make the 2019 version of a mixtape. A playlist where the first letter of each song spells out your lover’s name or each song was the number one hit on important days in your relationship (the first date, the day you officially became an item, your first anniversary, wedding day, whatever) is creative and tells your partner you spent time working on something specifically for them. Be sure to finish strong and upload a photo for the playlist and give your lover the URL to the list in some sort of cute or romantic fashion!
If you’re looking for something a little less digital, try your hand at a classic love letter! Loveland Colorado offers something they call the Loveland Valentine Re-Mailing Program. You mail them your love letter and they stamp it with hearts and a Valentine’s Day poem before sending it directly to the object of your affection. It’s corny and cute, especially if your lover or friend likes receiving mail. The poem they use doesn’t usually skew exclusively to romantic relationships: check out the official site to learn more. Another option is to write a bunch of little love notes on post-it notes and stick them in random places for your person to find: their mailbox, car, planner, medicine cabinet… anywhere they won’t expect it!
Not so good at words or tight on time? If you’ve got a few bucks to spare, take your lover to a book or record store (depending on their tastes) and let them pick out one item their heart truly desires. My girlfriend took me to a historic black- and independently-owned bookstore for my birthday and let me choose whatever book I wanted. As the leader of a WOC-centric book club and a black writer hoping to make it onto a store shelf one day, it was a really sweet and thoughtful gesture that highlighted just how much she knew me.
♥ DATES ♥
Trying to give your valentine a night they’ll never forget but struggling to find ideas within your budget? Not to worry! If you’re trying to do something social, check out discount sites like LivingSocial or Groupon for affordable events like dance classes, cooking workshops, or bar crawls. Get creative. Are you both gym bunnies? Sign-up for a trial with Class Pass and get all hot and bothered trying something new together.
If you’re looking for something more traditional, consider going out just to get dessert and coffee or a cocktail. It’s a lot less expensive than dinner and if you’re willing to eat at the bar you might be lucky enough to avoid the scores of people at high-end restaurants waiting for a private table and a full-on meal.
Avoid the crowds altogether and get uber cheesy with a living room picnic. Pack a picnic basket, grab your cutest blanket, and turn on nature sounds to make your picnic as corny and hilariously cute as possible. Or, depending on your comfort level with your partner and the relationship, consider filling up the tub and having a wet and wild night in. LGBTQ+ supportive cosmetic company Lush is offering some suggestive emoji bath bombs that let your partner know exactly what you have in mind for the evening ahead.
However you decide to celebrate the day--with friends or lovers, out and about or cozy at home--remember to have fun: your important person already knows how much you love them! Breathe easy and bask in this excuse to spend more quality time with the people you love.♥