Ready or not, the day to celebrate all things love is nearly here. Yes, February 14th is just around the corner and couples everywhere are getting ready to shower their loved ones with gifts of love and affection.
This year, however, with the cost of living crisis ongoing and many couples looking to tighten their belts, Valentine’s Day might look a little different.
If your heart is quaking and hands are shaking from the pressure of splurging on expensive gifts, rather than from the fluttering love you should be feeling, worry not. There’s no need to break the bank this Valentine’s day with these 8 ways to wow your spouse this Valentine’s Day on a budget.
Eat Out, For Less
A dinner for two with candles and wine – it’s the quintessential romantic Valentine’s Day evening, and one which is only enhanced further by being looked after in your favourite neighbourhood restaurant. However, there’s some debate as to whether or not it’s acceptable to use discount vouchers when you’re having a romantic meal for two on the restaurant industry’s most profitable night of the year.
That, my friends, is up to you to decide. Although vouchers may seem unromantic, chances are you will both be glad to save some money, so who can complain?
Cook A Romantic Meal
There is something about eating in a fancy restaurant on Valentine’s Day that makes you feel like you’ve entered a canoodling competition with the tables next to you. If the thought of all that PDA and a restaurant full of loved up couples makes your cringe, then simply stay in and serve up a romantic meal by candlelight.
It helps if you can cook of course, but if you’re hopeless in the kitchen fear not – get a classy takeaway or invest in a supermarket meal deal. Simple.
Read: 6 ways to create the IDEAL restaurant experience at home this Valentine’s Day
Breakfast In Bed
If you really want to spoil your significant other rotten this Valentine’s Day, then go for an indulgent lazy breakfast in bed. Waking up to the smell of something delicious cooking in the kitchen and freshly brewed coffee is pure heaven and will be such a treat for spouse. And if the rest of the day is spent very much in the same place, then even better, right?
Valentine’s Cliches, But For Cheaper
The most romantic 24-hours of the year has developed a reputation for consumers splashing out on cute cards and sweet treats, however instead of spending a fortune we know where to get all the usual Valentine’s cliches for under a fiver – Poundland. Yeah, it’s cheap and perhaps a little tacky, but it’s the thought that counts – not how much cash you spend. And who doesn’t love a Thrifty King or Queen these days?
Two Traditional Valentine’s Gifts For The Price Of One
Speaking of cliched presents and thrifty folk, a great way to gift your partner two of Valentine’s Day’s most popular items is by combining the two. No, not a chocolate box made out of rose petals (though that could actually work too, come to think of it), but rather a gift in the form of sweet bouquets, which are essentially a bunch of flowers made out of chocolate. What’s not to love?
Indulge In Some Nostalgia
Sometimes the best and most appreciated gifts are cheap or even free — back massage, anyone? Doing something meaningful can mean so much more than buying a lavish gift – it shows that you’ve really thought about your partner on this special day.
A truly thoughtful present that’s also completely free is the gift of nostalgia. Why not revisit some of you and your partner’s most cherished places on a romantic yet frugal trip down memory lane?
Luxuriate in the place you first met or had your first kiss, or visit your wedding venue and reminiscence about the day, reminding both of you of the wonderful, meaningful journey of your relationship up to this point. We’re getting a little misty-eyed just thinking about it!
Engrave Stylish Jewellery
If the gift of jewellery feels too extravagant this year, then how about engraving one of your partner’s already-owned pieces? Of course, you might want to check first that the item isn’t too cherished to be edited and amended, but with a little tact, this can be a truly thoughtful yet affordable gift, reaffirming your bond and commitment.
Have A Spa Night In
It’s easy to create an inexpensive spa night to delight your darling. Share a a hot bubble bath filled with rose petals or take a steamy sexy shower with a luscious, scented body wash. Light some candles and offer a sensual massage from head to toe.
Nuturing a world of stress free bliss on the cheap for your sweetheart has never been so easy, particularly with these great 10 tips for turning your bathroom into a luxury spa. Aaaah, we feel relaxed already!