Valentine’s Day is here again, and there is nothing better than the feeling of love. However, Valentine’s Day does bring with it the issue of money and gift buying. Just how much should you spend? If money is tight, does that mean you love them any less?
In 2017, the UK spent a whopping £713 million on Valentine’s Day. It was found that there was a peak in spending on the weekend prior to the 14th February. As a result, ‘Red Saturday’ was coined. A massive £69 million was spent on flowers and a further £42 million on chocolates. Research found that £77m went towards buying a loved one jewellery, while one in every £8 spent went on a romantic getaway.
But if you are not flush with cash, then there are many ways to say ‘I Love You’ without the need for a string quartet or breaking the bank…
Make a present:
You don’t have to be an expert craftsman or be able to paint a masterpiece. Keep the ideas simple. Make a homemade card for example, but be aware that glitter will get everywhere!
Play a game:
Perhaps choose a board game that is not going to bring anyone’s competitive streak out too much, and one that allows for conversation along the way.
Write a poem:
Think of the fun times you have had, shared memories, holidays etc and try to match them to a verse. These words will be far more thoughtful than any words that you will find in a bought card.
Look at a photo album:
Remember photo albums? Do you still have them? When was the last time you viewed your wedding album? Get the ladder out, get in that loft and dig out those precious memories.
Plan a home meal:
Any special event in the calendar gives restaurants the opportunity to create overpriced menus. Why not select your favourite foods and cook a romantic meal at home? Light some candles, turn off your TV and phones and just enjoy good food, wine and company…
Have a movie night, but on the sofa.
While viewing the big screen may be thrilling, there’s nothing like curling up on the sofa and watching your favourite chick-flick – think Sleepless in Seattle, You’ve Got Mail and Notting Hill.
Revisit a romantic venue:
Why not visit somewhere that means something to you both, perhaps that coffee bar where you first bumped into each other…
Just say it:
They say ‘Say it with flowers’. But if the budget is tight, just remember one thing… telling someone how you feel, doesn’t cost anything!
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