Sarah Jones
Photography Editor
Whether you want to treat a special person in your life or you want to treat yourself, Valentine’s Day can be expensive. According to a 2020 survey by CompareCards, Americans expect to spend approximately $142 on their significant others this Valentine’s Day. Here are some ideas on how to treat someone special in your life without breaking the bank.
Chocolate and flowers are an old cliché but one that has withstood the test of time. A box of chocolates is easy enough to come by but flowers can be expensive. Although single red rose is romantic, live plants or bulbs are cheaper than going to a florist and they last longer.
A rose bush or a small tree could make the day special while making your yard or garden beautiful. For those without a garden an indoor plant, such as a fern or orchid, can be both pretty and reasonably easy to care for.
A nice dinner at a fancy restaurant can be romantic and also expensive, and making a similar meal at home can require a lot of time and skill. Instead, consider making the meal simple and stress free by getting some of your favorite take-out or fast food. If the day is nice you could go on a picnic but if the weather is nasty you could camp out in front of the television and watch an old favorite.
If you really want to treat your date to a nice dinner consider postponing the date until after Valentines day when the prices are cheaper and you are more likely to get a reservation. On Valentines Day you could simply give your significant other a small gift and a card explaining that the dinner will take place later in the month.
Gift baskets can be a great present for anyone because the basket can be tailored to the person. But filling that basket can be pricey and buying a pre-made basket can be even more expensive. Consider filling up a gift basket at a dollar store.
You could build a basket for a snack-lover by including candy, chips, crackers and nuts. Or make a spa basket by filling it with soaps, scrubs, bubble bath and a candle. You might also decide to purchase a gift card and allow your Valentines to go on a shopping spree and create their own basket.
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