Love on a Budget: Will you be my (Frugal) Valentine?

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, but love doesn’t have to cost a fortune! Shoestring Jane shares a savvy guide to frugal Valentine gifts ahead of 14 February

Frugal Valentine gifts are a great way to show your love without breaking the bank. Occasions like Valentine’s Day are a retailer’s dream, designed to encourage consumers to spend lots of money on cards, flowers, meals out, and hotel stays.

However, for those of us without much money to spare these occasions can feel like another financial pressure.

For most of us, the thought behind a gift is more important than the gift itself. Spending lots of money with little consideration is unlikely to beat a present that creates beautiful memories, or hits the recipient in the chest because of the love and effort behind it.

Here are some ideas for frugal Valentine’s gifts and activities to help with the cost of loving.

Frugal Valentine gifts

Create a scrapbook of memories. Print out some photos from your social media accounts or phone.

Write witty captions or memorable moments next to each of them, like how your loved one looked, the food you shared, the friends or family with you, or funny things that happened.

Think about some of the much-loved books or toys your partner talks about from their childhood. Scour some online sites to see if you can find a similar vintage item to surprise them with.

Fill a decorated jar with little slips of paper suggesting fun frugal dates for the year ahead, like a picnic in the park, a trip to a historic building, a camping trip, etc (depending on both of your tastes). Try to do one each week.

Anything you have made yourself, from a crocheted scarf to a painting or a wooden bird feeder, will be appreciated for the love, time and effort that went into its creation.

Make some heart-shaped edible goodies. A silicon mould in the shape of a heart can be used for cakes, jellies and mousses, or invest in a Valentine’s cookie cutter and make some delicious biscuits.

Put together a small box containing your partner’s favourite chocolate, sweets and snacks and decorate it with love hearts.

Buy a bottle of prosecco and replace the label with a personalised Valentine’s message.

If you want to go down a more traditional route, flowers are always a good option. Aldi and Lidl sell bunches very reasonably, but rewrap them in coloured paper and a ribbon to make them look more fancy (or pick up a nice vase in the charity shop).

Have a balloon fest. I read about a man who filled the shower with balloons before he left for work. There was a note taped to the wall telling his partner to pop each one throughout the day to find a love note inside. He had clearly planned and prepared this well in advance and I thought it was so sweet and thoughtful!

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Frugal Valentine’s activities

Have a movie night at home. Good films to watch on Valentine’s Day include La La Land, Gone With the Wind, Valentine’s Day, Love Story, Pride and Prejudice or Notting Hill. Alternatively, not a movie, but if you missed the truly touching Gavin & Stacey Christmas special watch it on catch-up. Don’t forget drinks and popcorn.

Have a nice, three-course homemade meal by candlelight. If you aren’t into cooking, check out the various supermarket meal deals. You can easily buy a three-course meal with wine for less than £20.

Have a games night with supermarket wine and snacks.

Go for a picnic in the park or, if the weather is inclement, on your sitting room floor. Splash out on a few luxury ingredients like smoked salmon and fizz.

Make a pact to celebrate Valentine’s a day or two after, then see what bargains you can find at a discount!

Treat yourself and your partner to a fancy breakfast in bed. Think warm bagels, smoked salmon and soft cheese with buck’s fizz,  a full English breakfast, or French pastries with good coffee.

Spend the day together perusing some free museums in your town or city, or go for a hike.

Final thoughts

It’s worth a chat in advance to make sure you are on the same page regarding your frugal Valentine plans, particularly if you haven’t been together long. This saves any embarrassment if one of you goes to town on the romantic gestures and the other forgets it’s a thing! 

In the end, your presence is the best present. Giving time and attention to the person you love, and making them feel special and appreciated, is the most valuable gift you can give.

Photo credits: Pexels