Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. So, where do you plan to spend the 14th with your man?
You may be tempted to go all-out and blow a hole in your finances, after all, splurging on your loved one seems well-worth it.
But, truth be told, a date on Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be expensive.
In fact, there are tons of things you can do without spending a fortune. After all, showing how much you love someone doesn’t automatically equate to fancy dinner and expensive gifts, right?
If you are looking for ways to enjoy Valentine’s but have a budget to consider, then here’s a list of sweet but wallet-friendly date ideas for you:
Have a dinner for two – in your home
Who says you can only have a sumptuous meal in restaurants? Restaurants are more expensive, not to mention usually fully booked on Valentines’, so it may be best to have a yummy dinner at home, instead.
Plan your menu – from appetizers to the wine – at least a week before Valentine’s. Then, you can opt to whip up the meals yourself, or bond with your partner while cooking up a storm.
Menu plan: Start with a soup of your choice, with a salad topped with croutons and bacon bits (you can use store-bought honey mustard dressing or balsamic vinegar).
For the main course, you may opt to serve Pork Steak with Mushroom bits or light and delicious Salmon.
Last, but not the least, serve a slice or two of Peanut Butter Pie for a sweet finish to such a delicious meal.
Celebrate it a little early…
Or later, whichever works for you. Valentine’s Day is the time where prices of flowers are doubled and restaurant items may spike.
You don’t have to celebrate Valentine’s on the day itself. Schedule it earlier or a week after.
After all, it’s not when you celebrate it, it’s who you celebrate Valentine’s with that matters.
Make personalized, handmade gifts
Again, spending V-day doesn’t have to be expensive. Stuffed toys, flowers and chocolates are so overrated so why not give your loved one something you made yourself?
It may be as simple as a handwritten love letter, a memory box or scrapbook filled with memories, or even baking a cake or cupcakes. Remember, it’s the thought that counts.
Consider budget entertainment
If spending thousands of Pesos on concert tickets isn’t your thing, you can always opt to visit museums, art galleries and cultural centers that offer exhibits and performances at a cheaper price.
Better yet, you can save even more by staying in, and watching your favorite films while sharing a big bowl of popcorn or ice cream – in your pajamas.
Movies such as When Harry met Sally, Pretty Woman, While You Were Sleeping, Notting Hill, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Ghost will always be crowd favorites.
If you are going to watch a movie with the kids, Lady and the Tramp, Enchanted and Shrek will do the trick.
Use coupons
Any person who is keen on saving would know that coupons are your best friend. This is where Deal Grocer, Ensogo and whatever coupon sites come in.
The good thing about these sites is that they offer restaurant coupons and deals which allows you to save some cash without compromising the dining experience.
Enjoy exciting deals from House of Wagyu and Annabel’s. You can also try a luxurious cruise along Manila Bay with a full-course dinner for only P770.00 (this originally costs P11,000).
You can also opt for a (discounted) staycation at the Midas Hotel, Luxent Hotel or Holiday Inn Manila Galleria, brought to you by Deal Grocer.
Just make sure to check the availability and validity of the coupon on Valentine’s Day to avoid any hassle and sudden use of cash just because the coupons cannot be honored.
Save up for it
If you really insist on going out on Valentine’s Day to eat in an expensive restaurant and to buy something for your man, then better start saving up for it.
Be wise with your finances so that whatever expenses you have for Valentines will fit into your budget and won’t shock your bank account.
Give the gift of time
This is the best gift you can give to your man during the love month – or any other month of the year. Make your time spent together strictly about the two of you.
Take this as an opportunity to spend time together as a couple, to reminisce your past years together and to simply enjoy each other’s company.
Valentine’s Day is about spending time with the person you love and making the day count.
Sure, material things matter – for now – but at the end of the day, it’s all about being together as a couple and reminding yourselves of how much you love each other.
Article originally published on: themommachronicles.com
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