Call free today: 0800 0431 431
Valentines Day Savings article
Valentines Day Savings article

While you may not want to be seen as a killjoy on Valentine’s Day, there are a few things to consider before you go out and break the bank on gifts for your nearest and dearest– such as sticking to a set budget and not adding to personal debt.

Being romantic doesn’t have to mean spending loads of money, if you’re looking to show your affection without breaking your bank account, so with this in mind we have put together some top tips on how you can impress your loved one without leaning you penniless until payday!

9 Valentines day saving tips

1. Cook A Romantic Dinner
It is much cheaper to have a night in than go out for dinner and drinks, so offer to cook a romantic meal at home. Replace lights for candles and put on some mood-setting music to set a romantic atmosphere. Cook their favourite dishes to make your date feel extra special. You can still make the night feel like a night out by making sure you both wear your finest gear.

Get Started

2. Thoughtful and Personal Gifts
Nothing says you care more than a gift that you’ve put effort into. Instead of opting for expensive gifts that are soulless and require no thought, choose to make a gift yourself. Homemade gifts can be personalised and unique, perfect for showing your date that they are one in a million. Gifts such as photo collages are a great way to show you care. If you are creative why not paint, draw or knit for your loved one?

3. Handmade Card
Shop-bought cards are so impersonal, and often their printed message doesn’t show how you really feel. It costs next to nothing to make or print your own card, and you can fill it with the sentiment you really feel, not just what the shops tell you that you should say. If you’re struggling to find the words to say, google some lovely romantic poems and handwrite the verse in for extra brownie points.

4. Make Your Own Chocolates
The cost of a box of chocolates seems to double in February, so why not treat your Valentine to a selection of your own handmade chocolate treats. Try dipping strawberries and popcorn in chocolate for a delicious and decadent treat. Fudge and chocolate truffles are also relatively simple and easy to make and will look like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen or that you have spent all of your money at the local confectioners. To give chocolates as a gift, wrap them in a coloured cellophane, with a cheap personalised ribbon to make the present look extra special.

5. Scour Online Deals
Many restaurants and hotels offer deals and vouchers online, through sites such as Groupon and Wowcher. With a bit of research, you will be able to treat your significant other to a slap-up meal or romantic weekend getaway for a fraction of the price it would normally cost.

6. Choose Your Flowers Wisely
Roses are the traditional flower for Valentine’s day but because they’re are not in season, they are imported which adds a premium to the cost. Steer away from traditional flowers and look for cheaper alternatives. Potted flowering plants are a great option as they are often much cheaper and your gift will last much longer. With a potted plant, you may actually save money in the long run as you won’t have to buy flowers so regularly as long your plant keeps flowering.

7. Steer Away From The Jewellers
Named as the best gift for women on Valentine’s Day, jewellery is an automatic go-to present. However, diamonds and precious metals can cost a fortune and lead people to get into dangerous amounts of debt. However, jewellery doesn’t have to be expensive. Handmade craft websites and second-hand vintage stores offer beautiful jewellery at a fraction of the cost. With a variety of styles, you can find a piece that they will really love and looks unique without getting into debt. Remember if you’ve spent more than you can afford to and are struggling with your finances, seek debt help and advice as soon as possible.

8. A Retro Mixtape
A lovely way to show you care about someone is to make a music compilation that suits their taste and your feelings. While cassette tapes might be too old school, you can still make a mix CD or even a playlist. This shows you’ve put time and attention into thinking of songs that remind you of them and have thought about the type of music they like. For a personal touch, why not put music on that is special to you, such as the song that was playing when you first met and what sums you up as a couple.

9. Look For Free Date Activities
A Valentine’s date doesn’t have to be an expensive meal out; it could be as simple as a lovely country walk or perhaps wandering around a free art gallery or exhibition. Most people just enjoy dates as a way to spend time with their partner, so don’t feel you have to fork out. Look for an event that’s free and fun and will keep the romance alive.

If you need more information about the options available to you in dealing with your debt, you can always speak confidentially with one of our friendly advisors on 0800 118 4815.

Get Started

Maxine McCreadie

Maxine is an experienced writer, specialising in personal insolvency. With a wealth of experience in the finance industry, she has written extensively on the subject of Individual Voluntary Arrangements, Protected Trust Deed’s, and various other debt solutions.

How we reviewed this article:

HISTORY

Our debt experts, and insolvency practitioners continually monitor the personal finance and debt industry, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

February 14 2017

Written by
Maxine McCreadie

Edited by
Maxine McCreadie