10 Romantic Recession-Proof Ideas for Valentines Day
Valentine’s Day is the time to show your love with memorable romantic gestures. During a recession, this can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. There are many creative ways to show your love for someone without breaking the bank. Decide which of these 10 ideas would work for your relationship.
Recycle Jewelry
Did you know that you can bring old jewelry to jewelers and have new pieces made? Most women have old jewelry lying around that has meaning but they no longer wear, is broken, or has lost the other in the set. Take in that jewelry and have it turned into something a little more modern, a little more “her”. Use the same gemstones and you won’t loose any of the special meaning. Work with the jeweler to design a custom piece or select something more standard. This will still cost you some money, but a whole lot less than buying the same piece at retail.
Cooking Lessons
Instead of spending tons of cash on a 5 star dinner like you normally do on Valentine’s day, sign both of you up for weekend cooking lessons. You will spend some great time together, meet other couples, and take home a skill that will last a lifetime. Look online for local classes that teach you how to roll sushi, pair wines with meals, cook ethnic foods, or bake yummy pastries. This may become a new tradition that outlasts an expensive dinner.
A Night In
Especially if you have kids, work opposite schedules, or just work too much, why not enjoy a quiet night in for a change? Send the kids to Grandma’s for the night (or weekend), clean the house, set out candles, change the sheets, prepare a delicious dinner, buy a nice bottle of wine, and rent a few romantic movies. Turn of the phones and computer and just enjoy each other’s company for a whole evening. Make sure to keep the conversation positive and don’t talk about work, money, or anything else that causes stress. Fall in love all over again.
Hand-made Gifts
If you are really strapped for cash, make something. Hand made cards and gifts can send a wonderful message about how special your lover is to you. Take your time and make something really nice. Research poems and romantic quotes for the card. If you have an artistic skill, use that to make a special gift that centers on the love you feel. If not, make something kind of funny, like a glitter and yarn card you would have in 2nd grade. Let both of your personalities come through. Never apologize for not having money when handing over a hand-made gift, tell your lover you made this just for them because nothing can be purchased that expresses how you really feel about them.
Romantic Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger hunts can be fun way to draw out the gift giving process, and allows for smaller gifts rather than one big one. Think of creative, inexpensive gift ideas like chocolates, one red rose, a DVD, scented lotion, or other favorite item. Hide the gifts around the house and leave a trail of romantic clues that leads to each gift. For example, you might hide scented lotion in the nightstand drawer with a clue like, “ tonight I will melt away your day as you lie in bed and receive a relaxing massage, the gift will be within arm’s reach.”
Indulgent Massage
Massages are always welcome gifts. If you can afford it, get a couple’s massage. It is a treat to enjoy this relaxing experience together. If money is tight, get a gift certificate redeemable for a massage at a later date. If money is really tight, buy a bottle of massage oil, lower the lights, and give the massage yourself. Actually, the home massage sounds the most romantic, so brush up on your skills and indulge your lover. Make sure to have a quiet, relaxing atmosphere and offer a glass of wine before the massage.
Dinner at Home
If you have never been the one to cook, surprise your date this Valentine’s Day by cooking a delicious dinner for two. Go online and watch some cooking instruction videos that will show you the techniques and recipes needed to prepare a delicious meal. Try to pick something that you have eaten before that looks about at your skill level. Purchase all the ingredients ahead of time, make the necessary preparations, and tell your date to dress nice. Clean your place, light candles, play your favorite romantic music, and enjoy your wonderful, home-cooked dinner. Don’t forget about dessert.
Romantic DVDs
If your date loves romantic movies and you don’t, indulge them this Valentine’s Day. When money is tight, go to your local video store and pick out 2 or 3 really gooey romantic movies that you would normally never watch. Back at home; get the living room all set up for a movie marathon. Light the fire if you have one, bring in some blankets and pillows, stock up on favorite movie snacks, and prepare for a night in. Let this night be about your date and enjoy the happiness you are providing. This is a kind gesture that will be appreciated.
Perform Chores
Not the romantic type? Have almost no money? Then give the gift of relaxation and reprieve. Do the chore your lover hates to do and provide coupons that can be redeemed throughout the year for the same purpose. If you are clever about the wording on the coupons, then this can be a romantic gesture. Stress how important it is to you that your lover feels good, so you are willing to burden their unpleasant tasks when they are really not up to it.
Barter
Before we had money, we bartered for everything. Strike a deal with a local artist, masseuse, hairdresser, or shop owner. Trade something you have or can do that is of value to the person for a Valentine’s Day gift. There is no need to tell your date how you got the wonderful gift.