How to Save for V Day With the Top 10 Best Valentines Ideas

Valentine's 2021 is coming up, but with the holiday spending bonanza that was Christmas 2020 still fresh in our minds, you may be looking for the best ways to save while still spoiling your sweetie. So here's a quick top 10 list of budget-friendly tips for a happy Valentines that won't break the bank:

1. Celebrate V-day one day before or after: Not only will the restaurants be packed for Valentine's Day, but they could also resort to "special" Valentine's menus that might be more expensive than usual! As well, any coupons you may have for your favorite restaurants will likely not be valid, so consider spending February 14 at home and celebrating with your sweetie on another day assisted living Omaha.

2. Semi-homemade: Everybody loves a home-cooked meal, but if your dinner normally consists of mac and cheese and a frozen entree, a simple halfway solution to treat your loved one is to get an email gift card for a gourmet food gift store like Omaha Steaks, have a fully cooked fancy meal delivered to your doorstep, and add on a few easy homemade touches like buttery garlic mashed potatoes, a delicious no-bake dessert, or chocolate fondue.

3. Plan ahead: Gift shopping for Valentine's does tend to be a bit of a last-minute thing, but if you want to make it really special AND save money, it's a good idea to shop early. Plus, if you're a really good planner, you can take advantage of a lot of the after-Christmas sales and deals.

4. Shop online: This goes with planning ahead - it's so easy to find deals if you do your homework and comparison shop online. Look out for free shipping offers, cash back rewards and coupons and rebates to maximize your savings. As well, shop online safely and debt-free with a secure cash payment option - some offer many of the same benefits as credit cards, such as buyer protection.

5. Memento: A great way to make a gift special and personalized without spending a huge amount is to incorporate your memories. Still tear up every time you hear your high-school prom dance song? Upload it to the iPod you're giving your sweetie. Giving them a digital photo frame? Preload it with a slideshow of your favorite shared moments. You can also personalize a gift card by including a heartfelt message.

6. Get the kids involved: If you've decided to stay at home with the children, get them to help you set the mood for a relaxing evening - get them to make an easy dessert like homemade truffles, make Valentines decorations with them and put them around the house, or you could even have them dress up as waiters and waitresses with bowties and get them to pour the wine and show you to your table.

7. Put a new spin on things: If you've run out of ideas, there are always ways to update an old standby gift without being clichéd. Rather than giving overpriced roses, why not help your lady love prep her garden for the spring with tools, planters and seeds? Or if you're always getting her sexy lingerie, turn it around by getting her to pick fun boxers and pajamas for you instead! If you're bored of giving chocolates for Valentines, try making your own treats such as cupcakes or cookies.

8. In the mood for love: Whether you're going out or not, you can make the evening more romantic by setting the mood at home first - dim the lights, give your sweetie a glass of wine or champagne, play soft music, and you can even slow dance around the living room. Even if you feel a little silly, it'll get you both laughing and loosened up for the rest of the night memory care omaha.

9. Figure your Valentine out: Pay attention to your loved one's favorite topics, or ask yourself what activities they're always trying to get you involved in - those are always good indicators of what gifts would be good for your Valentine. And in the lead-up to V-Day, make sure you listen carefully when they mention an item they'd love to have but think is too expensive/frivolous/difficult to find, and then get it for them as a lovely surprise.

10. Shop debt free: There's nothing worse than having your credit card declined when you're out on a romantic evening, so try to pay in cash as much as possible to keep better track of your finances.