Oh Valentine’s Day, you’re here again. I guess that means it’s time to do something romantic or buy a special gift for our sweethearts. Sigh.
Gifts like flowers, jewelry, romantic dinners and chocolate can all add up quickly, and since we just wrapped up the biggest shopping season of the year, the last thing most of us feel like doing is spending a lot of money.
So let’s not spend as much — let’s save some!
As much as I love to go out to eat (and boy, howdy do I ever) I actually think it’s more romantic to cook dinner at home on Valentine’s Day. Set the table in a special way, add some soft candle light and enjoy each other’s company without distractions.
However, if you’re the kind who must dine out on Valentine’s Day and maybe even see a movie, it can be done without breaking the bank.
Pick the right payment – Now through March 31, Discover cardmembers can sign up to earn 5% Cashback Bonus on up to $1,500 in restaurant and movie purchases. If your bill for dinner is $100, you’ll earn $5 cash back. Add in the cost of a movie after dinner, which can run you at least $20, and you’re earning even more rewards just by using the right credit card.
Set a Budget – Set a dollar limit and stick to it. Start shopping early so you have time to do more comparison shopping. Make a list of gift recipients and spend some time researching to get the most bang for your buck.
Sign up for emails from your favorite retailers – I can’t stand newsletter subscriptions overall, but I’ll sign up at certain times of the year to take advantage of holiday-centered specials like free shipping, 50% off deals, BOGO and more. I just unsubscribe later.
Redeem your credit card rewards – If you were a savvy shopper over the holiday season, you probably built up a bank of rewards with your credit card. Now’s the time to use your cash back rewards for gifts, including gift cards.
Discover cardmembers can redeem their accumulated Cashback Bonus for partner gift cards to more than 150 retailers. Simply log into your online Account Center or Discover Mobile app, click “Redeem” and select a partner gift card, all of which come with added value such as $20 in exchange for getting a $25 gift card.
Visit Discover.com for more information on the Discover it Card and to apply.
How do you celebrate Valentine’s Day?
I receive compensation as a Discover Preferred Blogger, but all opinions are mine alone.
Shell Feis says
We didn’t do anything for Valentine’s Day this year since our little guy was only two weeks old. I’ll be using some of these tips for when we celebrate our anniversary next month though!
Cassie @ Southeast by Midwest says
Sometimes being on a budget can be hard, especially on the holidays when you see everyone else just throwing money around. However, you have some great tips to make it more manageable 🙂
Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy.com says
I just used some of my rewards on a recent Amazon order! I love being able to order something and not really having to pay for it 🙂
We didn’t do much for Valentine’s, although the hubby did get me two Pandora charms!
Kathleen says
We set a budget every year for occasions like Valentine’s Day, it keep either one of us from spending too much.
Toni says
We get cards for each other, sometimes little gifts. Our anniversary is the next day so we don’t go super big on Valentine’s b/c of that 🙂
Lisa Thompson says
It’s amazing how expensive and commercial Valentine’s Day has become. I always tell people that if they really want to go out to celebrate Valentine’s day, they should do it after Valentine’s day as the prices are better, the availability is better and if you want to buy flowers for your Valentine, it won’t cost you and arm and a leg! I even picked up Valentine’s treats for my kids the day after Valentine’s day when they were 50% off!
Mickey says
We’re celebrating tonight since we’ve been snowed in and unable to go anywhere. Good ideas!
Ty @ Mama of 3 Munchkins says
We didn’t celebrate Valentine’s Day this year as my husband had to work, bummer!
Robin Gagnon {Mom Foodie} says
I celebrate everything on a budget…lol.
HilLesha @To the Motherhood says
I honestly didn’t really celebrate (just don’t get into it, lol), but these are wonderful tips, nonetheless! 🙂
Angela says
I use debit cards instead of credit cards because I do not want to incur interest payments. If I had to choose one though, it would be the Discover Card for the extra benefits they provide.
noelle d says
normally marc is working – so that works good for us, we do dinner a different night, then it isnt busy
Tiff @ Babes and Kids says
We’ve never spent a ton on Valentine’s day but if I do get my husband something, it’s nice to have a card that offers rewards!
Donna says
Since having our son we usually just go out as a family to eat, but this year my son is in a play and has rehearsal from 5-9 tomorrow evening/night, so we will actually have dinner out just the two of us. We don’t usually go anywhere too fancy (expensive), though.
Dawn Monroe says
Id rather spend the night at home with my husband anyway. Another great way for me to save is instead of buying gift for my older kids I offer free babysitting for a night.
April says
Great tips! I love my discover card! The cash back is always a great bonus!
Brutus Duffy says
I also think it’s more romantic to dine at home, which is what we are doing tomorrow.
Elizabeth Norton says
These are fantastic tips. My husband has to work on valentines day but I am looking forward to celebrating next week and when we do we will def be on a budget.
Lesley F says
I love the cash back rewards on my Discover! I also agree that it is more romantic to cook dinner at home for the 2 of you
Vanessa: thequeenofswag says
I love my discover card. It’s great to get cash back and do something on a budget.
Lolo says
I hope dinner and a movie. Both of us really need to get out!
Sue Hull says
I’m lucky I’m single and don’t have to worry about Valentine’s Day. I do buy candy for my daughter and nieces. I like to stay home and enter giveaways 🙂 Lol
Amy Desrosiers says
We are doing handmade gifts this year. We will do dinner out but no jewelry or fancy gift exchanges here.
Janel says
We’re planning to have a night in, this year. We do something different ever year.
Piera says
Some of my best Valentines day memories with my hubby include us staying in with a romantic meal and some good red wine.
Yona says
We usually go out to eat, but I just read a blogger’s idea about creating a Mimosa bar with orange juice, grapefruit juice, strawberries, and a $5 bottle of Andres champagne. I am SOOO doing this…with my own little twist.
Eliz Frank says
I’m reading quite a few posts on budgeting for the special day. It’s wise especially because many people are hurting and the economy is ailing
Ashley says
I LOVE Cashback. It’s a great way to save even without coupons.
Debbie Welchert says
We never go out. I will be making dinner as I usually do.
Jenn says
Plus you don’t have to wait forever to get into a restaurant! Happy V-Day!
Krystal says
I’m getting tons of awesome ideas from Groupon lately! You just gotta keep looking to find a deal. 🙂 We have no plans as of yet… we will see what happens!
Tess says
Sometimes, a dinner at home is better then going out. I hate crowds as well lol
Ronnie says
Such great ideas, Liz! I personally love to make gifts for my loved one. Last year, I gave him some coupons for “video gaming” time, which he used up quite fast. It was a guilt-free way for him to play his video games without having to worry about upsetting me. 🙂
Chrysa says
Those are some good tips! We don’t have plans yet, but hubby is off work for the day so that will be nice!
Dorothy Teel says
Celebrating Valentines Day does not have to cost a lot of money, it just means you need to be sure the person you celebrate with knows how much you love them, perhaps you can write a letter about your feelings, or perhaps offer to cook loved ones favorite dinner and perhaps do the dishes for them that night, just always remember to let them know how much you love them. ANd a piece of advice my mom gave me years ago, is never go to bed made and let your loved one know how much you love them.
melissa says
We are having a romantic dinner at home. I prefer not to battle the crowds!
Tammilee T says
I love sharing a romantic dinner at home. It is so nice to not have to wait for the crowds and try to talk in a loud restaurant.
Kenda Smith says
I think we did budgets Valentine’s Day before people called it ‘budget’ lol Dinner at home, movie on the tv and a cheap bottle of wine. Better than any fancy thing we could imagine.
Tammy S says
I like your tip about “Sign up for emails from your favorite retailers”. It’s a great way to save and get special coupons. Except it did crack me up when you said you hate Newsletters. 🙂
Autumn says
I’m all about saving money! I don’t really like to celebrate Valentine’s Day in the conventional way – chocolates, bears, and an expensive dinner. A candlelit dinner at home sounds even more romantic.
Mommy Has A Life says
GREAT TIPS! I love knowing other couples are on a budget for Valentine’s Day too. But you are right, it doesn’t have to cost a fortune to show your love to your partner. 🙂
Marcie W. says
My husband and I both feel that Valentine’s Day is rather cheesy. Throughout the entire year we often enjoy romantic dinners in and movies at home after the kids have gone to bed, so we will probably do just that this week as a celebration of sorts. It does save us a ton of money as well!
Amanda Love says
Those are some great tips. I don’t have a Discover card and tend to use my own cash but I do sign up for email updates. I do prefer though when hubby makes me dinner instead of taking me out. 🙂
Paige says
Great tips for a Valentine’s Day on a budget! I love my Discover card!
Sue says
I agree, having a romantic dinner at home is way better than going out! An you don’t have to deal with the any people also going out or the night!
Mama to 5 Blessings says
I like the rewards Discover offers, we save them to get gift cards and use them as gifts!
Courtney Pies says
I love just making a romantic dinner at home together with my husband! It’s definitely a great, inexpensive way to celebrate Valentine’s Day together!
Pauline Cabrera says
There are just some things in this life that money can’t buy. While it is a good idea to buy gifts, eat out, and even watch movies, we need to remember that nothing can replace our genuine love and care. 🙂
Lisa Brown says
I do not celebrate VD; never have.
Michelle G. says
I refuse to go in to a restaurant during Valentine’s week – I just can’t do the crowds, waits, ugh! A cozy dinner at home where I can drink all the wine I want and snuggle on my couch with dessert.
Aisha Kristine Chong says
Vday doesn’t need to be pricey – by the use of your own practicality and simple things, you can have a wonderful Vday too. 🙂 I let my boyfriend do the thing for Vday – and everything is okay to me, haha!
Mez says
We are having a family dinner. Not too expensive since we just bought a house and are travelling to the USA in April. I’m glad I found your blog!
Elizabeth @ Food Ramblings says
We’re going out to dinner for Valentine’s Day– I bought giftcards 30% off this summer for this occassion 🙂
sandra davis says
these are great tips. i like to have dinner at home, cuddle up for a good movie and have a nice bottle of wine. when wo do go out though…….i love the thought of getting cashback from Discover
Karen Dwight says
My family never spends allot of money on Valentine’s day. We like to either make gifts and/or cards or offer one another personal gifts we plan to give (back rubs, chores, etc.)
Carlee C says
My husband and I were just taking about the Discover Card tonight and how they show the credit score on the statement. “Awesomesauce” is the first thing that popped into my head from their commercial.
Danielle says
Eating a romantic dinner at home, such a wonderful idea! I much prefer to save money than to spend. You can usually get away with drinking more wine at home, too 😉
Jenni E. says
Those are great budgeting tips. There’s no sense in spending so much, in my opinion for Valentine’s Day when we’re still trying to recoop from Christmas. We’ll probably just do dinner and a movie at home. Maybe exchange small gifts, but nothing major.
Jennifer Bullock {MommyBKnowsBest} says
We normally buy gifts and have a nice dinner in to avoid the crowds, but this year since we’re going to Disneyland in April and moving in the summer we’re trying to save up. Thanks for the budget tips!!
Janeane Davis says
It is smart to use credit cards wisely. If you can use cash back function for things lke mortgage payments for example, you can make money while paying the bills.
Melissa says
These are some really great ideas! We are definitely on a budget so we are thinking of dinner and a movie in.
Lisa says
We’lll be staying in this year with the kids and having a family game night.
Katherine G says
These are great tips. We usually just hang out at home.
Wendy @ ABCs and Garden Peas says
I’ve never had a Discover card, but maybe I should? I certainly like the idea of getting a little back. As for V Day, I like to stay home. The crowds always ruin it for me!
Chrishelle says
Valentine’s Day will be a family affair this year. We will be in Atlanta for a cheer comp. I think we will find a fun restaurant for dinner. Maybe we will take a break from our diet and have a big piece of chocolate cake.
Pam says
This year I will be away from my husband. I don’t think we have ever been apart on Valentine’s Day before but then again, every day is really Valentine’s Day when you are in love. 😉
Krystyn says
We’ve gone out one time for Valentine’s Day and it didn’t go well at all, so we stick to having it at home.
And, the Discover cashback is one thing I miss most about using credit cards.
Audrey at Barking Mad! says
Seeing as how the hubby is recovering from surgery, we’re taking things easy . . . probably just a movie, a little champagne and chocolate covered strawberries and some snuggle time. It will be easy on the hubby, and easy on our budget!
Tonya {The Traveling Praters} says
My husband and I don’t normally celebrate Valentine’s Day but I want to make it special this year. My idea of a special date would be a great meal at home where we can truly relax and not deal with the Valentine’s Day crowds.
Kat B. says
I love Discover! I have been with them for years and I always do Valentines on a budget. Dinner at home is the best. I love it.
Aly Mashrah says
Making a homemade dinner for that special someone is far more romantic than eating out in my opinion! I love what you set up and I love the tips you shared, too.
Marla Zickefoose says
You had me at cashback bonus!! I’m ok with spending a little if I know I’m saving a little!
lisa jones says
Great Tips To Save I Plan On Making Baskets Filled With Chocolates, Etc. Like I Do Every Year For The Kiddos & They Help Me Make Basket For Daddy!!
Veronica says
People tend to go overboard with gift giving for Valentine’s Day, but love is what matters.
Lexie Lane says
Ooh! We’ve crossed out most of our credit cards. I wonder what the interest is for this?
Helene Cohen Bludman says
Great tips! We usually have a quiet celebration at home for Valentines Day.
Michelle says
These are some great tips! I’ve always thought that not spending a ton of money makes for more memorable celebrations.
Milena says
These are great tips. I love that you get cash back from Discover. WE usually do something nice at home with the kids for Valentines.
Robyn says
Our sitter is booked for Valentine’s day so we are going to have family night. Heart shaped pizza and a movie with the boys for us!
Debbie L. says
I agree a romantic meal at home with a beautiful table and the person you love is a perfect Valentine’s Day Dinner.
Pam says
These are great tips. Valentine’s Day gifts can add up pretty quickly.
Stylista Fitness says
I will be surprising my honey with a dinner at home 😉
Sandra says
A meal at home was always perfect before we had 5 kids. But I love all your tips and I know some day we will be alone again, until then sushi out is our Valentines!
katherine says
This is such a great idea. I need to learn how to celebrate on a budget
Alissa Apel says
I don’t think you have to spend a lot of money to have a sweet Valentines Day. Just hang out together, watch a movie, and order out.
Jennifer B says
Having a nice, quiet, romantic dinner at home sounds wonderful to me!
Jennifer @TheRebelChick says
We usually order in or I make a fancy dinner for Valentine’s Day. We just hate the crowds and the long wait times on Valentine’s Day when we go out to dinner!
vinma says
I am all about saving money! And preparing a romantic dinner at home could be great bonding experience and plus it will save the money from eating out.
Danielle @ We Have It All says
These are great tips. We tend to skip out on things like this because of pinching pennies and having such a large family – so these tips would help us have a bit of free time on Vday.
Pam says
Bryan always has to work on Valentine’s Day (usually in the evening) so we never do anything special. Although he does bring me a bag of my favorite candy!
Allison Downes says
I think setting a budget is very helpful, I just have to stick to it! Thank you for sharing.
Natalie | One Busy WAHM says
We struggle to get sitters on Valentine’s Day so usually enjoy a delicious home-cooked romantic dinner for two!
Cat Davis says
I didn’t even think to check the rewards from our credit cards. I bet there’s quite a few saved up we could use.
Annie (@MamaDweeb) says
I am ALL ABOUT the budgeting. Valentine’s day is only expensive for us because we have children in school – kids, teachers, yay money. We don’t buy each other gifts so that saves money 🙂
Kerri says
Not sure what we are doing this year! I hope I get a surprise but that could be wishful thinking, lol!
Triplezmom says
I don’t like Valentine’s Day. My husband and I tend to ignore it and I’m fine with that. Our anniversary is for all the great date stuff anyway.
Mandy@ TheHouseholdHero.com says
We used to celebrate with a very nice dinner out. This year we are doing nothing romantic…we have a 4 week old. But I am having an all day “vday party with my 2 year old.”
Stephanie says
We usually go out to dinner for valentines, two days after Valentines 🙂 so we can get a reservations.
Prof. B.T. Mienoré (Lynda Lippin) says
Hubby and I love to just hang in on nights when everyone else goes out. A nice bottle of champagne and some caviar goes a long way!
Nicole Brady says
We keep it pretty simple. Actually, pretty normal. I like to celebrate for the kids but prefer not to do anything personally.
Dawn K. says
We usually celebrate all at home with the family and have a nice meal. This year we are going to be going to a musical that my son is starring in. We’re excited!
Tracey says
Great post. We are looking to celebrate on a budget this year as we are getting married in a few months.
becca says
i don’t qualify for a credit card due to bad credit i hope to work towards getting my credit back on track
Tammy says
We’ve spent so much money on our house this year and with income tax coming up (and we owe 🙁 ) it will definitely be an ‘eat in’ kind of night. But I’ll be making our daughter’s favorite meatballs, as it will be the last V-Day she is at home, now I’m going to cry…scuze me 😉
Sarah Bailey says
What a great idea – its always so nice to get a bit back on the thing you buy. This year we are going low key with a meal in and a movie 🙂 x
Jennifer Williams says
We will spend our day with movers packing our things in boxes – doesn’t get any more romantic than that, lol. We are giving each other IOU’s this year because of our move but moving is a pretty great gift, especially when the company is paying for it.
Bekki says
We are always at home on Valentines day. There are way to many people eating out for me to join in! We save our eating out for a not so busy night
Kecia says
We’ve been discussing going out to dinner. We may do a movie too, but we usually prefer to rent something from Redbox. Much better for the budget!
Shell says
We don’t do a whole lot for Valentine’s Day. We usually go out to eat lunch while the kids are at school.
Debra says
This year we’re taking the kids to a Monster Jam show for Valentines Day. I’m hoping for an actual date with my Hubs later in the weekend!
Amanda Ripsam says
I am forwarding this to my husband lol see my birthday is on Feb the 10 and I always have to celebrate both on the same day as it’s cheaper and easier.
sighs lol
Thank you for posting these great ideas my husband will also be seeing these ideas as well.
Debbie Denny says
Great tips. I plan a lil quiet dinner at home
Diane Sallans says
I just need some dark chocolate for Valentines Day
Mandi says
I think we’ll be staying home… maybe do pizzas or steak for the adults and pizza for the kids. We’re having some issues with babysitters so I doubt we’ll go out anywhere!
Amberlee Cave says
Sounds like about what were going to do. Stay in and try to have as much fun as possible without spending a bunch of money!
Andrea says
Love these great tips. Now that we have 3 kids we usually just have a nice relaxed dinner at home.
elizabeth obih-frank says
I’ll gladly stay in and prepare something elegant for V. Day! However, if there is a special offer at a great price, I’ll take it too.
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
Right now it will be all about the kids. I’m hoping to get a date the weekend after..
Tammy S says
These are great tips. I usually like to cook dinner also. I think this year we may go out to dinner. Not sure since my husband is planning our date.
Kathy says
I’m a stay at home make a special meal kind of girl…..but wouldn’t say no to a lil box of something sparkly!
Cyndi says
My husband and I will be celebrating in this year. This past weekend we went out for a nice romantic dinner so we agreed that was our early night out for Valentine’s Day. We both hate fighting the crowds.
Rosey says
You know, I haven’t checked my rewards points from my holiday shopping. I wonder if I’ve got some goodies waiting in there to be had. 🙂
I like dinner in on the holiday too.
Betty Manousos says
great tips my friend! i agree that a nice dinner at home is more romantic. thank you for helping me to find ways to celebrate the february 14th holiday by spending a very limited amount of money.
xx
Tory Blum says
We have the same opininons on Valentine’s Day. I think it’s dumb to shell out a lot of money to go and eat in a fancy restaurant just because you feel obligated to do something fancy for the day of love. Real couples experience v-day 365 times a year. Materials not included. 🙂
Ashley B. says
I agree that a nice dinner at home is more romantic, and so much more personal. Everyone and their extended family is out to dinner for Valentines Day, which I feel takes away from that romantic personalized experience.
Lara says
Great tips! We are staying in this year, since my little one’s birthday is a few days later. We had to choose where the money was going this year. Tight. Love these tips and will refer to them for ANY date night! 🙂
Dawn @ Pin-n-Tell says
I totally agree! Budget, Budget.. BUDGET! I need to look at getting a Discover card…. currently we don’t have any credit cards.
Dana Rodriguez says
I am making a quiet dinner for the two of us.Maybe a heart shaped meatloaf
Heather says
Since having kids, I usually make a Valentine’s dinner here at home. We make Heart shaped pizzas, have red KoolAid, red jello or strawberry applesauce, and red velvet cake! Sure beats an expensive dinner out and no crowds!
Nikki says
I will be celebrating on a budget this year, so these are great tips. We usually keep it simple. Dinner, a movie, anything that just gets us out of the house.
Christine Luken says
I’m making hubby and I a romantic dinner at home. We don’t want to fight the crowds at the restaurants on Friday!
maureen says
I have had two really impressive Valentine’s Days (one I received flowers from a gentleman anonymously–found out whom they were from later and another one I got engaged). But usually we spend it at home together because it can be rather costly to go out to dinner on that night. We are at home snuggled up and talking and enjoying each other’s company.
April @Pixie Dust Savings says
I like some of your savings tips. I am not big on credit cards though. I love having a romantic dinner at home. This year we are spending about $50 on Valentines dinner but usually we spend less or don’t celebrate it at all.
brett says
We usually cook a nicer dinner IN on Valentine’s Day. Or we go out a week afterwards. Half the restaurants around us change their menu for V Day and they always seem to remove what I’d want to order!!
TrippyCusp93 says
We decided to save some extra money this year and stay at home together for Valentine’s day. My fiance will be fixing us chicken pasta scampi and we’ll be cuddling all evening….which is all I really wanted <3
Rust says
Like you, I watch for those email sign-ups that offer discounts or coupons. Every little bit helps! Also, I have found corporate FB pages that have good offers for liking their pages.
For Valentines, we will usually go out to dinner.
Kelsey Apley says
We normally order in and stay home. We don’t have to many choices around since we live in a small town. So all the restaurants are packed, so we like a more quite setting.
Allyson says
We couldn’t find a babysitter this year so we are going to just stay home and cook dinner and maybe watch a movie.
shelley b says
I’ve been prepping my two boys’ supplies for their Valentine exchange at school on limited budget. I found a pack of heart decorated loot bags for $1- 40 count. Found skateboard valentines $1 this year and spiderman valentines clearance last year under $1. Decorative pencil packs. Huge container of foam stickers leftover from last year. Box of fruit snacks. I was able to make 36 total loot baggies for both classes for about $5.50 per boy! (bag: pencil, card, stickers, fruit roll-up) I used a craft store coupon for stickers: used on several valentine boxes 2013 & 2014-loot bags, decorated our front window and still tons left)
Janet W. says
We usually celebrate by going out to eat a nice steak dinner!
Emily says
I worked in the restaurant industry for a long time – we don’t dine out on any holiday! Instead, we stay home and make a nice meal.
Jackie says
We celebrate Valentine’s Day by having dinner at home. I usually make a special dessert and have little presents for everyone.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
My husband and I don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day. We go out a lot on other days, but skip February 14th 🙂
Melissa @ The Coupon Chronicles says
I am working at a Girl Scout Cookie Booth, selling cookies this year. Anyone want to buy some Thin Mints? I will then, hopefully, put the children to bed and spend some quiet time with my husband at home.
Marcy @ day2day SuperMom says
Love the pointer about signing up for newsletters to get the rewards & then just unsubscribing later! Thanks so much ~ Marcy =)
Loren says
It always seems like we have to celebrate on a budget now a days, I love the advice!
Cheryl Free says
We usually celebrate Valentine’s Day with dinner and a movie.
heather says
We celebrate with dinner and a movie and lots of chocolate.
Melissa says
We had an early Valentine lunch today with a gift certificate left over from Christmas… Does that count?
Nichol says
This year is the start of our yearly Ice Castle festival so we’re heading to that, dropping the kids back off at home with my mom, going to dinner then who knows;) I hope to get some cheesecake too, since I eat it every Valentine’s Day!
coolchillmom says
those are indeed great tips.
valentine’s is about love, not spending, the little things can say a whole lot!
femmefrugality says
I need to jump aboard the credit card rewards bandwagon. I shopped early with some coupon codes and scored a great deal on some Edible Arrangements for the fiance. (Shhhh, don’t tell him!) :p
Becca @ Mama B says
Dinner and a movie (in or out!) sounds like a great Valentine’s day!
Beth says
Great tips! We don’t celebrate VDay but I know plenty of couples who do.
Theresa says
My husband and I don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day as a couple, but we do like to give our girls small boxes of chocolates. However, 5% back on purchases is nothing to scoff at. Saving money is the gift that keeps on giving!
Jenn says
What a great post! I think sometimes (me included!) tend to go over board on spending when it comes to the holidays! A simple dinner together at home is a perfect way to celebrate!
Joanna Sormunen says
Great ideas! Thank you, Liz. Valentine’s Day can be quite expensive. Especially with it being the season for everything romantic and all the prices sky high.
justin orkin says
You can just have fun with the ones you love for free./
Cascia @ The Healthy Moms Mag says
We don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day. But our kids pass out little Valentines at school. We also are not very big on using credit cards. But I am sure some people will find your tips helpful.
Michele says
I generally take my Mom out for Valentine’s Day–and I had better have a gift card which I earned with points, or won or at least have a coupon or I hear it the entire meal! I’ll sometimes also have flowers sent to her apartment-she loves flowers-but I can’t hand them to her–ACHOO
Tough Cookie Mommy says
These are some great tips. Celebrating Valentine’s Day can get very expensive so this is some very useful information.
Mrs. Tuna says
The Big Tuna is bolting for a weekend visit with my bother on VD. I will be treating myself to good wine and celery with peanut butter in my jammies watching shitty TV. And you?
Lawna says
Signing up for the newsletter is a great idea. I bought my hub a personalized keychain for Valentine’s and I gave it to him early and he hates it! I volunteered to get him a pair of $200 sneakers, even though I don’t want to buy them. And don;t ask me how but somehow I told him he could just do something cheap and romantic for me on Valentine’s rather than buy me a Coach purse.
Kungphoo says
We are very simple here.. no dinner outside, no crazy gifts.. since the holidays (like you said) just wrapped up, we take is low..
Amber Nelson says
Cash back bonuses are so nice to get!
Amber Edwards says
Every year our Valentine’s day is different. I’m hoping for take out and a great movie at home. if I wasn’t sick the last 4 weeks and had more energy, I’d probably want to go out for Valentine’s day. But the husband asked me what i wanted for V-day and I said just flowers and a hug. Flowers because I’m so sick of winter and need something pretty, colorful and a live to brighten my day. lol.
Meg says
I hand out valentines to all my friends! Then I rent cheesy sappy love movies and sit down with a tub of ben and jerry’s! Woohoo!
April Decheine says
You know we always talk about going out to a fancy shmancy joint but always end up staying in and cooking something romantic. Plus saving some ching! We need to look more closely at cash back because we go out way to much 🙂
Melissa @ A Prudent Life says
Great tip on the newsletter signup!
Terry says
I like a cash back bonus… I think we could rack up quite a lot as much as my Hubs likes to go out to eat…. Me, I like to stay home and eat my own cooking… that way I know what I am eating.