With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, it’s all too easy to fall into the trap of spending money you don’t have on things that you don’t need. If you’re looking for ways to make your loved ones feel special this February 14th but don’t want to go broke doing so, you’ve come to the right place.
Consider this your guide to a fun and free Valentine’s Day. The following suggestions use the items you already have around the home to make gifts for your spouse and children. All that is needed is a few simple supplies and a bit of creativity. Who says you need to spend money on Valentine’s Day?
Here are some ideas that will make everyone around you feel loved:
- Candlelit Dinner. Make your significant other’s favorite meal. Follow it up with a delicious dessert created from a recipe that you found on AllRecipes.com. Light some candles. If you don’t have any lying around, create your own easy-to-make lantern using a small vessel like an oyster shell or saucer, olive oil, and a shoelace or piece of twine. You could also make one out of a lidded candy tin or glass canning jar. Here are a few tutorials that you will find helpful.
- Candy Kiss Roses. Do you have a jar full of candy kisses available? What about colored plastic wrap or tissue paper? If you answered “yes,” you can easily make roses for your loved one for a fraction of the cost of fresh flowers. Beautiful and edible, these roses look great and taste even better. Best of all, they won’t cost you anything extra because you already have the supplies for them in your home! Crafts Unleashed offers a simple tutorial at http://www.craftsunleashed.com/index.php/seasonal/crafting-candy-kiss-roses/.
- Handmade Cards. Gather up some old magazines, a pair of scissors, some paper, and a glue stick and create one-of-a-kind cards with special meaning. Create each card with its recipient in mind. You can also use these Vintage Valentine’s Day cards and make them your own or create your own Message in a Bottle.
- A Photo Montage. Arrange a heart shaped photo display on a wall for your spouse or children. Pay special attention to color. You want it to look as visually appealing as possible. It’s also best if you use double sided tape or mount the photos to posterboard. Martha Stewart has great tips on photo montages. You can read her suggestions by visiting her site.
A memorable Valentine’s Day is within your capabilities and you’ll have far less dead flowers, stuffed animals, and empty chocolate boxes to contend with! On behalf of Generation X Finance, we hope your holiday is both frugal and memorable!
Author: Charissa
Charissa is into frugal living and saving money.
