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Stupid Cupid: Valentine’s Day Ideas that Don’t Cost Anything

Valentine's Day heartIt’s Valentine’s Day, and you’re broke. What else is new? You can’t say that you didn’t see this coming. After all, people typically don’t save up for Valentine’s Day gifts the same way that they do Christmas. The good news is that you’re in luck. When it comes to V-Day, it really is the thought that counts (unless you’re some conceited gold-digger)…and lots of thoughts are free.

Free Valentine’s Day Gifts

  • Write your significant other a poem. If you’re feeling extra-motivated, write a song. The hokier the better.
  • Make a collage of photos…they can be photos of the two of you together, or photos that you know are meaningful to him/her.
  • Make something. Draw a picture (yes, crayons are fine). Put some shells in a jar. You should know what your boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife finds interesting…put a little more work into this year’s Valentine’s Day gift so that your significant other knows it’s really about them.
  • Mixtape. The ultimate gift, always.
  • Backrub/Foot massage. Unless your significant other is part of that very small percentage of people who doesn’t like to be touched. This can be as sensual or benign as you’d like it to be. A nice footrub on the couch while watching When Harry Met Sally…or  a sexy rubdown following a bath with candles and essential oils. It’s up to you, but I guarantee it will be appreciated.
  • Cook dinner. Most people like food, and most really do appreciate the time and effort it takes to make a decent meal.
  • Do something that your significant other needs to do, but really doesn’t want to. Do the laundry. Wash the dishes. Mail out the thank you notes that have been sitting on the desk for the past three months.

The key here is to be thoughtful. Valentine’s Day isn’t about candy and flowers…it’s about the thought behind them. If you’re shelling out $20 just because the greeting card companies say you should, you’re completely missing the point. And don’t even get me started on the jewelry companies.

Free Ideas for Valentine’s Day

Don’t despair if you can’t afford to go out on February 14. A night in can be just as nice. Just make a point of being together. A few ideas:

  • Make dinner together
  • Watch a movie (that you BOTH agree on)
  • Play a game. Scrabble? Twister? Strip poker? Whatever sounds good.
  • Go for a long walk. You’d be surprised at how nice it is to get out of the house without a set destination/timetable.

For the record, these ideas are just as good any other day of the year, so don’t limit yourself (they also work well as things you can do for yourself…though I’ll admit, it’s hard to give yourself a backrub). What are your plans for Valentine’s Day? Let me know, in the comments.