Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Tightwad Tuesday: Valentine's Edition


Valentine's is this week and I'm sure there are a few of you who still have not made plans. Here are some great ways to enjoy Valentine's without breaking the budget.

Flowers. I'm not a huge fan of buying flowers during the holiday because the prices are crazy but there are some alternatives. Pick up flowers at Sam's, Costco, or even Wal-Mart. They usually have nice bunches at affordable rates. Take them home and put in a vase you already own. If you have bud vases, buy a few roses and place them one rose at a time all around the house.

Dinner. The cheapest alternative is to eat at home. Make it special though by using the nice china, eating my candlelight and serving something a little nicer than normal. Another alternative is to go out a few nights earlier when the prices aren't higher and the crowds are much smaller.

Kids activities. Pull out the stickers, markers, scissors, and whatever other craft supplies you have and let your children make their own Valentine's. My child isn't old enough yet to fully understand this holiday but all of his favorite cartoons have been making Valentine's this week so he is excited to make his own. These will be given to grandparents and daddy.

If you are single. I realize not everyone reading this post is probably married. When I was single I had a tradition of buying a new magazine and going to a local fast casual Italian place for dinner. The crowds were minimal since it wasn't a fancy restaurant and I love reading new magazines. It was the perfect evening for me and I looked forward to it each year. Another alternative is to grab some other single friends and host a fondue party.

These are just a few ideas on how to have a thrifty Valentine's Day. Feel free to add your other ideas in the comments section or leave a link to your posts on the subject.

4 comments:

Mom2fur said...

It's a tossup to me between a Chinese Buffet and steaks at home--depends on the weather! I picked up some nice NY Strip Steaks for half price. I don't usually swing that kind of dinner, but for a special occasion, I'll do it. The steaks are big enough to share. We'll do this Friday night, as I work on Saturday. Frankly, I wouldn't go near any fancy restaurant any day--and most especially not on Valentine's Day or Mother's Day! I think your idea to treat yourself to a magazine and a fun, casual dinner when you were single was a great idea! I've been Mike's 'other half' for so long (37 Valentine's Days and counting) that I don't remember being single, LOL!
I hope you and your family have a wonderful Valentine's Day! I'm sure the Valentine's he'll make with his little hands will be very cherished.

Julie said...

I agree on staying away from the restaurants on Sat. We are going out (very rare for us) on Friday night because our church is holding date night that night. We are hitting a nicer yet still very affordable Chinese restaurant. If it wasn't date night, it would be dinner at home.

Anonymous said...

Isn't this just the greatest idea? To put your flowers around the house in single bud vases? I love doing that when we have a guest stay overnight. Put a single flower in a bud vase right beside their bed. It cheers anyone up!

Cindy H
Bud Vases

DiamondDaisy said...

Brian and I found out that the Gillioz is playing Roman Holiday on the big screen tonight for $5.00. It will make a great date since Audrey is my FAVORITE!!! :) We are doing diner at home too.. Another $5 deal, we might get a heart shaped pizza from Papa Murphy's, and I have coupons! We are really starting to like cheap!

 
Design by Amanda @ BloggerBuster