So… valentines is on its way again! I have to say that I am a bit of a soppy romantic at heart and I do love and excuse for some Prosecco! However, this year I definitely want to keep my valentines on a budget this year as I am still feeling the Christmas pinch! I have created a list of budget ideas which I hope you lovely’s will find useful & inspiring. I hope you manage to create a truly memorable day!
1. Create a “year in a book”.
This is so easy & so cheap… although it can take a bit of time. All you need to do is buy a scrap book and print off your favourite photos from the year (which you can do at Boots stores if you don’t have a printer!). Make your book even more personal by adding memories and quotes as you go!
– If you are running out of time, try making a monthly memory book. This limits you to 12 pages and your 12 favourite memories from each month.
2. Frame a photo of the two of you.
If creating a book is really not your style, why not just find your favourite photo of the two of you from the year. All you need to do is put it in a frame and you have a great and cheap present.
– If you are feeling extra romantic, why not write a lovely message on the back of the photo. It’s up to you whether you tell your partner about the message, or leave them to find it on their own.
3. Cook up a storm!
Cooking a meal is super romantic- and can be much cheaper and more enjoyable than going to a restaurant. Here are a few ideas from Jamie Oliver, and all the recipes have only 5 ingredients so they are guaranteed to keep you on budget;
– One way to make this super easy and keep costs down is to make the most of valentines offers at your local supermarket. If you’re lucky, these will come with a bottle of wine too!
4. Plan a cute and romantic breakfast.
For those of you who find the idea of cooking a meal totally daunting… why not rustle up a romantic breakfast instead. This is a perfect surprise for your loved one to wake up too! Here are some ideas you could try…
Easy; Toast some English breakfast muffins and top them with a thick layer of butter and your favourite style of eggs- I love scrambled, but you could do poached or fried as well! For added luxury, try this with some avocado, smoked salmon, or bacon.
Super easy; Pop into your local grocery store and buy some croissants! Warm these in the oven and serve them with a bowl of strawberries, blueberries and raspberries.
-If it’s the weekend, treat yourself to some Prosecco and orange juice as well!
5. Make your valentines sparkle!
The best and easiest way to make any meal special is by adding sparklers to your dish, whether its breakfast, desert, or just a store bought slice of cake. This is such a show stopper and will blow away your partner!
6. Make your own “love coupons”.
Love coupons are a great budget way to give a personalised gift! There are lots of designs online which you can download, or you could draw up your own. Once you have your coupons, you can either staple them together in a book, put them in a jar, or decorate an old match box and keep them inside. You can fill them with date ideas and free things the two of you can do together.
7. Bake something lovely.
Everybody loves cake! Why not treat your partner to a home baked delight! If you want to keep to the valentines theme; try a red velvet cake, or some heart shaped biscuits.
8. Plan a free day out.
There is so much you and your loved one can do that costs next to nothing! Here are a few ideas;
- Have an indoor picnic
- Go for a walk in the countryside (and pop into a pub on your way home)
- Movie night
- Duvet day
- Check out a local gallery
9. Personalise a beautiful notebook.
I love this idea and I have used it for birthdays as well as Valentines! All you have to do is buy a lovely notebook from a stationary store and then write your own message in the front page! Make your message as romantic and thoughtful as you can! You can also write little notes throughout the book for your loved one to find throughout the year.
- This also works with a diary!
10. Make a “favourite memories” box.
Memory boxes are a great keepsake… why not create one for you and your partner. You can often find lovely boxes in stores; or jut wrap up a shoe box in your favourite wrapping paper. Inside the box you can put anything that reminds you of the lovely memories the two of you have;
- Photo’s
- Tickets from events
- Your own memories written on note paper
- Small trinkets such as a champagne cork from your anniversary
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