Did you know that the Valentine’s Day tradition of giving candy started in the 1840s by Richard Cadbury, a descendant of a British chocolate manufacturing family? With a new chocolate-making technique, Cadbury seized the opportunity to sell chocolates as part of the beloved holiday. And so began the love holiday celebrated with chocolates, flowers, and oversized teddy bears.
But I must remind you that $16 billion is wasted on unwanted gifts every year.
So, before you click add to cart or order over-priced flowers, let’s consider some clutter-free and inexpensive options that won’t ruin your budget.
Make Dinner At Home
During college, I waited tables at a local restaurant, as did my future husband. That’s where we met and we could tell you a tale or two!
As a result, we do NOT recommend eating out on Valentine’s Day. Service is bad, food quality suffers, and restaurants are overcrowded with the goal of getting you in and out fast. Don’t do it.
Also, Valentine’s Day is often on a weeknight. So it’s a good excuse to put the kids to bed early and plan your favorite meal at home. If your spouse does most of the cooking, give them the night off. Cook dinner as your gift.
Cooking can be an act of service to express your love. Especially if it’s their primary love language. Most people resonate with 1 of the following love languages: Acts of service, quality time, physical touch, words of admiration, and gifts. Prioritize your partner’s love language when choosing a gift. When in doubt, ask them or use an online quiz.
Now, let’s make this stay-at-home dinner special. Set the table for two with china and crystal if you still own some. Regular dishes work fine too. Light candles. Make a festive beverage or fancy dessert to share.
Turn on some music and turn off the devices. Enjoy the experience of fine dining without the crowds or expensive price tag.
Minimalist Gift Ideas
I keep my gifts clutter-free for every holiday. Here are a few suggestions. They require a little advanced planning to create the experience for your partner, but it’s worth it.
1. Spa Day
- Bubble bath, bath salts, or a bath bomb
- Scented lotion or moisturizer
- Aromatherapy candle
- Fancy sparkling water or wine
- Create the Experience: Set up the bathtub, candle, and glass of wine. Turn on some soft music. Take the kids out so your valentine can enjoy the experience.
- Extra Budget: Spa Day Gift Certificate or Couple’s Massage
2. Movie Night
- Microwave popcorn
- Movie candy
- Fancy seltzer drinks or craft beer
- Create the Experience: Clean up the family room. Set up a movie on a streaming service and pop the popcorn
- Extra Budget: See a movie in a theatre and stop by your favorite brewery
3. Ice Cream Sundaes
- Ice cream
- Bananas and other fruit toppings
- Nuts and maraschino cherries
- Whipped cream
- Candy or sprinkles
- Create the Experience: Set up a Sundae Bar – This is a fun way to celebrate with the kids
- Extra Budget: Take the kids to the grocery store to pick out toppings and ice cream
4. Tea and Coffee Lover
- Do not buy a new coffee mug
- Favorite Coffee or Tea
- Coffee or tea filters
- Special Creamer or Lemon
- Pastries or a Muffin Mix
- Create the Experience: Greet them in the morning with coffee/tea and a pastry
- Extra Budget: Gift Card to their favorite coffee or tea shop
5. Charcuterie
- Variety of Italian meats
- Variety of cheeses
- Fresh bread and crackers
- Olives and pickles
- Bottle of wine
- Grapes
- Dark chocolate
- Create the Experience: Create a charcuterie board for Valentine’s Day Dinner
- Extra Budget: Add fancy desserts like chocolate mousse or a fruit tart
Which one works for your Valentine?
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Today, I was laughing looking at all the plastic and weird erasers that come home from school in the Valentine boxes. If it was not wanted, I tossed it. I myself had help from a friend putting those together. She bought plastic gift bags and I went with along because she was doing it. She did not like my idea of of the treat to the Valentine. I am grateful for the help, but next year: NO BAGS!
That should read “taping the treat to the bags.”