It’s three days before Valentine’s Day, and if you haven’t bought your sweetheart something yet, what are you waiting for? Okay — I don’t have to be that dramatic — but it’s no secret that Valentine’s Day is a holiday that can really make a dent in your bank account. According to the National Retail Federation, Valentine’s Day spending is expected to total $27.4 billion this year with an average spending of just under $200. For college students who are short on cash, that is a lot to shell out for a holiday to express your love for people. With that in mind, here is a guide on how to be a great partner or friend on Valentine’s Day without going broke or crazy.
Keep it simple
With this holiday, it is easy to get wrapped up in the craziness of it all — the gifts, a fancy dinner reservation and a day full of expensive sugary treats. As great as all those things are, it is important to remember what your partner or friends truly enjoy doing or receiving. Is your date really craving some Chick-Fil-a? Get them some and shape the nuggets into a heart. Do they really like playing video games? Make it a night-in with some snacks and some one-on-one time. Don’t go crazy giving your valentine something you feel you are expected to give them. Give them a night tailored to their interests to show them you care.
Make it homemade
When the holiday first caught on in the U.S., it was customary to create handmade cards to send your beloved friends and family. This was before the candy and flowers. Nowadays, it is easy to run over to Hallmark or Target and pick up a card, but maybe try something from the heart this year. They say that a picture can say a thousand words, so why not write or create a sentimental card that paints the picture of how you feel about the other person.
Go old-fashioned
Why is it always a bad thing to think about the good-old days? I don’t know about you, but to me, the 1950s era really exemplified a romantic era in terms of relationships and high-quality dates. You see it in magazines, videos and movies that surrounded that time in America. Why not get inspired from the likes of “Grease” and go to a drive-in movie, go on a picnic in a local park or get milkshakes at a diner. If you really want to commit to the bit, you can dress up and act like a true 1950s-era couple — clothes and conversation to boot. Have fun and make the holiday all your own with some classic Americana flair.
Celebrate on Feb. 15
It may seem odd, but is it really important to celebrate this holiday on Valentine’s Day? There will be cover charges at restaurants and expensive candy and gifts at all the shops, especially if you waited until the last minute. Take your valentine out for a special day after Valentine’s Day. It saves money since most of the non-purchased goods from the actual day are half-off and there aren’t insane cover charges or packed and over-decorated restaurants. Plus, celebrating a holiday after the fact proves the point that it is important to appreciate your valentine year round, not just on a day that you are expected to.
Photo: J. Appel
