Amid inflation and the rising cost of a single night out, the idea of going all out for your Valentine is probably the last thing on your mind — but with only days to go, how do you plan to make that day special for your loved one? This year, 54 per cent of Canadians are more likely to mark the occasion with a romantic dinner at home for Valentine’s Day, according to a 2022 Ipsos report, whereas romantic getaways or weekend trips are not top of mind, with only four per cent marking this in their Valentine’s Day plans and 30 per cent intend on on buying/giving chocolates or candy.
Of those survey respondents with a significant other, 58 per cent said that Valentine’s Day is too much of a commercial event. "For even the most hopeless romantics, the pressure of Valentine’s Day on your wallet can be a bit overwhelming," says Aaron Guillen, spokesperson for the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
"This year, let Valentine’s Day be more about effort, and less about dollars spent." Here are five ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day without breaking the bank: Create a low-cost floral display instead of an expensive florist
The price for flowers goes through the roof around Valentine’s Day, but a hand-crafted bouquet can mean the world. Try to craft a personalized selection of flowers for your loved one from the supermarket. Remember to include their favourite flower or colour. Throw those into a vase, perhaps found at a thrift store or wholesale store, and become a florist for the day.
Make a special dinner for your loved one
Perhaps it’s their favourite dish, or a completely new cuisine they haven’t tried, but you can become the best chef of the night by making a meal they’ll never forget. Or perhaps cook together and make it an activity for you both to enjoy. Go the extra mile and lay a beautiful table setting and some candles. If you’re both competitive, challenge your partner to a cook-off. One of you makes the main, while the other does dessert.
Do a new activity outdoors
Whether it’s a hike together or heading up to a local mountain, bundle up and head out for a few hours. The act of doing an activity together will challenge you to see a new side to your loved one. Maybe, it’s taking the dinner you made and going to a park for a picnic with a bottle of wine and cheese. Perhaps it’s taking some art supplies and going outside to find inspiration together. Place yourself in a new scenario and see what magic happens.
Make a photo album or scrapbook of your favourite memories
It’s the effort that counts here. It’s so easy to pull up a memory on a phone or laptop, but if you want to go the extra mile, opt for the tangible home-made gift and create a slideshow or scrapbook of a recent trip, or your relationship history. Cuddle up on the sofa and reminisce about the holidays, birthdays, and celebrations you’ve shared during your relationship. Take time to tell stories about each photo, and share what you recall about your first date, or your first experiences that you shared together.
Make a playlist or dip your toes into something musical
Consider creating a special playlist of you and your loved one’s favourite songs, both romantic and memorable. Similar to a mixtape, you can play these songs while making dinner together, driving around town, or cuddling up on the couch. Music is a great way to connect and if you’re musically inclined, why not try learning their favourite song on an instrument? If you’re feeling really creative, consider writing an original song for them yourself or by using an online custom love song builder. For more tips on how to save money and avoid scams around this holiday, you can visit the BBB's website.
