Valentine’s Day on a budget

Valentine's Day is all about the love. But how do you have a meaning Valentine's Day without spending gobs of money?

Forget the shiny store-bought stuff and leave the money in the bank this year. Come up with some fun and romantic things to do right in the comfort of your home. To give you some inspiration, check out these lovely ideas.

Communication is key. If your spouse's love language is anything but gifts there is little reason to spend money. But if they speak the language of gifts it's important to honor. Discuss with your spouse how you can honor them without going into debt.

Lazy day in bed

Agree to spend the day lounging around in comfy pajamas and fuzzy slippers, watching TV or talking or even playing cards. Enjoy meals in bed (for this, it is handy to have a couple of trays or to share one tray) too. The idea is to forget stresses of the everyday world and lock yourselves up in the most comfortable room in the house for the day. Be lazy and romantic and carefree for just this one day. This is a really nice way to spend Valentine's Day because so much of the time, people are on the go from the time they get up until the time they hit the bed again each night.

Picnic on the porch

Pack a nice picnic lunch/dinner and head outside to the porch or yard. Spread a blanket and lay out the delicious foods and drinks. There is something so refreshing and comforting about being outside in the fresh air with the one you love. After you eat you can lay/sit back and watch the clouds go by if in the daytime or stare up at the stars if in the evening. This is a nice Valentine's Day activity for a family too.

Dancing under the stars

Set up the music where you can hear it and then step outside and enjoy some slow dancing under those gorgeous stars. If you cannot go outside, then light some candles and dance by the romantic flickering flames. It does not matter one little bit if neither one of you can dance, all that matters is being in each other's arms, swaying to the music.

Dinner for two

This is a classic move for Valentine's Day for a good reason: it is romantic! Fix your sweetheart's favorite meal and then set a nice table complete with candles and the wine. Really do it up nicely and break out the fine dinnerware, wine glasses and cloth napkins. If you don't have those items see if you can borrow a 2-person place setting from a friend.

Have romantic songs playing in the background and let the mood take you both away from the daily grind into a world made for the two of you. Leave the clean-up for the next day and retire to the living room or even outside if weather permits. Enjoy a glass of wine and snuggle while talking or watching a little TV.

Candlelit bath for two

Create a romantic bubble bath. Deck out the bathroom with scented candles, romantic music, soft robes and slippers, and of course lots and lots of bubbles! You can relax together in a nice warm bath and wash each other's backs while discussing all the wonderful things you love about each other. You can also opt for just sitting back and relaxing without speaking and soaking up the romantic atmosphere.

From-the-heart gifts

Create something special for your sweetheart, with your two hands and from items, you find around the house. In other words, no store-bought items! Write a love poem explaining what they mean to you, sing a song for them, make them breakfast in bed or even paint them a picture.

If you are handy with wood, craft them something nice out of scrap wood. You can each make a card for the other one and place it in a spot they will see it such as next to the coffee-maker or by the toothpaste.

Baby sitter problems?

Don't get caught up in the hype that Valentine's Day is somehow a “magical day”. You should be loving and honoring your sweetheart all year. If you have children, swap babysitting services with another family and have your special time together another day. Just because it isn't on V-day doesn't mean it isn't special.

There is no rule that states Valentine's Day has to be celebrated with sparkling jewelry or five dozen roses. This is one holiday that is over-commercialized and there is no need for it. Celebrate the day of love with gestures that truly say “I love you” like making a romantic dinner or dancing under the stars. Stay home and celebrate each other, not the spending of more money.

BONUS VALENTINE'S TIP:

Speak truth over your special someone. There's no gift better than scriptural truth. It lights up the soul and sparks the spirit to life.

This is a gift, and a tradition you can keep going all year long!

Grab these free Truth Cards, light some candles, spread out a blanket, and take turns reading these truths over each other.