Being in a long distance relationship, any reunion is fleeting. That’s why, for Valentine’s Day, my boyfriend and I would much rather stay in and spend quality time together than at a crowded restaurant, straining to hear each other speak. Plus, traveling to see one another gets expensive so saving some money while staying in is a win-win. Whether you’re in a long distance relationship or just prefer the simplicity of a night at home, utilize these five tips to do it yourself and make it special without emptying your wallet.
1. Make the Dollar Store Your Best Friend
I seriously cannot stress this enough. Everything is a dollar; nothing gets better than this. Inventory varies from store to store, but most locations will have the V-Day essentials—candy, candles, and some form of decorations. You may be thinking that the Dollar Store is tacky, but isn’t that what this holiday is all about? Grab a red or pink table cloth and some fake flowers for a cheap, cute table arrangement. Many stores also sell packs of scented tea-lights, which contain five or six. Buy a pack or two of your favorite romantic scent to line your table and voilà! You just created a table-scape for under five dollars.
2. Cook the Meal
It may seem ideal to order takeout, but cooking together is surprisingly romantic. You can pick something fancy like maple salmon or shrimp scampi to make it feel like you’re actually at a restaurant. You can also go in the direction of a fun, themed dish like these heart-shaped meatballs. My personal favorite is make-your-own pizza—some grocery stores even have real dough pre-made in the deli section which is extremely fun to toss up in the air. You can even mold your crust into the shape of a heart if you like! Ingredients for a home-cooked meal usually come in under $15, which is about seven bucks a plate! That’s a third of what you would spend at some dark, cramped bistro. Also, helping each other cook a successful meal feels sophisticated and grown up. Not to mention, it;s extremely rewarding to sit down and enjoy something you made together.
3. Actually Sit at the Table
This may seem obvious, but we all know how tempting it is to sink into the couch with a plate of food. Your meal will feel much more romantic if you’re sitting across from each other, enjoying a nice conversation. Plus, your table will already be decorated thanks to your neighborhood dollar store! I know it’s fun to eat in front of the TV, especially if you have a romantic movie picked out, but save it for later. Enjoy the delicious dinner you made in a way that you don’t get to everyday.
4. Don’t Be Afraid To Dress Up
Sure, staying in equals sweatpants and slippers. But chances are, your significant other always sees you like that (of course, there is nothing wrong with that)! Just because you aren’t going out doesn’t mean you can’t dress up. After making dinner, go change into something that makes you feel fancy. A simple dress, heels, and a little perfume can go a long way—have your boyfriend put on something nice too! Make your dinner seem like a romantic evening rather than just a night in. Even a long-sleeve button down would be a nice change from the usual hoodie and basketball shorts.
5. A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
Valentine’s Day is one of the most exploited, mass-produced holidays there is and if you don’t know what you’re doing, it’s also one of the most expensive. Making a gift can save you a lot of money, and it’s much more heartfelt than something you bought at Target. Boys are so hard to shop for on V-Day anyways—it’s not like you can give them flowers and a stuffed animal. My go-to gift is always a picture in a nice frame—you can even decorate the frame yourself. Choose a picture that holds significance in your relationship; maybe it was from a birthday, or a day that you two did something really fun. The best place to buy frames is the dollar store (surprise, surprise) because they’re cheap and plain, which is perfect for decorating. Obviously boys don’t like glitter and lace, but just a simple coat of red paint and a tiny heart in the corner will show him that you took the time to make something personal. He’ll love it because he loves showing you off and what better way to do that than with a picture he can display?
So what are you waiting for, Collegiettes? Go get your DIY on and have the best Valentine’s Day yet! And don’t forget to save room for dessert—these molten chocolate cakes will give you life.