Valentine on a Dime
Valentine’s Day is either the most anticipated or most dreaded holiday of the year. The single ladies are gagging at the enormous amounts of PDA, while the couples are too smitten to even realize. The one thing that is on everyone’s mind is money. The National Retail Foundation said that this Valentine’s Day, the country will spend a total of $17.6 billion. Whether you have that special someone or are planning an “Anti-Valentine’s Day Party,” there are a million different ways to not break the bank.
Smitten Kittens
When you’re in a relationship, you count down the days until this romantic day where you can shower your sweetie with gifts. Well that’s what we all want to do, isn’t it? As college students, we may not have that desired cash flow needed to supply what we think our valentine deserves. So here are some ideas that won’t break your piggy bank or your valentine’s heart.
- Coupon sites.There are a ton of coupon sites; like LivingSocial, Groupon, and Crowdsavers. Check out these websites daily for deals on flowers, couples massages, or romantic getaways.
- Picnic date.Let’s face it, who doesn’t love food? Instead of blowing money at a fancy restaurant where you’ll wear uncomfortable heels, make this date comfy and casual, and not to mention cheap. For the menu, include homemade sandwiches or wraps, fruit, chips and whatever else you can think of. Pick an appealing location at a local park or even the beach.
- Handmade. Make your sweetheart a painting or a drawing. A present that is made by you rather than bought at the store is a lot more meaningful. Check out awesome ideas on Pinterest!
- Night in. Ditch the norm and frustration of making reservations at a restaurant or the movies and stay in. Make dinner together; pizza from scratch, pasta, or even dessert. Then, rent a movie for a dollar or less from Redbox or Netflix. End the night with playing Truth or Dare to spice things up.
Single Ladies
When you’re single, not only is everyone rubbing it in your face on Facebook, but now the stores are sending you a not so friendly reminder that you’re riding solo. Are you going to go hide in your bed with your cat all day with a tub of ice cream? No! As one of our own collegiettes, you should be strong, beautiful, and independent. Who said that you need a man to make you happy in life? Remember the wise words from Parks and Recreation’s Leslie Knope, “Uterus’ before duderus’and ovaries before brovaries.” Here are some ideas for a girls night spin on Valentine’s Day.
- Have a dessert party.Either invite girls to bring a dessert or to bring the ingredients to bake tasty treats.
- Spa day. Take a trip to the spa with your girlfriends to get massages or facials. If you’re on a budget do manicures or pedicures, or even make your own facials at home! Check out this link for 25 different facial recipes.
- Volunteer at a shelter. Animals need love too on Valentine’s Day, and what girl doesn’t love them?! The Humane Society of Tampa Bay is always looking for animal companions to make the dogs and cats adoption ready.
- Check out a comedy show. This is a great way to escape your somber attitude of being alone and to laugh all night. The Improv Comedy Theater hosts amazing comedians and they also have food and drink specials.
So this Valentine’s Day don’t think you’re alone or too broke to have a good time and use these tips!