13 Fabulous Ways to Save Money on Valentine's Day

According to the Greeting Card Association Americans will spend approximately $150 million on greeting cards for Valentine’s Day this year. According to calling services provider VIP Communications Inc. long-distance calls from overseas will triple in volume during Valentine’s Day.

According to a survey by the National Retail Federation men will spend on average $168.74 on clothing, jewelry and other items for Valentine's Day which is roughly twice what women will spend. Americans are expected to spend over $17 billion for Valentine’s Day this year. Fifty-one percent of Americans will buy candy, over 30% will buy flowers, and others will purchase reasonable gifts such as sweaters, coats and winter accessories.

According to the National Restaurant Association men would prefer a restaurant gift card or gift certificate for Valentine’s Day.  Nearly half of the women surveyed would desire jewelry or flowers.  Twelve percent of the women surveyed want to receive chocolate.

Valentine's Day is so commercialized these days. Advertisers show commercials that focus mainly on buying women gifts.  They also make women believe that the only time a man should show affection is on Valentine's Day.  I believe if you show affection all year long you won't have to dash at the last minute to buy an expensive gift.  If couples treat each other with respect, communicate with each other and live in love, Valentine's Day will not seem as one the biggest holidays of the year.

Valentine's Day gifts and memories should be a bonus to a healthy relationship not a chore or ultimatum of "he or she better get me something nice or else".  Gifts should not be a measure of how much someone loves and you should not fall in love or like with someone because of the gifts they buy.

If you know your significant other is financially strapped don't be selfish and ask for or expect an expensive gift for Valentine’s Day.  Be realistic and understanding and know that sometimes men need a little help with gift ideas.  Be appreciative of whatever you get, it’s the thought that counts, unless you get a letter opener.  Here are 13 fabulous ways to celebrate Valentine's Day and save money.

1. Know your partner. If your partner or spouse gets very excited about Valentine’s Day and wants a big gift, then you better get out your wallet and spend accordingly.  If your partner or spouse likes simple gifts or gifts from the heart then buy that.  Not everyone likes chocolate, teddy bears or flowers so know who you are shopping for.
2. Ask. Don’t be afraid to get gift suggestions from your partner or spouse. Ask them what they need or would like to do for Valentine’s Day.  If they don’t tell you ask their best friend, sibling or mother for gift suggestions.
3. Avoid going into debt.  If you can’t afford to buy a gift or spend money be honest.  Don’t wait until the last minute and buy a cheap gift or grab something without putting any thought into the gift, it will show.  Find inexpensive ways to show your love. Next year plan ahead and save up to buy a gift.
4. Going out. If you suspect your date feels uncomfortable or is short on cash offer to split the bill and don't get upset about it. Things happen. At least he or she was thoughtful enough to want to spend time with you. He or she may just be afraid to admit he or she is having financial problems.
5. Be creative. Write a love letter or love note. If you aren't in love yet, write a note expressing how you feel and what you like about your significant other. However, don’t use this in lieu or a gif.  It may not go over too well and you may be in the doghouse for a few days.

6.      Be different. Everyone buys roses on Valentine's Day.  Find out what her favorite flower is and buy that instead of roses.  It will show her that you are thoughtful, a leader not a follower and that you really care.

7.      Give from the heart. If you get a balloon or chocolate get your significant other's name on it or get personalized chocolates or baked goods. 

8.      Purchase a quick getaway. Check online for specials for bed and breakfast inns that are inexpensive or stay overnight in a local hotel room.

9.      Do a staycation.  Send the children out overnight.  Clean the house.  Cook a meal, draw a bubble bath and enjoy each other’s company if you can’t afford to buy each other gifts.

10.   Be romantic. Give each other massages with scented massage oils, read love poetry, watch romantic movies, slow dance, gaze into each other's eyes, and then have "desert".

11.   Free.  Check your local newspaper for free events during Valentine's Day weekend.

12.   Be a chef.  If your significant other likes baked goods. Bake their favorite baked good and feed it to them or fix breakfast in bed.

13.   Work. Offer to clean the house, do chores or complete your “honey do list”.