Alternative Ways to Spend Valentine’s Day

February 14th, or as we all know it – Valentine’s Day, is just around the corner! So how will you spend this special day? With a loved one, or a friend? With your family, or at home giving yourself some much needed R&R time? Will you do something traditional, or are you searching for something different than the norm? Whatever you end up choosing, I have compiled a few ideas below to hopefully inspire you to plan something fun! Below are some alternative ways to spend your Valentine’s Day.

This article is written by Sierra Redmond
For more on this topic, check out the full Be My Valentine collection

Saving Money on Valentine’s Day

Starting on New Year’s Day, a sea of pink and red flood aisles and stores just waiting to snatch your hard-earned coins for just 24 hours of a love story. Usually this results in a half-eaten box of chocolate and a restaurant tab that can take your bank account from hero to zero! And if you’re anything like me and my alter ego Frugal Frances, you’re always looking for a good deal and ways to save money – even on Valentine’s Day! Because I mean #All365DaysMatter #AllCoinsMatter #NoHolidayAgainstMeShallProsper.

If frugal is also your middle name, you have come to the right place! I will be delivering 5 alternative Valentine’s Day date ideas! Let me help you spend less on gifts, and invest more in memories.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 13th or 15th

Now, I know someone is reading this like ‘absolutely not” because Valentine’s Day is the 14th. Trust me, I know because stores have peer pressured everyone for almost two months to celebrate on time; but HEAR ME OUT!

Yes, this special day is all about love and bliss, but it’s also a way for businesses to boost their sales for the year. You may see some gifts discounted for the holiday. But what they don’t tell you is that they mark gifts up prior to Valentine’s Day weekend, only to drop it to its original price and call it a sale. No one is saving coins like that and you have been bamboozled! So, I propose this solution; spending Valentine’s Day a day early or late to save money. Also, whatever activity you decide to do on this day will be cheaper and less crowded. Here’s an even brighter side to waiting till the 15th … if you MUST have chocolate, it’s 50% to 75% off at this point.

Keep it Inside

For a lot of people, going out and dressing up is the highlight of Valentine’s Day. However, staying inside can have its benefits as well.

Staying inside to cook gives you the opportunity to try different recipes – even 4 course meals for 2 under $30. You also have the ability to be creative by decorating with flowers and candles. Who says you can’t dress up? Feel free to dress up or down as you choose. And remember, the most important aspect is the intimacy of your evening indoors. My absolute favorite website for meal and decor ideas is Pinterest.

Find the free or cheap events in your city

If you look around enough there are tons of free love music, free dancing, free open mic night events, and more. Look for things in your city that are free depending on you and your partner’s taste, and you won’t regret the evening you will have. Some of my favorite sites to use are Eventbrite, Eventful, Facebook and some major cities even have their own apps …You’re Welcome!

Couples Massages

Taking a day to relax and feel blissful is something that no one will turn down. Now I know you’re thinking aren’t massages expensive? Yes! they can be unless you’re using one of my favorite apps GROUPON!! With Groupon, you can search by city for the cheapest prices for massages in your city and even read reviews before purchasing for 10% to even 90% off.

Food Truck and Stroll

This is my absolute favorite idea of them all, and definitely an alternative way to spend your Valentine’s Day! In cities like Atlanta there are food truck parks and festivals at many different times throughout the year. If you live in a place where it’s not super cold in February, then this is a great option for you. Food trucks offer a wide variety of meals to choose from, you will wait half the time to get your food and start enjoying your date. Plus, one of the best things about this is after you’re done eating you can take a stroll around the park and talk in a quieter atmosphere than a restaurant.

I hope that you enjoyed my ideas for 5 Alternative ways to spend your Valentine’s Day this year. Have an amazing Valentine’s Day Lovers!

For more on this topic, check out the full Be My Valentine collection

Featured Contributor: Sierra Redmond

Sierra Redmond is the creator of The Daily Impressions Lifestyle Blog. On the blog she offers tips, tricks, stories and advice on the topics of Family life, Parenting, Travel and life in the Military. Sierra is a 22-year-old Army Wife and stay at home Mompreneur.