10 ways to steal a heart without breaking the bank this Valentine’s Day

Celebrating the month of love isn’t quite as romantic when many are still recovering from the festive season splurge.

And with at least another two weeks until payday, the timing of Valentine’s Day is not ideal for anyone’s bank account.

We recommend these practical tips for a fun, affordable Valentine’s Day:

1. Romance starts at home – ditch the restaurant frenzy and opt instead for a meal at home. Dust off those candles, make your loved one’s favourite meal, switch on your favourite song and your night is set. You could enjoy a delicious three course meal at home for a third of the price of a restaurant.

2. Go out for dessert – just because you can’t go out for an expensive meal, doesn’t mean you can’t go out at all. Have a nice dinner at home and head out to your favourite coffee shop or restaurant for a sweet end to your meal.

3. Skip the knick knacks – what will your Valentine do with that oversized, overpriced teddy bear, mug or that giant red heart-shaped pillow? These things end up becoming unnecessary clutter anyway, so rather save that money for a good bottle of wine or delicious dessert for your stay-at-home dinner.

4. Rent a cheesy movie and snuggle up – no dressing up, no paying for parking and no dealing with crowds. Put on the popcorn, get in your PJs and enjoy a romantic flick. #TheNoteBookFeels

5. Brekkie in bed – nothing beats this classic, cost-effective favourite. Add a few new twists like a jar filled with date night ideas for every month until next Valentine’s Day, or a photo album with your favourite moments from the last year –and don’t forget to take a snap of your delicious creation to add to your album.

6. Get creative with DIY coupons – create your own coupons for back massages or foot rubs, redeemable at any time, or for a night off. There are plenty of practical things that will help make your partner’s life easier, like washing dishes for a week or doing the grocery shopping for a month – the gift of time is invaluable.

7. Repeat your first date – this is really fun, especially if you have been with your partner for a long time. If you can’t relive it exactly, find a close alternative and revive those butterflies.

8. Avoid the floral fancy – a dozen red roses will set you back about R400 while you can get a bouquet of sunflowers for about half that price, so avoid the rose cliché and explore the many other floral options on offer.

9. Give the gift of undivided attention – this one is absolutely free! Did you know that, according to a study conducted by British psychologists, the average young adult spends up to a third of their waking hours on their phones – so by simply putting your smartphone down for a few hours, you’re showing your partner just how much you love them!

10. Create a card – Valentine’s cards can be expensive. Using relatively inexpensive materials from a craft shop, you can easily create a personalised card that will no doubt mean a lot more.

What are your plans this Valentine’s Day? Leave a comment below and tag your Valentine!