Valentine’s Day is around the corner and love is in the air!
There are only two things I’m certain of on this joyous occasion: romance and spending money. Oh, and loneliness, but that’s a story for another time.
After the holidays, it’s usually your pants bursting at the seams, not your wallet. However, romance doesn’t have to cost you next month’s rent (unless you’re popping the question, of course).
XFM News spoke with an anonymous man and an anonymous woman about how they’re doing Valentine’s Day on a budget and still coming out on top.
Who are you spending Valentine’s Day with?
Man: My girlfriend of just over 7 months.
Woman: I plan on spending it with my boyfriend, we’ve been together for about 2 years now.
What are your big plans?
Man: Well we were gonna do the whole restaurant thing but we forgot to make reservations which is fine because we decided not to spend much money. So we’re just gonna stay in and order one of those heart shaped pizzas and hang out.
Woman: The past two years we’ve gone to dinner and a movie but we wanted to do something else, something cheap. We’re going for a walk in Victoria Park since it’s supposed to be nice out and then make dinner at home. I’m also making chocolate covered strawberries as a surprise.
Why did you chose to spend less money this year?
Man: Well it wasn’t on purpose, it just worked out that way. We’re both cool with it though because we’re students and let’s be real, no one has money. Well at least I don’t.
Woman: If you think about it, Valentine’s Day is the same as Christmas or whatever. It’s another made up holiday to make consumers spend money. It’s stupid and not to mention, expensive. Who has $150 to spend on a night? Not me. We’ll still celebrate but in our own way.
Are you exchanging gifts?
Man: Yeah I’m getting her flowers the day of and an edible arrangement so at least I can enjoy it too.
Woman: I got him one so he better have gotten me a gift! But yeah, I made him a care package for school with a bunch of food and alcohol.
What are some inexpensive gift ideas for your partner to get you?
Man: You can never go wrong with chocolate. I eat so much so food is always a good idea.
Woman: I love getting perfume and you can get it for a pretty good price at like Shoppers. A nice bottle of red or white wine is always a good and that way you can share it together. My boyfriend got me a pedicure certificate last year and that was a treat. It’s good to get them something they won’t buy for themselves, you know?
There you have it folks: there are inexpensive options on Valentine’s Day.
Both agreed that it doesn’t matter how much you spend. It’s about who you’re with.
