7 Frugal Ways To Make Valentine’s Day Feel Luxurious
Written by
Nicole Spector
Edited by
Molly Sullivan
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With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, love is in the air and wallets are being opened. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), consumers are anticipated to spend a record $27.5 billion on Valentine’s Day this year, up from last year’s $25.8 billion and a bit above the previous record of $27.4 billion set in 2020. Valentine’s Day celebrants make up over half (56%) of U.S. consumers.
Buying your partner or bestie a treat for Valentine’s Day or taking them out to a nice dinner may feel like “the thing to do,” but if you’re sticking to a budget and prioritizing needs over wants, splurging on a dozen red roses or a night out on the town could potentially set you back financially. Worry not, there are many frugal ways to make Valentine’s Day feel luxurious (other than a picnic in the park). You just have to get creative and be open-minded.
DIY a Spa Night
You can go to a spa to unwind, but this will likely cost a fortune. Hop over to CVS or Walmart to get a few essentials and create an in-home spa experience instead.
“Couples’ spa packages can range from $150-$300, but you can recreate the experience at home for under $30 with candles, essential oils and sheet face masks,” said Emily Luk, CFA, CPA and the CEO and founder of Plenty. “The personal effort and intimate setting make it even more special.”
Write Love Letters
Valentine’s Day cards you purchase can have pretty corny messaging — and there’s something off-putting knowing that tons of other people are getting the exact same card. Go the handwritten love letter route instead. It’s far more romantic, as well as being super budget friendly.
“A handwritten love letter is a timeless, meaningful gesture that costs little to nothing,” Luk said.
Create a DIY Wine Tasting Experience
A wine tasting can be fun and decadent, but it can also easily set you back by $50 or more per person. You can host one at home for far less.
“You can buy three bottles of wine for under $50 and pair them with affordable snacks like cheese and crackers,” Luk said. “It’s a fun way to enjoy something luxurious without the markup, and you won’t have to worry about getting an Uber home.”
Create Sip and Paint Portraits of Each Other
Here’s another boozy one that’s entertaining: a sip and paint night.
“Sip and paint packages can cost up to $50 a person, whereas an at-home sip and paint session could cost about half the price,” Luk said. “I’m sure you’ve seen the viral TikTok portrait trend where you and your partner paint each other without showing one another until the end. This makes this at home date super fun for everyone.”
Make a Personalized ‘Burr Basket’
Have you ever heard of a ‘Burr Basket’? These are adorable, inspired and frugality friendly if you make one yourself.
“‘Burr Baskets’ — or a basket full of seasonal sweet treats — were popularized during Halloween and can easily be replicated for Valentine’s Day,” said Mary Hines Droesch, head of product for consumer, business and wealth management banking and lending at Bank of America “Instead of splurging on expensive presents, you can create the viral DIY ‘Burr Basket’ that’s filled with items your partner will truly enjoy.”
To simplify things, consider selecting one gift to build your basket around. “For example, if they love cooking, include a cookbook from their favorite chef, unique spices, champagne gummy bears or gourmet snacks,” Droesch said. “From there, fill the basket with budget-friendly dollar store finds like candy, DIY decorations and a handwritten note. The effort you put into making the basket gives it a luxurious feel, while keeping costs manageable.”
Opt For a Flowering Plant Instead of Roses
A dozen roses is a classic Valentine’s Day gift. But let’s be real: Roses don’t last long and they’re awfully expensive. If you want to get your honey something pretty, consider a flowering plant instead. It will last longer and it’s a sweeter symbol for lasting love.
“Depending on where you live and where you purchase them, a dozen roses on Valentine’s Day could be anywhere from $50 to $150,” said Tanya Peterson, VP at Achieve. “For far less, you could purchase a flowering plant that will live long past the roses.”
Go Stargazing
This one may require a drive — depending on where you live — but if you can afford the gas, going stargazing is well worth the excursion.
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