Have a Sexy, Cheap Valentine's Day

By MP Dunleavey on Friday February 05, 2010
This post is about planning, saving


heartsValentine's Day weekend is just a week away—the perfect amount of time to put a little thought, rather than lots of money, into creating some sexy fun for your guy or gal. Here, an inspiring collection of our frugal favorites, from around the web:

Love balloons. Buy transparent red balloons, and before blowing them up, put a small gift, treat or sexy note inside—scatter them around your apartment and enjoy whatever happens next.

Get wet. Some florists have flower petals for the taking. Gather enough to float on top of your bath water. Slip into the tub just as your sweetie comes home…(If the carpet of flowers isn't an option, have tea for two.)

Make mystery. Plan to meet your Valentine at, say, a bar. At the last minute, send a text changing it to a movie theater. Have a pal waiting at the theater saying that you got really sick (and your phone died), and your date should head to your house. Leave a note on the door saying you've gone to bed with the stomach flu, but that there's some food in the fridge. Have a bottle of bubbly waiting and...

Share the love. Clean out a nice big jar (pickles, cookies, mayo) and stuff it with silly poems, why-I-love-yous, memories and future plans. Now your beloved has Valentines for days!

For other ideas, check out this list and good old WiseBread, a money blog to enjoy any time.

Got a memorable, inexpensive Valentine's idea to share? Please do!
Comments (9)add
feedSubscribe to this comment's feed
...
written by April , February 05, 2010
I'm pretty sure the "Make Mystery" idea is a terrible one. Any guy I know would be pissed off for having been such a dupe and having had to trek everywhere in the city, once he discovered it was all ruse, and wouldn't be feeling very romantic at all. He'd probably spend the night playing video games instead of joining you in bed.
...
written by Anne Lawrence , February 05, 2010
I agree the "Make Mystery" idea sounds a little hazardous, but I appreciate the whimsy. For a little less risky Valentine's Day I wrote a tutorial for a love letter. It's more of a Mad Libs meets Choose your own Adventure, but great for those more crafty than literary and of course, free!

http://etsydallas.blogspot.com/2010/01/diy-valentine-love-letter-tutorial.html
...
written by Amanda Steinberg (DailyWorth founder) , February 05, 2010
I told MP we should pull that mystery one! Was thinking DH would kill me if I did that to him. Guess I need to throw my weight around up here a bit more in the executive suite :)
...
written by Petunia , February 05, 2010
I am at a loss at what to do for Valentine's Day this year. I was married for 18 years, have been divorced for 3, and this is the first V Day for my boyfriend and I. The day before V Day is my birthday, and they fall on a weekend this year. Combine that with the fact that this man is very, very special to me, and this is quite a holiday on the horizon.

I suspect that we are going to a bed & breakfast for the weekend (he told me a month ago to keep the weekend clear if at all possible, then asked if I like b&b, so I don't KNOW, but strongly SUSPECT that is what he has up his sleeve). I want to plan something nice for him, but am still up in the air. I would love to hear some suggestions!


...
written by Cheri , February 05, 2010
I love being sneaky when it comes to Valentine's Day. This year, since my guy will be going out of town over Valentine's Day, I plan on hiding some homemade chocolate chip cookies with a sweet little note in his luggage for him to find when he unpacks.

Another sweet idea and not too costly idea is to send him something special at work. We love getting flowers at work, right? Well it's not fair that guys never get that feeling of surprise and envy from co-workers. :) Send a box full of his favorite snacks or candy along with a message in a bottle with a little love note. He will have a momento to keep that won't wilt. You can check out my website at www.giftboxesbymail.com. This particular box would be under the Build Your Own box section where there are over 100 items to choose from.

And lastly, I think tickets to an upcoming concert or event that the guy loves is a very good idea. That shows that you truly do care about getting them a gift that makes them happy and also shows that you pay attention to their likes.
...
written by MP Dunleavey , February 06, 2010
The mystery idea derives from the treasure hunt idea (see the link in that item)! The point is to have an adventure...I dunno, maybe it's me, but gifts seem dull. Unless they are from the Sundance catalog. ;-)

But even then, I'd want a little hide-and-seek around it.
...
written by Angela , February 06, 2010
My boyfriend and I both love excellent food/wine, but despise the overpriced set menus that most places offer on Valentine's Day. We're both watching our budgets this year, so we have a few ideas we're playing around with:
Bicycling followed by a couples massage
Horseback riding
Long Scenic Hike(someplace we've never been) with a picnic lunch/champagne

Feel free to steal any of the above if they work for you! Happy Valentine's everyone!
...
written by Laura , February 07, 2010
Valentine's Day isn't very big in France, so I never get a gift from hubby. But I'm American, so I always make a fun dessert with the kids' help and get a bottle of champagne to enjoy with him after the kids have gone to bed. Or maybe I'll suggest we go to the cinema...to see something he likes!
...
written by Mareva , February 08, 2010
There is nothing as charming as a man who can't cook trying to make a gourmet dinner on Valentine's night. It's all about the thought, right? If you are smart you'll say it was great, and then get him some cooking classes for his birthday...A smart woman always provides encouragement..Maybe next year the breakfast in bed will be edible!!!!!
Write comment
smaller | bigger

busy

Show Other Articles Of This Author