When it comes to stewarding your finances well, sometimes we tend to forget that it includes special occasions and holidays. Whether you are working towards goals of becoming debt-free or creating generational wealth for your family, making sure that you account for holidays and gifts is part of making sure that you don’t completely burn out AND make everyone around you think of the word “budget” like a cuss word.
Although there is no shortage of ways to waste a ton of money on ANY random thing across a long list of holidays, Valentines day seems to be one of the most err… financially irresponsible holidays.
If you disagree, flash back with me to teenage boys carrying 5 ft teddy bears and $100 bouquets of flowers through the school halls for their sweethearts.
In fact, this year, National Retail Foundation projects that Americans will spend a record $29.1 billion on Valentine’s day. With Americans “budgeting a record $199.78 on average for gifts, an increase from $188.81 last year and surpassing the previous record of $196.31 set in 2020.” And while we applaud wanting to show love and appreciation, there are more financially responsible (and longer lasting) ways to do it
The truth is, it doesn’t take a huge chunk of budget-blowing change to show someone you love them and make them feel loved!
Here are 10 creative ideas to show love and appreciation without breaking the bank, even around valentines day. Some of them are more spouse or significant other oriented, many of them are great to do together for your whole family
1. Spend Quality Time Together
Spending quality time and having intentional conversations with your loved ones.
- We live in the most overstimulated, over-notified generation of all time. The average American spends over 5hrs per day on their smart phone and checks their phones 186 times per day
- And while we obviously believe that technology has its place (like this blog and online banking), we must also acknowledge that constant notifications, social media scrolling, and endless emails can take their toll on relationships if we are not careful and intentional.
- If your loved ones’ love language is quality time, then setting aside time for quality, no-technology conversations will speak volumes.
Don’t know your spouse’s love language? Here’s a fun quiz.
2. Plan Outings as a Family
Planning a family outing or hike can be a great way to spend time together without breaking the bank.
- Depending on where you live and mother nature’s mood, this one may or may not be practical in February. Adventures, time spent outdoors, and shared experiences are consistently our kids’ favorite things.
- Truly, this kind of outing doesn’t have to be extravagant. Pack some snacks from home, strap on your favorite tennis shoes or hiking boots, and hit the trail. Heck, you can even make it educational and learn about the history of your area and historical landmarks.
3. Scavenger Hunt
Give this family valentines idea a go! Having fun together by playing games as a family builds lifelong memories.
- Let’s be honest, these are just fun. And kids aren’t the only ones who enjoy a fun riddle or puzzle occasionally!
- Maybe buy a few cheaper gifts- or 1 medium-priced gift, but make it a scavenger hunt to find it!
4. Movie Night at Home
Plan to have an at home movie night with popcorn with the family, where everyone is 100% present. Physically and mentally.
We know that this isn’t the only way to spend time with your family, nor should it be, but after a long week sometimes a chill movie night is a great way to decompress and laugh at the same things.
Some great family-friendly movie ideas:
5. Board Game Nights
Nothing shows you someone’s true competitive nature (or lack thereof) like a good ol boardgame or card game.
Need some new games to try out? Maybe make a new game or two your Valentine’s present! Some fun new games you may not have tried:
- Settlers of Catan-best for older kids. Takes some strategy and patience, but great for family bonding.
- Uno Attack- this is similar to the classic Uno except instead of drawing, you take your chances on whether or not cards will shoot out at you! Sure to bring squeals of delight and surprise.
- Charades. Have kids who love to act out things? Charades is a great way to channel that as fun for the whole family!
- Battleship
- The game of Life
6. Happy to Help Cards
Have a long to-do list that your spouse has been giving you? Why not beat them to the punch, so to speak, and give them a bunch of gift cards for the things that you are going to do.
(Bonus points if you get some of them done ahead of time)
7. Print A Family Photobook
This family valentines idea will last years to come. Print pictures or a photobook of fun memories or vacations.
Let’s be real, digital pictures are so handy, but there is something extra special about a printed off photo that you can thumb through on the couch (zero blue light glasses required).
Additionally, just taking the time to put together a photo book and have it printed shows love and appreciation.
8. Quality Time with Your Spouse
For couples- attend (or plan to attend) a marriage conference or retreat. Setting aside time to intentionally invest in your marriage is one of the greatest gifts that you can give your spouse.
Also, don’t worry, marriage conferences do NOT have to be boring or all heavy topics. Often, speakers bring really practical advice on your day to day life as a married team!
Some great marriage conferences, curriculums and resources:
- XO marriage conference: From the organization started by Pastor Jimmy Evans. XO has grown into a daily tv show, multiple podcasts, and XO marriage conferences.
- Victor Marx- former Marine and mans man, together with his wife Eileen teaches how to have a God centered marriage in their training “Better Together.”
- The Newlywed Workshop: One I found out about after being out of the newlywed stage is linked here. I love following some of their daughters and listen to podcasts they are on. Really love what they have to say about marriage
- The Marriage Intensive Retreat – by Rebekah Lyons: An immersive experience to help you renew & revitalize your marriage.
It’s true, attending a marriage seminar or conference might cost more than a bouquet of roses, but the investment into your marriage will last MUCH longer and pay great dividends.
9. Serve Locally Together
Does your loved one have a special outreach that is near and dear to their heart? Perhaps one of the greatest gifts for them would be to set aside a Saturday to volunteer together at their favorite organization.
10. Tackle a Household Project Together
A great way to show love and appreciation to your family without breaking the bank is by getting your hands a little dirty! Consider working on a big project that you all care about together.
While busting out a hammer and nails might not sound romantic, if one of your goals as a family is to finish (or even just start) a building project, maybe the best time to do it is for Valentines!
Sure, it’s going to cost some elbow grease and probably some money for supplies, but that new bench that they want will be around a lot longer than a giant bouquet of fresh flowers.
Family Valentines Ideas That Will Not Break the Bank
Regardless of what you choose to do to show your loved ones that you care, we hope that this guide gets your brain thinking of creative ways that don’t cost an arm and a leg.
Need more help reaching your financial goals? Schedule a call with Lauren to update your tax strategy and file your taxes.
