How NOT to save money on Valentine's Day

In tough times, we have to cut expenses everywhere, but there is a wrong way to do it; in fact, there are several. Here are some lessons for those of you who may be trying too hard to find affordable alternatives on Valentine’s Day.

For Women, It’s Not about Sex

Of course, many men would not mind getting sexy gifts for Valentine’s Day, but guys, this is NOT what the ladies want from you on Valentine’s Day. Don’t go after those clearance negligees left over from Christmas...

Don’t buy a cheap video with a bad plot and seventies disco soundtrack. These are affordable gifts, but they won’t exactly light her fire. Women prefer more subtlety. Instead, download some poetry from the Web and read it to her. Snuggle by candlelight and music. These things will make her feel loved and will get her in the mood at next to no cost. It’s a win-win!

Guys: Don’t Skimp on the Flowers

Because Valentine’s Day is in February, there are no fresh flowers to pick in most parts of the country, which would be the perfect way to win her heart on the cheap. Some have tried giving a cup of instant flowers, which is basically a flower-growing kit. It’s a little difficult to display the beauty of flowers that have not sprouted yet. The only other way would be to buy silk flowers, but Valentine’s Day is about honesty and somehow fake flowers miss the mark. There just isn’t any way to go cheap on the flowers. You’d be better off making your own paper flowers. More than anything, she just wants to know you care enough to go the extra mile. 

Just Avoid the Jewelry

If you can’t afford jewelry made of precious metals and stone, don’t bother. Gold plate or silver plate is just too tacky for Valentine’s Day. Unless you are buying for a child, look for something else. If you really want to get your true love something with bling, find a flattering red sweater or a gift certificate for a one-hour massage. Leave the jewelry for a year when your finances are better. 

Clearance Chocolates – Girls Know

Guys, I know it seems unfair, but don’t go buying the clearance chocolate from Christmas unless you can find a new and creative way to present it. Girls get away with buying these things and presenting them as-is because most men have no idea. But men should not be tempted to buy that 75%-off red box of chocolates and give it away in the same box. Just don’t do it. Girls know. 

The only way for guys to get away with this trick is to present the chocolates in a unique way. Maybe you can find a beautiful crystal dish on the cheap to present them. Just find some way to do it that does not involve giving that box on the shelf leftover from Christmas. Women have incredible memories when it comes to shopping and they will remember seeing that red box on clearance last week!

For Book Worms

If your true love is an avid reader, you’re on the right track to buy a book. But don’t go for the self-help section, whatever you do! In fact, avoid everything prose. Instead, may I suggest a copy of W.B. Yeats from the discount book store? Perhaps a copy of Shakespeare’s sonnets. You can make a used copy romantic by placing a dried flower on a particularly romantic poem. This is the kind of thing your love wants to read on Valentine’s Day. It’s okay to save money on a used item, but make it special somehow to show you put some effort in. You could even take time to write an inscription on the inside cover.    

Stuffies Stink

It’s not really clear why so many stuffed animals come on the market for Valentine’s Day. It’s a quick and affordable gift and that’s just what it looks like. A cheap token you spent no effort or thought to get. Guys and girls alike should avoid stuffed pets and just pick up a thoughtfully written card if you can’t afford anything else. Better yet, get one that is blank inside and just tell him or her about your love.

Speaking of Stinky…

You can’t choose cologne or perfume that your true love likes. Don’t even try. If you buy something your mate already has, you’re not putting much thought into it. If you try something new, you’re going to miss the mark. You are much better off going with body and bath solutions like lotion and bubble bath. This alternative is even better when you use them in the tub together!