As parents we often focus so much on our kids that we neglect our relationships a bit with our significant other. Valentine’s Day, while obviously commercial, is a nice opportunity to remind your other half why they are special. But you don’t need to spend a fortune on gifts, here are 14 ideas for Valentines Day that won’t cost a penny:
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For many, Valentine’s Day is chocolate and flowers – but spending time together is the best bit. That doesn’t have to mean a night out to a fancy restaurant, it should be something that you both feel comfortable with – and, often, challenging yourself to spend little (or even nothing) can push you both to be as creative as possible!
These fun ideas for Valentines Day are all FREE – what else would you add to our list?
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Get Loved Up with These Valentines Day Ideas
#1. Write little love notes
Put a note in their jacket pocket, bag or by their toiletries to tell them how much you love and appreciate them.
#2. Make breakfast with a ‘love’ twist
Make some heart shaped healthy pancakes for a delicious breakfast option, or how about some heart egg toast? Use a cookie cutter to cut out a heart shape in a piece of bread, then crack an egg into the heart and fry gently.
If you don’t have time for a full blown Valentine’s breakfast, bring your other half a cup of coffee or tea in bed before the day gets busy – even simple, thoughtful acts can show your love.
#3. Make a photo booth strip
Isn’t this such a cool idea?
A photo booth-style strip is a fun memento – just like when you were kids! You can make your own DIY photo strip from 4 of your favourite photos together.
#4. Make a playlist of favourite songs
The modern equivalent of mix tapes! Create a special playlist of either their favourite songs or favourites that marked milestones in your relationship. Or just browse Spotify for some suggested Valentines tunes.
#5. Watch a movie together
You could choose a romantic classic like The Notebook or Gone with the Wind, but one of my favourite romantic films is Before Sunrise with Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy – it’s fun and sweet and ideal for watching with your other half.
Really, the movie itself doesn’t have to be romantic though – especially if that’s not the type of genre that appeals to either/both of you. Something funny is just as good because it gets you giggling together!
#6. Make a Homemade Valentine Card
You don’t need a shop-bought card to say how you feel. Save money and get creative by making a homemade card. It’s more likely to be cherished than anything you could buy in a shop.
#7. Post a Post-it!
Cover you other half’s mirrors with Post-it notes in a heart shape listing all the things you love about them.
#8. Print some Love Coupons for Kids
Hey let’s not forget about the kids. I love these free printable love coupons from Catch My Party perfect for popping under their cereal bowl or in their lunchbox.
The coupons include:
- No chores for the day
- Family trip for ice cream
- Stay up for 30 mins past your bedtime
- Game night – you pick the game
- 30 minutes extra on computer or phone time
#9. Have some outdoor time together
Go for a long walk on the beach or in the forest or make a picnic lunch to enjoy on a bench in the park together. A rug to sit on and hot soup/tea/chocolate in a flask are good to take if the weather is a bit chilly.
Good one for together time and also to get away from the kids (and technology) for a bit!
#10. Give a foot massage
Grab a towel, some warm water in a tub, some moisturiser or massage oil and treat your partner to a foot massage. Soak their feet then dry off and massage the moisturiser/massage oil gently while they lie back and relax!
#11. I Love You Because…
Make and print a little “I Love You Because…” picture and pop it into a picture frame. You can use a dry erase marker to fill in the blank and change it every week, to keep the warm fuzzy feeling going past Valentine’s Day!
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#12. Have dinner by candlelight
Candles definitely make things more romantic. Have dinner by candlelight for a change. Or use tea lights around the living room and switch off the lights for a cosy, intimate snuggle.
#13. Go stargazing
Tuck the kids in bed and step out in the back garden for some stargazing. If you are not familiar with constellations or planets, download a free app like Sky Map for Android or iOS to help you find some amazing stars.
#14. Make a book of vouchers
Last but not least, make a little book of vouchers with treats like “Back massage” or “Your choice of tv for the night” for a nice touch.
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