You have heard the famous sayings: Love is in the air, love at first sight, and the ever true – all is fair in love and war! Well, these sayings may be true in some sense, but the day of love- Valentine’s Day can make you feel that the only things in the air is all the money you just spent! You may fall in love at first sight with your special someone, but very rarely are we found falling in love with the price tags on our Valentine’s presents. Well, if all is fair in love and war I say you go after Valentine’s day with a battle plan – to SAVE!
Valentine’s Day may not be one of the most expensive Holidays, but before you know it a good amount can slip right out of your pocket. “The survey found that those celebrating the holiday said they plan to spend an average of $196.31, up 21% over last year’s previous record of $161.96. Spending is expected to total $27.4 billion, up 32% from last year’s record $20.7 billion” (Tyko, 2020). Well, there are many ways to save on the special day and still sweep your loved one off their feet!
Valentine’s Day may not be one of the most expensive Holidays, but before you know it a good amount can slip right out of your pocket. “The survey found that those celebrating the holiday said they plan to spend an average of $196.31, up 21% over last year’s previous record of $161.96. Spending is expected to total $27.4 billion, up 32% from last year’s record $20.7 billion” (Tyko, 2020). Well, there are many ways to save on the special day and still sweep your loved one off their feet!
First, presents like flowers, chocolate, and giant stuffed bears can add up faster than you may think. However, there is no need to give up on those things, you just may need to rethink where you are shopping. Buying flowers places like Fry’s, Costco, Walmart, and Trader Joe’s can be a big saver. “Browse featured deals on Amazon’s Valentine’s Day hub, including $20 off Kindle e-readers and tablets. Prime members get early access to these discounts and free two-day shipping on eligible items” (Schwahn, 2017). Look at the smaller store sales instead of the big box shops, because they may be having sales not even related to the holiday, but perfect for your special someone.
Applebee’s: The February drink of the month is the $1 Vodka Strawberry Lemonade, which is pink.
Baskin-Robbins: Get $3 on cake purchases $15 or more through Friday online and with the mobile app using promo code BEMINE.
California Pizza Kitchen: Through Sunday, get the “Sweet Deal for Two” $35 special. Plus, for dining in through Sunday get a card with a buy-one-get-one-free offer on a return visit and chance to enter the California Wine Country Sweepstakes for a two-night stay in Sonoma, California.
Chili’s: There’s a $25 meal for two Friday and the February Margarita of the Month is the Hearts on Fire ‘Rita, which costs $5.
Golden Corral: Restaurants will serve prime rib and butterfly shrimp Friday and Saturday as part of the “endless dinner buffet.”
Hard Rock Cafe: Through Monday, Hard Rock has a Sips and Sweets menu and Love at First Bite menu.
Logan’s Roadhouse: Through Sunday enter for a chance Rock ’N’ Romance $10,000 Getaway contest by texting “LOVE” to 564267.
Maggiano’s Little Italy: Through Sunday, the restaurant will have a special “That’s Amore!” menu with a three-course prix fixe menu. Pricing varies by location.
McDonald’s: The fast-food chain said it’s trying to start a new tradition: Palentine’s Day. Through Monday, get $5 off a $15 purchase with McDelivery with DoorDash and promo code LOVEMCD in the DoorDash app.
Sonic Drive-In: Through Sunday, get half-price shakes with promo code VALENTINE when ordering in the Sonic app. Limit five and not valid with other offers.
(Tyko, 2020)
Any way to save is to really press into learning what your partner’s love language is. It is easy to get wrapped up in the idea of having to bring something pink or red home, but this is not always the best present to give! “Learning your spouse/partner’s love language is a must. Some people feel loved by gifts and others, they don’t think twice about a gift from someone. If you know your loved one doesn’t need a gift to make a plan to spend some quality time together” (Tasia, 2020).
This is one of my personal favorites to save with, and it is… Celebrate the next day! Waiting till the 15th can be like another day of Christmas! Candy and pretty much everything pink and red in the store go on instant incredible sales! “Celebrating Valentine’s Day belatedly can be a smart financial decision. Retailers move candy to their clearance shelves immediately after Feb. 14 to make room for new inventory. That means you can get the same sweet treats for a fraction of the price if you hold off for just one day” (Schwahn, 2017). Load up on candy, grab a redbox, and cuddle up at home knowing you beat the system and are proud of it! If you really want to outdo yourself you can even look for inexpensive hotels in the area to enjoy your discounted candy at. The reason for this is that Winter rates are always way cheaper than any other time in the year.
Whatever way you celebrate the day make sure you do it with the one you love and do whatever you enjoy most!
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Resources
Tasia (2020). 7 Smart Tips to Save Money on Valentine’s Day. The Frugal Farm Girl. https://www.thefrugalfarmgirl.com/6-smart-tips-save-money-valentines-day/
Tyko, K. (February 13, 2020). Valentine’s Day free food, deals: Save at Starbucks, Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Papa John’s and more. USA Today. https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/food/2020/02/13/free-food-valentines-day-2020-restaurant-deals-freebies-cheap-date/4738379002/
