Have you ever heard someone say “the best things in life are free” or “it’s the thought that counts” — well, when it comes to sweeping someone off their feet or showing a special person how much you care, those sayings are extra true.
Here are some creative ideas to impress a loved one without blowing your budget, straight from Snagajob members (and you can bet I’m going to use some of them! Being thrifty is sort of my thing).
Gifts from the heart
Amanda: “My husband learned to make construction paper roses because I complained that roses die too quickly… it barely costs anything because we already have everything at the house! 
”
Ricky: “Making a scrapbook of the past year (movie tickets, receipts, pictures, etc).”
Tiea: “Making Hershey kiss roses ?”
Amanda: “Leaving small notes randomly, like on the fridge, with words like “You mean the world to me, I love you”… Or “thanks for making a great dinner last night.” Words of love and compliments can go a long way – especially if they find the note in their suitcase once they get to work.”
A cheap night out (or in)
Jenny: “My favorite low budget surprise from my boyfriend was the night he set up a camping tent in the middle of the backyard, with a cooler full of Heinekins, a bowl of Hershey’s Kisses, a bunch of candles, blankets, a DVD player, and my favorite movie, “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers”. Nothing says “I love you” more than a guy willing to camp out to an MGM musical for his girl!”
Rachel: “We wait until kids are asleep to celebrate (saves on babysitting), I make him a romantic dinner and dessert and he gives me a massage!”
Laquita: “My fiance comes home to all the lights off (saved money on the light bill!), candles lit, a bubble bath, waiting popcorn in the microwave and a sweet love story playing ”
Cait: “We start off exchanging cards in the morning, which makes a great start to the day. Once he’s done at work, he brings me flowers, we get dressed up, and go out to a small little diner for an appetizer and dessert. Afterward, we go home, cuddle up together and watch a movie. We’ve spent no more than $40 dollars. It’s not about what you spend. It’s about who you spend it with. ?”
Marylin: “I will make my hubby his favorite chocolate candy (Peanut Butter Delight). Get a footlong Turkey Sub (our favorite) which is about $9.00 take it home and watch a movie in front of the fireplace.”
Karla: “Buy scented candles from the dollar store, have home cooked meal and movie time. It’s really about spending time with that person!”
Nicole: “A Romantic home cooked meal with the perfect lighting (candles included), your favorite love music and in lieu of gifts you each go back down memory lane about your favorite moment with your significant other..such as the first time you met, or your first kiss or the moment you knew you were in love. I believe making memorable moments far outweigh monetary gifts.”
Low-cost luxury
Darace: “Couples massage at a massage therapy school ($25)”
Kha: “I make chocolates for him. It’s less expensive, and tastes so much better too! And you get to decorate it however you want. Then with the rest of the chocolate, I just make fondue out of it with some strawberries and marshmallows then watch a nice movie at home. Everything probably only cost me $20-25.”
Totally free
The bottom line: Celebrating someone special – whether it’s a significant other, your family, friends or yourself - doesn’t have to cost much (or any) money. The important thing is to appreciate the wonderful people in your life!
About Amy White
Always keep an up with expenses for a new year.
Any old budgets look at pros.cons are also accountable.
My fiance surprised me when I came home from an especially long and stressful day and he had cleaned my house. Even scrubbed my floors! Then ran me a hot bath to relax and then in the next morning he surprised me with breakfast in bed! All free and all amazing!!!!