Valentine’s Day is almost here. Have you made your restaurant reservation, made heart-shaped treats for the kids, bought a romantic gift for your partner and booked a sitter? Whew…and all this is for what? To end the night at a crowded restaurant where they hike up the prices in the name of romance?
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If your typical Valentine’s Day plans lead to overspending and disappointment, keep reading before you throw in the towel completely. Parents these days need to use every excuse they can find to carve out a little couple time. So keep the sitter, ditch the dinner reservation and try one of these fun ideas that won’t break the bank.
1) Skip dinner
Well, you can still eat dinner, but save money by making a meal at home and going out for dessert. Even if you choose the best restaurant in town, chances will be greater that you can score a reservation later in the evening. Or just savour your sweets with your sweetie at the bar.
2) Play hooky from work
Valentine’s Day is on a weekday this year. If you already have a nanny for the kids while you’re at work, take the day off — or even just the afternoon — and spend it reliving your carefree, pre-parent days with your partner. Linger at a coffee shop, visit a free museum or take in a romantic comedy at matinee prices. Or check out that fancy restaurant’s cheaper lunchtime menu.
3) Dance in the living room
Make a mix of songs from the milestone years in your relationship: when you met, got engaged, tied the knot, etc. Once the kids are snoozing, pop open some wine and pop in the mix. Take it up a notch by dressing up like you’re going out dancing.
4) Go low-tech
Sometimes something as simple as turning off technology can help you tune in to your relationship. Once the kids are in bed, light some candles or start a fire and play a board game, cook together or just talk. No phones, no TV, no computer — just you and your loved one.
5) Take a walk
Whether it’s a nature trail or cute part of town, hold hands (or link arms) and go for a stroll. Talk about your past year’s highlights and your fun ideas for the year ahead. Reminisce about your first Valentine’s Day together and how far you’ve come. Warm up with a drink at a bar or a cup of cocoa at home — and a kiss.
6) Write a love poem
This is an especially great idea if you don’t consider yourself a writer, because your partner won’t expect it. Write from your heart and your partner will love it, even if the poem ends up more silly than serious.
7) Get married all over again
If you really want to have fun, check to see if your city is holding a group wedding or vow renewal ceremony. These ceremonies are usually inexpensive or even free, and some even have sponsors and the chance to win prizes.
8) Recreate your first date
Whether it was roller skating, taking your dogs for a walk or going to dinner and a movie, go on a retro date. Rent that movie and cook what you both ate, book a sitter and take the dogs for a long stroll or find a roller rink. There’ll be small fees for admission, but the nostalgia will be worth it.
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