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In 18th-century England, celebrating Valentine's Day called for making a handmade card of lace and ribbons featuring a variety of cupids and hearts.
No longer.
In 2024, consumers spent $25.8 billion on Valentine's Day, or an average of $185.81 per person, according to the National Retail Foundation. This is expected to increase in 2025 as shoppers continue to prioritize buying gifts for their partners, families and friends.
If you are trying to be more budget-friendly this year and not spend hundreds of dollars on flowers, dinner or jewelry, here are some alternative ways to express your love without wreaking havoc on your wallet.
Flowers are one of the top gifts during Valentine's Day, with $5.6 billion spent on bouquets alone. When you think of Valentine's Day flowers, roses usually come to mind. However, if you plan on buying a dozen roses for your special person this year, expect to spend upwards of $88 on a dozen long stem roses.
But just because roses might seem like the standard Valentine's Day flower, they don't have to be. Instead, you can choose less expensive flowers from your local grocery store. Or choose an arrangement that has a few roses but is ultimately a variety of different types. Plus, if you arrange them yourself, you can show that you're a true original to boot!
Depending on the brand of chocolate, Valentine's Day chocolate boxes can range from cheap to very expensive. If you don't want to spend money on just the typical box of chocolates, make your own at home.
Chocolate-covered strawberries are a simple treat that can be made at home and screams Valentine's Day. All you do is boil the chocolate chips and then dip the strawberries, turning them gently. And if you choose to opt out of the traditional Valentine's Day dinner out at a restaurant, they make for a great dessert.
This tip comes down to supply and demand. Everyone wants to go out on Valentine's Day, so many restaurants only offer expensive prix fixe menus, and sometimes reservations are hard to come by. By celebrating the weekend before or a few days after, you can enjoy regular menu options without the romantic upcharge. Since this year's Valentine's Day falls on a Friday, even choosing the Saturday or Sunday after could help you save.
Or, to save even more, make a special dinner at home. The best part is that there is no need to make a reservation and no crowds!
Some folks love St. Valentine. Others view it as a Hallmark holiday created to increase consumerism. Wherever you fall, make sure your partner is on the same page. You might be buying expensive jewelry when a thoughtful love note and home-cooked meal would do. Or, you might need that jewelry after all!
But checking in with your partner before and being honest about your budget before you start swiping your credit card can go far. Open communication with your partner about your budget and finances can do wonders.
Sure, champagne is great, and it is from, literally, the Champagne region of France. But it's not the only option for couples looking to pop the cork off their Valentine's Day. As alternatives, consider the Italian prosecco or the Spanish cava. They're made with different grapes, but the final result is appealing enough, especially if you aren't a wine connoisseur. Plus, prosecco typically costs between $10 and $20 for a good entry-level bottle. Sold!
For those who are celebrating without alcohol, there are many bubbly non-alcoholic options on the market, ranging between $10 and $20 for a standard bottle. So you can still have your fancy drink without the alcohol or price tag.
Valentine's Day has been celebrated for decades, and while it can be a costly holiday, it doesn't have to be. While spending money on your partner, friends and family during the holiday can be wonderful, always keep your budget in mind and spend only what you are comfortable with.
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