Ahh, Valentine's Day. The day of the year I used to snub for a 'Hallmark Day' back when I was single. Now that I actually have a real life, fully functional boyfriend, however, I'm more keen on the idea. The only part I'm not so keen on is the whole spending money part!
I'm sure I'm not the only one scratching her head over how to do Valentine's Day on a student budget. Worry not, with a bit of creativity and shopping around it is do-able! Keep reading for some gift, activity and food ideas all on the cheap.
Things to do
Hotels bump their prices up so drastically Laurence and I had to think outside the box and choose an alternative route. I ain't about paying €200 just for what is essentially a pretty bedroom for the night! We ended up browsing Booking for some alternative nights away such as glamping, and in the end we chose a self catering cottage in Claremorris. Not the most glamorous of locations, sure, but it's a change of scenery and - bonus - it was only €22.50 each! Bargain. There are lots of other options on Groupon and Booking so be sure to have a look around. Even if you end up going for the camping/glamping/self catering cottage route it means you have your own space and can cook a romantic meal (or eat beans out of a tin and wee in a bush if you go camping) without having to pay a premium.
If you're more of an adventurous type why not try out archery, paintballing, a romantic horseride along the beach or even snorkelling? Valentine's Day doesn't have to be all doves and soppiness - sometimes it's better to just have fun!
Food glorious food
Trying to get a booking at a restaurant for Valentine's Day is near impossible at this stage - not to mention ludicrously expensive. This combined with the fact Laurence is a vegetarian and I can't eat dairy makes the set menus a no-go! We haven't decided what we'll do meal-wise yet but both of us love cooking so a romantic homemade dinner with a bottle of wine may well be an option. The good thing about having your meal at home as well as it being significantly cheaper (you can use the money you saved for a nice bottle of vino) is that you can eat like a piggy and no one can judge you. Success.
I read a really interesting idea the other day where you and your partner both set a budget - say, €10 each - and seperately go to the supermarket. You buy whatever ingredients you want with your €10 to make a meal, but your partner can't know what you're buying and vice versa. When you get home you combine everything you've bought and try and make a meal out of it all! It has the potential to be either delicious or disgustingly random - but that's the fun of it.
If you'd prefer to have a meal during the day, a picnic is a great idea providing the weather isn't too shite. Laurence and I have 'carnics' (picnics in the car) all the time if we can't afford to eat out. We bring things like soup, nice bread rolls, hummus, crisps, tasty drinks, egg mayo, potato/pasta salad etc. You could even bring some paper cups and a bottle of wine if you're feeling extra classy. Just don't get arrested for being drunk in public. ;-)
Gift ideas
It's a good idea if you're being frugal to set a budget each. Laurence and I set a budget of €15 to spend on each other, which I think is a perfectly fair budget. It's enough to buy a few small things, a voucher or a slightly bigger gift but not so much it'll break the bank.
Here's just a few present ideas for him and her - no matter how small your budget is.
Here's just a few present ideas for him and her - no matter how small your budget is.
Top row: Quirky t-shirt (RedBubble.com) - Beaded bracelets (Etsy) - Lush 'Two Hearts' giftset - Lush 'Cosmic' giftset - Pug socks (ASOS) - Me, You, Us book (Urban Outfitters) - Tweezerman multi-tool keychain (ASOS) - Makeup bag (ASOS) - Paw Me Another hip flask (ASOS)
Again, you can always check Groupon for unusual gift ideas such as days out, spa trips, hotel stays and meals as well as goods. My favourite shops for gift ideas are ASOS, Urban Outfitters and Etsy - you won't find the usual run of the mill presents here!
Hope this blog was helpful! If you have any more Valentine's ideas let me know - and remember, it's the thought that counts. If all else fails you can just wrap yourself up in a bow - after all, you're the best present you could give someone. ;-)
Again, you can always check Groupon for unusual gift ideas such as days out, spa trips, hotel stays and meals as well as goods. My favourite shops for gift ideas are ASOS, Urban Outfitters and Etsy - you won't find the usual run of the mill presents here!
Hope this blog was helpful! If you have any more Valentine's ideas let me know - and remember, it's the thought that counts. If all else fails you can just wrap yourself up in a bow - after all, you're the best present you could give someone. ;-)
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