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Romance on a budget

Practical ideas from Liz's Mom

[February 2, 2010]

Elisabeth Hooker, STCU education outreach officer

I’ve been a fabulous daughter, if you ask me. But there is one thing that I have yet to provide my parents: grandchildren. Which means Mom is always keenly interested in assuring that my romances are as promising as possible, while still being sensitive to my finances.

So, here are a few romantic and practical ideas from my mother to make your Valentine’s Day memorable, no matter what your stage in life.

Puppy Love. To pre-teens, Valentine’s Day isn’t so much about romance as the experience of showing you care for one another. There’s no need to spend a bunch of money.

• Take an old shoe box or lunch bag. Cut a slit in the top, decorate with construction paper, hearts and stickers, and viola! A special mail box for valentines at school.

• Make your own Valentines cards. Use up old art supplies.

Teen angst. High school dances can be stressful, but there are other ways to create a memorable occasion.

• One year I played waitress for my brother’s at-home Valentine’s date. Mom and Dad cooked in the kitchen and I kept things running smoothly in the dining room. My brother saved on gas and dinner. His date was impressed. And I got to be an adorable waitress.

• My senior-year boyfriend and I wanted a special Valentines date without spending a lot of money. Mom suggested we go “retro,” meaning I wore an old dress and he found a thrift store suit. She fixed us up a bag with a table cloth, candles and some doilies. Off to McDonalds we went.

• I’m a firm believer in the dress trade. In our household we calculate value through cost per wear. Donate your old dress to a thrift store, or trade it to a friend. Alter the dress and give it new flair.

Grownup rituals. Ever notice how the cost of flowers seems to double the week before Valentine’s Day? Remember, it’s the effort that makes us swoon, not the price tag.

• Buy cut flowers and arrange them yourself.

• Don’t buy the expensive chocolate, but your loved one’s favorite candy, and tie it up with a pretty bow.

• Make a romantic meal at home (candles make a big difference).

• The greatest gift you can give is time. You fell in love for a reason, cultivate that reason.

Like any holiday, February 14 is about the time you spend expressing your love for one another. Here is wishing you a very romantic Valentine’s Day.