Harris: Saving Money on Your Honey for Valentine’s Day

By Charlestien Harris

How do I love thee? Let me “save” the ways! Alright, maybe that sounds a little off, but being able to “count” the ways can still be relevant. 

You might be asking the question, “How can I save money on my honey for Valentine’s Day when I am expected to go all out on a special gift?” In 2024, Americans spent $25.8 billion on Valentine’s Day, which was the third-highest amount ever spent on the holiday. The average person spent $185.81 on Valentine’s Day gifts. There are several ways you can “count” up the savings when it comes to treating your honey to a very memorable Valentine’s Day! Loving your money and your honey at the same time can become a reality with a little careful planning and creativity. 

Let’s take a look at some money-saving ways to celebrate a memorable Valentine’s Day for your special someone.

1. Plan and prepare a meal yourself! Planning and preparing a meal can be a very cost-effective solution to an expensive meal at a restaurant. Meal planning is one of the most basic ways to save money in a budget. Taking the time to make a grocery list and plan a menu can also save money when planning to make your honey feel extra special. Using coupons and shopping special store sales can save you plenty of money when you do your homework. Creating homemade treats is another great idea. An added bonus to this suggestion is that you now have some extra money that you saved, and you and your honey can decide together what you want to do with it!
2. Create your own do-it-yourself gift ideas. You can create a personalized gift with love and thoughtfulness. This could be a handmade card, a framed photo collage, or a homemade treat basket. Some additional ideas to consider could be a picnic in a park, a movie night at home with snacks, or a dine-in experience with good friends. These are just a few ideas. You can get as creative as you would love to. Making your own gifts can be very romantic and save money at the same time. Handmade gifts can mean so much more to your honey because you took the time and effort to create a very special gift just for them. Just think of the money you saved instead of purchasing those items, which could have been very costly.
3. Take advantage of early sales events. Check to see if any local businesses are running Valentine’s Day promotions. If you just have to spend money on your honey, try to take advantage of the early sales events. Many retailers are very aware that consumers are gearing up for a Valentine’s Day spending spree, so some of those retailers want to get those dollars and tend to offer sales events to capture that revenue. But this can work in your favor. By shopping early and taking advantage of those sales opportunities, you can potentially save tremendously on popular gift items and restaurant reservations that offer menu specials just for Valentine’s Day.
4. Take advantage of gift cards that you already have. Check to make sure you have gift cards you may have received for your birthday or the Christmas holidays and have not been redeemed. Gift cards can make a great Valentine’s Day gift, as long as the object of your affection loves the merchant (and gift cards). However, be sure they don’t forget to use them. Gift cards are easy to lose, and they can be forgotten about. Nearly half of U.S. adults (47 percent) had at least one unused gift card, voucher, or store credit, according to a 2023 Bankrate survey, with an average value of $187 per person. If you have any unused gift cards from over the holidays, you may want to consider using them to buy a gift for a loved one this Valentine’s Day.
5. Plan free activities. What can get better than free, right? Taking advantage of free events and activities can really be a money-saving move, and just think, you can still make this special day memorable for your honey. There are plenty of free events that are readily available if you know where to look. Local newspapers have community events sections that often announce events happening in your local community and surrounding areas. Many of those events are often free of charge. Some ideas to consider might be enjoying the outdoors, going for a nature walk, or visiting a museum. Spending that quality personal time with your honey not only helps to develop a healthier relationship but also saves you money at the same time.

You don’t have to break the bank to make your partner feel special. Valentine’s Day can be an expensive holiday, but you don’t have to spend a lot of money to impress your special honey — especially if you plan ahead. Valentine’s Day is about letting your honey know how much you care about them. It can be so easy to overspend on gifts and experiences, but these tips can help keep your budget on track. What matters most is doing things that are meaningful to you and your partner. Keeping up with your financial health can also be good for your relationship with your honey, especially if you share money with your partner. 

For more information about this and other financial topics, you can email me at Charlestien.Harris@banksouthern.com or call me at 662-624-5776.

Until next week — stay financially fit!

Charlestien Harris is our financial contributor, a financial expert with Southern Bancorp Community Partners whose articles are seen in a number of publications around the region.