Budget Friendly Ways to Make Valentine's Day Special

We've never made a huge deal about valentine's day in our house. We generally do a little something for each other, but we don't go breaking the bank doing so. And now that we have a little girl, I think it'll be fun doing a little something extra special on little holidays like this one (along with something for husband!). This year, at 10 months old, she wouldn't even realize; but I'm sure next year she will be a little more aware of what's going on.

If you're like me and looking to show a little love to family & friends (all while being budget friendly), here are a few things you might want to do to make valentine's day special.

1. Bake some cookies (or a cake, or cupcakes). More than likely you have the ingredients for cookies on hand. And if you don't, it's not going to be overly expensive to run out and grab the few items that you do need. It doesn't have to be an over the top new recipe that you've never tried before, it can be as simple as making chocolate chip cookies and instead of chocolate chips using pink and red M&M's. Or take the extra few minutes to cut out heart shaped cookies. If your kids are old enough, consider making cookies with them and deliver some to a neighbour, friend, or shut-in that you know. 
2. Make a card. This is a great idea, especially if you have kids. Get them to draw up small valentine's or cards. All you'll need is some card stock, markers/crayons/paint, stickers and whatever other supplies you want to work with. Don't have kids? Make a card for your significant other. You don't have to be super artistic to do this, and lots of times home made cards are much more appreciated! In the past I've used a white wax crayon to make a design or note. Then just paint over it with watercolour paint. It can turn out pretty cute! 
3. Dine-In. Lots of people dine-out for valentine's. Maybe this year you might consider having a meal in. Make something you wouldn't normally make. Cook a meal with your significant other. Have a quiet dinner after you put the kids to bed. Get the kids to help make a special dinner. You get the idea.
4. Skip the expensive flowers. I love fresh flowers. Truth be told though, they don't have to be expensive roses, etc. Check your local supermarket. Often times they have a great variety and generally they're fairly inexpensive. So if you're looking to pick up some flowers for someone (or maybe yourself!), pick some up at the grocery store and bring them home to arrange in a cute little mason jar, pitcher, or vase. Then deliver accordingly. 
5. Check out activities in your community. If you're wanting a night out, check your city and surrounding areas for activities you can do. For instance, consider skating. If it's not free it probably wouldn't cost much. Then afterwards go get hot chocolate or dessert. Have an art gallery in your city? Many times you can go to art galleries for a minimal fee or donation, and more than likely it's not something you go to on a regular basis. After living in a place for a while we sometimes forget all the things our community has to offer. So think of some activities you might be able to do that your community provides - I bet there are some options that you've forgotten about and/or taken for granted - take advantage of them!

Just remember, sometimes the simple things are the most memorable.
Go ahead. Show a little love to the people in your life this valentine's day!

What sorts of budget friendly things do you do/have you done on valentine's day?

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