I love my family and I plan to show that on Saturday like many others. Love is a normal part of our family life but I also appreciate the opportunity that special days like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day present. I love for my family to know how much I care about them but I don’t think it takes a lot of money to show that. Here are some frugal family ideas to share the love in your home.
Exchange Homemade Valentines. Have each family member make one for each other explaining the things you appreciate about each person. Write down what your young children dictate to you. Ask, “Why do you love Daddy?”
Valentine Hunt. Hide little hearts with special sayings or a secret code (for older kids) around the house. Give them clues to find them. Have young children count how many they found.
Mail Valentines. Don’t you love to receive ‘good mail?’ I’m sure you’ve heard of it – something besides bills and credit card offers. Mail a valentine to your kids or to your spouse as a special surprise.
Plant Flowers. Instead of buying flowers, why not buy some clay pots and seeds and plant flowers for spring? You could even paint the clay pots first!
Make Something. I’m in the process of repurposing an old shirt and some leftover fabric to make a V-day gift for my daughter instead of buying a stuffed animal for her. You could also bake a special treat.
Serve Each Other. My husband would melt in appreciation if I offered to give him a backrub. He LOVES to get them but hates to ask.
Make A Meal Together. Heart-shaped chocolate chip pancakes? Sounds yummy. Get in the kitchen together, even the little ones, and enjoy some family cooking time. I’ve mentioned it before … you know what starts in the kitchen
Make Chocolate-Covered Strawberries. You could pay a fortune to buy these or you could make a lot more of them for less money yourself! Buy white chocolate and dark chocolate and get creative! Your kids will think it’s the best thing ever and you can always save a few for later …
Kids To Bed Early. We won’t be getting a babysitter or going out to a restaurant on Saturday but that doesn’t mean we’ll be missing out on time together. Now would be a good time for that massage. Light some candles. Talk and do something you enjoy together. DON’T turn on the tv.
Swap Babysitting. Arrange with another couple to watch their kids while they go out to an early dinner from 5-7 and then they watch your kids while you go out from 7-9.
What’s your plan for Valentine’s Day? What are the creative ways that you show love to the people you care about?
For more fantastic, frugal ideas head over to Being Frugal for Tightwad Tuesday!
Why I do what I do ~ Last night my daughter said to me in a matter-of-fact tone, “I don’t have a tail Mommy,” as if it had just occurred to her.
photo credit: Aunt Owwee
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks for the great ideas. I especially like the suggestion for swapping out babysitting. The closest relatives we have are 4 hours away, so we can’t just go drop the kids off with Grandma and Grandpa. This, however, is a great solution.
I really dislike having to ask someone to keep my kids for me, just so we can go out, but this way I can immediately return the favor. I can’t believe I never thought of it myself.
I myself am not a huge fan of the holiday because you’re encouraged to buy jewelry, flowers, candy and all that jazz. What is so special about celebrating my love on the same day everyone else is? Despite my cynicism, I will be doing something special this year with the sheconomist. It is our last v-day as bachelor and bachelorette!
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I love your suggestions. I don’t have any kids yet, so writing about family Valentine’s Days wouldn’t occur to me. However, I have two nephews, and I know that my brother and sister-in-law would love to incorporate them into their celebration. Thanks!
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