The average Canadian spends $164 on Valentine’s Day. That’s enough money to drool over Chadwick Boseman in Black Panther just over 17 and a half times in theatres or treat your special someone to 33 Grande vanilla bean lattes.
Most people will go a more traditional route to impress their honeys by giving them some combination of chocolate, roses, jewellery, and fine dining. Whichever way you cut it, all that spending just to say “I love you” can be hard to handle on a tight budget.
It’s hard to justify even if you’re with the one. Luckily, you don’t have to bust your budget to impress your partner. Love may be blind, but it doesn’t have to be financially irresponsible. There are inexpensive yet romantic ways to spend the holiday, regardless of your budget.
Go Skating
Many of us have ideas of Netflix and chill as the only way to keep things cheap this February 14, but there’s a lot of inexpensive things to do outside that can impress your partner. Skating is just one them, and if you live in a city like Ottawa, then you have the Rideau Canal which offers the perfect romantic backdrop to your skate.
Splurge on a Beaver Tail to share as you take in all 7.8 km of the skating trail, and don’t forget to grab your partner’s hand. It just so happens that Winterlude runs along the canal from February 2–19, so catch your breath and look at the ice sculptures.
Go Stargazing
Take your loved out and navigate the constellations this V-Day. It may be cold in February, but the clear winter nights (when it it’s not snowing) offer the perfect view of the stars above. The sub-zero temps also give you an excuse to cuddle up with your sweetie, so bundle up and remember to take a thermos of hot chocolate.
Thoroughly impress your partner by reading up on the skies beforehand, so you can point out specific stars, planets, and constellations as you stargaze together. Who knows—you might even be able to see the planet Venus, named after the goddess of love.
Cook their favourite meal
You may not ever make it onto the Great Canadian Baking Show or be the head chef of a Michelin star restaurant, but you can put together an amazing meal if you just put your mind to it. Look online for advice from the top chefs around the world. Most Food Network stars share their favourite romantic meals for inspiring chefs, or you can look up the recipes of your partner’s favourite dishes and create a dinner around their top tastes.
Take a walk around a museum
Head inside to the Canadian Museum of Nature or the National Gallery of Canada to expose yourself to some of the city’s culture. Though not entirely free, the cost of admission to most of Canada’s institutions are low enough that it shouldn’t cramp your budget.
These four examples are just the start
With some creative brainstorming, you can think up some inventive ways to enjoy the holiday with your loved one. Of course, it’s hard not to complement these activities with a gift or two. With every trip out, you’re bombarded by red and pink hearts, until one day you cave.
If you end up splurging despite your best efforts, quick payday loans can bridge the gap between your gifts and your next bill until you’ve recovered from the holiday. In Ottawa payday loans are a practical way to solve momentary hiccoughs in your finances. You can get access to quick money to cover your cash shortages, so you can pay off important bills even after cupid flew away with your budget.
Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be awkward because of your budget. Stick to inexpensive yet thoughtful gestures this February, and you’ll spoil your loved one without compromising your finances. But don’t worry if you get carried away. There are ways to get back on financial track.