Valentine’s Day is Friday
Some of you put an exclamation point and a bunch of happy emojis at the end of that sentence, while others read it in a voice filled with dread as you just felt stress, pressure, and concern about the budget. We all know that going out is not cheap and babysitting can be ridiculously expensive, so the staff at CHEA wanted to share some ideas to relieve stress and the budget. Here are some of the top picks for fun ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day (or any day!). Consider this CHEA’s Valentine’s Day gift to you!Romantic Meal Ideas
There are several tried and true suggestions in this category:
Set a fancy table, but can still keep the meal simple or even get take out from your favorite everyday place; or enjoy the process together and grocery shop and make the meal together.
If you have littles, wait until they’re in bed to have a relaxing dinner.
If you have older children, let them join in the fun by dressing up and being your waiters/waitresses.
If they’re not interested in playing maitre d, get them their own meal and movie and have them eat and watch the movie and then brush their teeth and go to bed when it’s over.
Search for coupons and specials in your area or gift cards on special at Costco.
Plan ahead and when you’re buying gift cards as gifts for holidays. Keep the “bonus” card for yourself for a romantic night out.
If weather permits, set up a table in the backyard and have dinner under the stars. Or meet for lunch in the park. Let the kids play on the playground and have their own lunch at a different table while you have the tablecloth and yummy food and sparkling cider at yours.
Have breakfast for dinner and make heart shaped pancakes.
Time to Connect
Connecting and celebrating doesn’t require something fancy or difficult to plan. Many of these suggestions can be worked into your schedule throughout the year:
Go for a walk – along the beach or in a park or a path through the woods – and hold hands and watch the sunset and just chat – but not about all the chores waiting for you at home!
Go for a long, leisurely drive with pretty scenery (even in a city there are little backroads that are pretty). There are always little food spots along the way, but maybe get a snack or appetizer to share at a few of them instead of a big meal at one of them.
Go for a walk to your favorite coffee or ice cream shop and have a snack/dessert together.
Find free museums or go on their free days for local residents.
Need some help coming up with conversation that doesn’t revolve around the kids or work? Try some of these conversation starters to build your marriage, to add structure to conversation on date nights, or just to laugh and see how much you know about each other!
Have Fun!
Romance doesn’t always have to be serious, and it can take away the pressure if you plan something fun and lighthearted:
Have a Game Night (there were several recommendations for this activity, especially as some men like activities with goals!)
Pick something new to try or an old favorite.
Make a simple meal or some finger foods to eat while you play.
Find an inexpensive mystery game to solve together, maybe using this site (they’re not free, but some are rather inexpensive).
Send your husband text messages with emojis throughout the day to hint at what you’ll be doing that night to build the wonder and excitement.
Have a movie and picnic in bed. Once the kiddos are asleep, pick out a movie, you grab your hubby’s favorite snacks and he grabs yours and you meet up, spread out a blanket, and relax and eat all your favorite snacks while watching a movie.
In addition to the ideas already mentioned, you can be creative with the childcare aspect if you’re still in that phase of life by trading off with friends or combining together and have one sitter for both families so you can share the cost. Hopefully this list has given you some ideas that you can be excited about spending time with your husband and just enjoy being together.
