I was thinking about all the things one could do for Valentine’s weekend when I got an email from the fabulous Kendel Perez. Where I was getting bogged down in covering the same ideas, she was making them crisp and clean and I can fill in bits and pieces as needed.
The average person will spend over $130 on Valentine’s Day this year, according to a report from the National Retail Federation. This amounts to a pretty pricey mid-February evening for those of short on cash.
Happily, there are lots of free things to do this Valentine’s Day weekend that will leave you wondering why you ever paid a premium for fun. Check out the following ideas and be sure to hit up MrFreeStuff.com for a complete list of 60 dates that don’t cost a thing. And even if you spend a little for cocktails or DVDs or pay per view movies, it’s going to be a LOT LESS than $130!
1. Create a Game Night
Avoid yet another evening spent on the couch and host a game night this Valentine’s Day. Whether it’s a mellow game of Scrabble or a high-intensity round of Texas Hold ‘Em, you’ll enjoy a little friendly competition with your date.
2. Head to the Playground
Skip the pricey restaurant and head to the playground for some kid-like fun. Compete on the swingset or see who can hold out the longest on the merry-go-round.
3. Volunteer Together
Valentine’s Day seems to be all about what you’re doing for your special someone. Why not collaborate and do something for others instead? Soup kitchens and nursery homes are always looking for a few good volunteers, so spend your Feb. 14 brightening someone else’s day.
Stevie’s tips: hit an animal shelter, an local girl scout, boy scout or YMCA who could use some help. OR head to a nursing home and talk to some of the elderly to spend some time with those who don’t have many visitors.
4. Make S’Mores
Forget chocolate-covered strawberries; s’mores are where it’s at this Valentine’s Day! Roast marshmallows over your kitchen stove, expertly melt chocolate in the microwave and create a multi-layered, gooey treat for your lover.
Stevie’s tips: Either use cookies or graham crackers for the S’mores. I typically like to use large cookies or small ones with melon ball scoops of ice cream and thus use less chocolate. OR if you have to do chocolate and strawberries, pick up a box of strawberries or frozen ones and thaw until slighty icy. Buy Kraft’s chocolate cream dip. It comes in 3 flavors: White, Dark and Milk Chocolate. TO DIE FOR!! This last one should cost at most $10.
5. Bring the Spa Home
Spas and salons will be brimming with lovey-dovey couples this Valentine’s Day, but you can skip the crowds and create a better experience at home. Gather your candles, towels and favorite CDs and prepare a steamy bath. Complete the experience with a couples massage.
Stevie’s tips: Make the massage extra sensual by warming the oil. Toss the towels into the dryer until they are really warm and then pull them out. Make sure you add some sea salt or fragrant oil (a tiny bit) into the tub to make it more fun.
6. Get Touristy
Despite how long you’ve lived in your current city, there are likely several hidden gems you haven’t yet experienced. Stop by the local visitor’s center with your date and inquire about free things to do in your community, then hit the road toward discovery.
Stevie’s Tips: Check out if you have a museum, acquarium even a nature center near by. head there. The cost should be minimal. Also if you have a local community college they often have art galleries.
7. Host a Movie Night
Host a movie night and ask friends to bring their favorite snack to share. Peruse your DVD collection for a funny or thought-provoking flick and leave the tear-jerkers for just the two of you.
Stevie’s Tips: This is the one where I was going to give you a list of 10 vintage-y movies to see including To Catch a Thief, Notorious, and other films from the glory days of films. However don’t forget Star Wars, When Harry Met Sally, SkyFall (or any James Bond. Also the series La Femme Nikita would be a great one to watch if you don’t mind spending the entire weekend watching it.
8. Relive Storytime
Open a bottle of wine or pop the top on your favorite brew and settle in for an evening of storytelling. Share passages from your favorite books or pick up your favorite childhood classics from the local library.
9. Cook Dinner Together
Cooking a meal for your loved one has long been a Valentine’s Day tradition, but why not prepare something together? Challenge each other to create a tasty meal out of items you already have in your pantry and toast to your resourcefulness.
Stevie’s Tips: If you have a grill and you can turn it on, then you are all good. You can get some fish, lightly coat it with oil and toss in some veggies, wrap it up in foil and put on the grill. If you have any sea salt or flavored pepper– use those too before sealing the meal up in the foil. Don’t forget dessert!! You could split a mini dessert from the grocery bakery.
10. Host a Wine Tasting
Tasting flights will cost you a pretty penny at fancy restaurants, but you can bring the experience home for less. Ask friends to bring a bottle of wine and their favorite snack pairing and enjoy an intellectual discussion about tannins and undercurrents.
Stevie’s Tips: Head to BevMo or Trader Joes and try a couple of wines that are different: pinot gris or a malbec. If you are into beer or ales, buy a sampler to share. I like the new Divining Rod Wines from Marc Mondavi.
MrFreeStuff.com vows to provide the finest, most comprehensive selection of free stuff on the Internet.
Have a GREAT weekend!
Stevie Wilson,
LA-Story.com
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At the moment I am making pita bread on the griddle and we are whipping up fancy cocktails…might go downtown, but probably will not. Fun is always available.
I’d go for the playground!
xx