Events

None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.

How this was put together

If you only read a few

Shift your Valentine's Day plans to a week prior or subsequent to the holiday to dodge crowds and reduce costs.
Dining establishments tend to be less busy and charge standard rates.
- Some partners are attached to the specific date as a symbol.
- Some consider celebrating later silly.
5 people, independently
- Skip fancy restaurant dinners on Valentine's Day and arrange for a quiet meal at home instead.1
Exchange greeting cards in the store display and put them back to avoid waste.
This practice eliminates waste while maintaining the ritual.
one person who lived it
Wait until February 15th to buy flowers and chocolate.
Prices drop on that date.
one person who lived it
Focus on the thought behind the gesture rather than extravagance.
The thought counts.
one person who lived it
Cook dinner at home with candles, flowers, wine, and music instead of eating out.
It avoids overpriced meals.
- Some couples prefer dressing up and going out.
one person who lived it

Go to the laundromat to do laundry on Valentine's Day if you are single.
It is likely to be empty.
one person who lived it
- Buy yourself new boxer briefs and candy for Valentine's Day if you are single.1
Call to confirm your Valentine's Day restaurant reservation two weeks before the date and again the day before.
Restaurants often lose records of early reservations if not checked.
one person who lived it
- Make restaurant reservations for Valentine's Day one month in advance.1
Focus on small, low-cost gestures over expensive gifts that the recipient does not need.
Small gestures are much better than unnecessary gifts.
one person who lived it
Resist corporate pressure to buy specific gifts by recognizing it as an attempt to increase profit margins under the guise of holiday importance.
Corporations successfully monetize holidays to increase profits.
one person who lived it

1 more on this

Cook a special dinner from scratch, such as lasagna, as a Valentine's Day gesture.
one person who lived it
- Treat yourself to enjoyable food and activities on Valentine's Day.1