It’s nearly Valentine’s Day, and cash, but not love, is in short supply. Plan a frugal date, and paint the town red this February 14th!
BOOK STORE RENDEZVOUS Slip a notebook and pen into your purse, and meet your honey at a bookstore that has a coffee shop. Browse at your leisure, discussing books you’ve enjoyed, and making wish lists. Discreetly eavesdrop on the folks in the next aisle. When you see a book you’d like to read, jot it down. Then head to the coffee shop for something warm and wonderful. Sip and linger and gaze into each other’s eyes. For a bit of playful fun, pretend that you’ve just met. Speak in accents. Ask about one another’s lives, and invent outrageous new identities. (“Me? I discovered a wormhole into an alternate reality.”) At home, go online to your local public library. Using the list you made, reserve the books you’d like to read, and borrow them for free. 1 lg. coffee of the day with flavor shot: $2.25; 1 lg. espresso with cocoa, steamed milk & whipped cream: $3.55. Total cost: around $6.00
PHOTO SCAVENGER HUNT Grab your digital camera and explore your neighborhood. Each one writes a list of items for the other person to find. Stay together. When you find an item on your list, your sweetheart takes a picture of you with it. When she finds one, you take the picture. Ask a passerby to take a picture of the two of you together. Use your computer to create a video slide show of your adventure. Total cost: Free
STARGAZING February 14, 2010 is a moonless night, and should be optimum for seeing a thousand stars and five planets, with no special equipment. All you need is a blanket or a couple of folding chairs, and a thermos of hot cocoa, for a romantic and awe-inspiring evening. For beginner’s stargazing tips, and printable constellation guide, visit stardate.org Cocoa (make at home): $1.75, cost of paper & ink to print out constellation guide: about $1.00 Total cost: $2.75
PLAY Strap on roller blades and skate hand-in-hand. Go for a bike ride, and race each other. Visit a playground, and see who can swing the highest. Slide down a hill on a flattened cardboard box. Break out the Twister. Get moving and have fun! Total cost: Free
DINNER AND A MOVIE AT HOME Sweeten this old standby by setting the table with your prettiest things. Don’t forget mood music. (Make a playlist to listen for free at grooveshark.com) Transfer frozen dinners to your best dishes. Sip red Kool-aid from your nicest glasses. Make chocolate-dipped strawberries for dessert (Melt chocolate chips in the microwave, dip strawberries, and chill.). Watch a romantic movie for free by borrowing a DVD from your public library, or a friend. Or check out hulu.com for free movie viewing online. Frozen dinners: $2.50 each, pre-sweetened Kool-Aid: $0.50, fresh strawberries: $3.00, chocolate chips: $1.35 Total cost: $9.85
Copyright 2010, Kathryn A. Frazier http://preciousholidays.wordpress.com
See also: Romantic Gifts to Make for $5 or less
No Cost Romantic Valentine’s Day at Home
Unbelieveably Sensual Evening Takes Plan, Not Cash
Filed under: Christianity, Holidays, Messianic Judaism, Relationships, Valentine's Day Tagged: | bookstore, cheap dates, Christian, dating, February 14, free constellation guide, free online movies, free online music, frugal, fun dates, romance, stargazing, Valentine's Day
