Feb 10, 2009 6:41 pm US/Eastern
Tips To Make Valentine's Day An Affordable One
With Trying Times, It's OK To Find Less Expensive Ways To Your Lover's Heart
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
When it comes to matters of the heart, this is a year where less may truly mean more. CBS 2 has some suggestions that can help you find the real value in Valentine's Day, with meaningful gifts that don't break the bank.
Yes, Valentine's Day might be a little less sweet this year with the economy on everyone's minds, but a gift from the heart can still speak volumes, with some sweetheart deals and creative thinking.
"It really is the thought and the investment of time you put in to getting the right gift and planning the right activity," says lifestyle expert Eden Grimaldi.
So you don't have to forego the flowers entirely, but if you're going to spend about $50 to have them delivered, try giving away a flowery essence instead – a sweeter value that will last a lot longer.
"We have Ren [Skincare] which is an amazing brand out of the UK. The rose products have a cult following and they are affordable, they're not going to wither and die in a week," says Grimaldi.
It becomes more about the children later on Valentine's Day.
If that's the case, try a "staycation," exploring what's lovely in your own backyard. And if dinner out is not in your budget, especially with the added cost of a babysitter, think about a special meal at thome.
"Get a great cookbook. You can leave ti behind as a gift," says Grimaldi. "You can do it for someone, you can do it together. So get in the kitchen, save a lot of money and have a great night!"
Keep the value in Valentine's Day with lingerie that's pretty, practical, and affordable. Or indulge at a spa, just look for advertised specials.
"But if that is completely out of reach for you then you can use treatment products in the privacy of your own home," says Grimaldi. "Don't think of it as, 'I'm being cheap, I'm being frugal,' think of it as something creative, something inventive, I'm going to do things a different way."
Says city resident Abbey Scarlett: "I'm just going to make my own coupon book to makes things cheaper but still something he would love."
If flowers are a must, try a single stem with a handwritten note. And if a dinner out is the only thing on the menu, look for advertised Valentine's Day specials.
For more information on products in this story:
REN Clean Skincare
Caudalie
Frommer's
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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