This week’s post is a guest article from Michelle Peterson of RecoveryPride.org. Take it away, Michelle!
Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love. Although most people think the day is dedicated to romantic couples, it’s also about friendship and admiration. If you’re single, Valentine’s Day is the perfect day to show yourself some much-needed affection. Check out these simple budget-friendly tips to have a great Valentine’s Day on your own.
Gift Yourself Something You Really Want
Americans tend to blow their budget on Valentine’s Day, spending an estimated $18.2 billion each year. Just think of the money you’ll save without buying flowers, chocolates, and gifts for someone else. Instead, Valentine’s Day is a great excuse to buy yourself something special! Whether it’s some fancy technology you’ve had your eye on or luxury self-care items, getting yourself a gift can really help you feel valued. Save money by grabbing some of these Target coupons before you start your shopping spree.
Do Nothing
Everyone loves an excuse to just laze around indoors and relax. Sleep in, take a bubble bath, spend the day in your PJs, order takeout, and binge-watch your favorite show. This is an excellent way to treat yourself without spending much money. Plus, the Guardian claims that doing nothing is important for recharging your mind and sparking creativity.
Just stay off social media to avoid being bombarded by lovey-dovey photos of celebrating couples. Studies show that spending too much time on social media can negatively impact our self-image and mental health. If you want to keep your mood up during Valentine’s Day, it’s best to leave Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook out of the picture.
Explore Your City
Spending a day as a tourist in your town can be a rewarding and low-cost way to spend your Valentine’s Day. Chances are, there are plenty of free or budget-friendly attractions in your own city that you’ve never experienced. Buy a ticket for a hop-on-hop-off tour bus, or create a custom itinerary to follow in your car. Many small, local museums have fairly cheap admission rates or simply ask for donations. A lot of cities also have underground tours or ghost tours. These are great opportunities to learn about your hometown in a fun, social setting.
Indulge in Fun Snacks
Hold off on buying chocolate until the day after Valentine’s Day — stores will be anxious to get rid of their heart-themed treats with some awesome discounts. But this doesn’t mean you have to deny yourself tasty indulgences on Valentine’s Day. Make some simple homemade snacks, like nachos, buffalo chip dip, or a cheese ball. Not only is this a fun way to spend your time, but you’ll save money by making treats yourself. Check out Taste of Home for some delicious ideas.
Go Out with Your Single Friends
Since Valentine’s Day is also about celebrating friendship, why not get together with some others who are also single? In fact, you may have more fun with your close friends than you would with a new partner. Try to do something different than your normal activities to make the day feel special. Fortunately, you have plenty of low-cost options.
- Go on a hike
- Attend a local comedy show
- Host a potluck dinner party
- Play board games
- Have a movie marathon
- Go thrift store hunting
If all of your friends are in relationships, spend some time with your parents if you can. Chances are, they will genuinely appreciate your company!
Singles don’t have to feel left out or lonely on Valentine’s Day. Try to think of the day as a self-care opportunity rather than a couples-only celebration. You may be surprised to discover that Valentine’s Day is not a holiday you need to get through, but a holiday you can enjoy.
About the author: Michelle Peterson started RecoveryPride.org to help eliminate the stigma placed on those who struggle with addiction. The site emphasizes that the journey to sobriety should not be one of shame, but of pride and offers stories, victories, and other information to give hope and help to those in recovery.