Valentine's Day is upon us — but so is the cost of living crisis.
Australians in their mid-30s and 40s spend an average of $139 on Valentine's Day gifts — a figure that might sound alarming to those on a tighter budget.
The good news: V-Day doesn't have to cost a bomb. We asked two savings experts for their suggestions on how to get romantic this Valentine's Day without breaking the bank.
Try homemade chocolate, origami (or bacon) bouquets instead of roses
Kylie Travers, a Noosa-based consultant, author, and owner of personal finance publication The Thrifty Issue, suggests giving the traditional red roses a miss — their prices "skyrocket around Valentine's Day," she points out.
Instead, she recommends getting creative and make a lolly or chocolate bouquet — or even a bacon bouquet (yep, they're a real thing).
"A little bouquet of their favourite thing or something tasty will probably mean more than a bunch of overpriced flowers," she says.
You could even make an origami bouquet — "even sweeter if you write a special memory or something you love about them on each flower," Kylie says.
If fresh flowers are non-negotiable for you or your partner, try cheaper flowers such as gerberas instead — or just forage in your garden to create your own bouquet, suggests Penina Petersen, writer and founder of money-saving website The Savings Room.
Or you can opt for a living potted plant, which will remain gorgeous all year round, both experts suggest.
For date activities, think beyond restaurants
Valentine's Day doesn't have to involve a pricey restaurant dinner.
Instead, Kylie recommends personalising your activity choice to reflect the interests and hobbies you share as a couple. That might mean heading to a free art gallery or arranging a bushwalk with a picnic.
"Check your local events via Facebook to see if there are live bands, festivals, classes such as dance, cooking, painting or other free events in your area," says Kylie. "You might be surprised at what's on offer, such as salsa dancing."
You could also cook a gourmet dinner at home, suggests Penina, who is based on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula.
"Create a restaurant in your dining room with music, candles and ambience."
Other activities to consider include rowing on the river; rollerskating; creating a themed room or "cinema" at home; or going for a romantic drive to a scenic destination and sitting under the stars, suggests Penina. (Important: "Take a fruit and cheese platter," she says.)
Consider creative homemade gifts, a DIY hamper, or thoughtful experiences
The best gifts are thoughtful ones that show you've listened to things they want or enjoy, says Kylie.
The good news is, many such sentimental pressies can be made for free.
"One year when I didn't have much money, I recorded a podcast series for my partner," she says.
"Each episode was essentially a chapter of our lives together, my favourite memories, funny things and so on.
"He was amazed and absolutely loved it. A few he's listened to numerous times since."
If your partner is into cooking, Penina suggests "a personalised recipe book featuring recipes from loved ones — like 'George's Chocolate Cake'."
You could also frame a sentimental memory, such as a love poem, says Penina.
Or get crafty and make a wheat bag to soothe your partner's aching back or neck.
Another sentimental, low-cost pressie to consider: A homemade hamper of thoughtful little gifts — "such as a key ring of the two of you together", Penina says.
And don't forget to pop some special home-baked treats into the hamper, both experts suggest: Nothing says romance like a homemade cake.
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