Valentine’s Day is a special holiday for spending time with your loved ones, especially your partner. Unfortunately, it can be very expensive; it is estimated that households will budget $200 for the day. Stores and restaurants take advantage of this time to boost sales and make customers spend more money. It’s not fair for students because between tuition, textbooks, and everyday expenses, there isn’t always room for fancy dinners or oversized stuffed animals. Still, the pressure to make the day feel special can be hard to ignore.
Furthermore, for many college students, this might be the first Valentine’s Day where we are actually paying and learning about financial responsibilities ourselves, instead of relying on our parents. That can be a pretty intimidating feeling.
The disconnect between the desire to do something for someone and the pressure of feeling like one is obligated to impress that person can be significant. The pressure of feeling like one must spend money can, in some cases, overshadow the true meaning of the day and turn a potentially enjoyable event into a stressful one.
When money becomes the focal point, people can sometimes forget the true meaning of the day they are celebrating in the first place.
Social media isn’t helpful with everyone posting surprises and elaborate gifts, while you’re just trying to figure out what’s affordable in the area to spend a nice day out. I started to wonder if Valentine’s Day has to be expensive to be meaningful. I talked to some students on campus to see if others question the same thing.
“I prefer when my boyfriend shows he puts in effort rather than money,” said Anne, a second-year engineering student. After Anne told me her boyfriend makes handcrafted cards for her every year, I thought those cards are more meaningful than a storebought gift.
I feel that the best dates are the simplest ones, such as walking on the beach and watching the sunset, which costs nothing but still feels intimate. You can add some chocolate or a coffee, and suddenly it’s a moment.
As a girl who loves cinema, movie nights are another favorite activity. Whether it is in a dorm, apartment, or common lounge, putting on a favorite film, instead of indulging in restaurant prices, a movie night with takeout or dining hall food is just as enjoyable. With the right lighting and music, it is just as memorable.
If you’re like me and love being in a car and listening to music, a simple drive with no real destination is the best. Rolling the windows down and a playlist can quickly turn into deep conversations and a special night. You can stop at an ice cream shop for a dessert run and still have a great holiday on a college budget. It’s not necessarily the amount of food on the table; it’s the person you’re sitting across from.
Some gift ideas that are personal and on a budget can mean just as much as expensive gifts. Writing a letter or creating a collage with printed photos can embrace the memories. It’s taking the time to put feelings into words or gathering memories from favorite moments that matter most.
Another creative gift can be making a playlist of songs that remind you of your significant other. You can add written notes on why you chose each song; it’s a romantic gesture that is very thoughtful. Some budget-friendly gifts you can add are a person’s favorite candies or goodies, or gift cards for future coffee dates. Things that you can give them so they can enjoy for a long time after the holiday season.
A personalized gift with photos is a classic, sweet, and meaningful gift that is also not expensive. Getting a cute picture frame for your favorite photo or designing a scrapbook page are great ways to show your partner you appreciate them. Even creating a memory jar filled with small notes can mean something for years to come.
Being financially mindful is becoming the norm, especially for college students. If you’re feeling discouraged because you cannot afford to splurge on this holiday, you might feel a sense of comfort knowing that you are not failing Valentine’s Day by keeping it simple. In fact, you might even be making it better and more meaningful.
Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be extravagant. When expectations shift towards thoughtfulness, the day can feel lighter and more enjoyable for everyone involved.
