This idea works especially well if you have children or living communally with other extended family members.
Keep in mind, when attempting to impress your significant other, it really IS the thought that counts. Anyone can simply go and buy some expensive gift that really has no meaning and no thought went into it. It’s the time spent together and the place that will most likely linger in your hearts and minds.
Maybe you could have a big box and start collecting special items your mate likes. Do this little by little and watch it grow. Buy or make little inexpensive items that in the end will look like you’ve really taken your time to put together.
We all love when people take the time to think about what someone would really like and not just buy one gift. I love practicing this concept. It works great every time! People are so excited to look through this huge box filled with goodies. As I’ve said before, I collect from garage sales, church closets, secondhand stores or free stores and have even found some nice chocolate filled candies at local food pantries.
Make your own card and wrap it in pretty material and use a pretty scarf or bow that could be used later. Believe me, you’ll really make a statement and everyone will look forward to receiving your big box of goodies every year, and the best part, you’ll have spent next to nothing. I’m actually known for that method of giving now, and all the feedback has been extremely positive.
Try this when a gift is called for from birthdays, anniversaries or holidays. The worst thing you can do is to buy gifts in season – the opposite of food buying. You should always try and buy foods in season.
This is how I remember. Special holidays like Mother’s day will charge more for flowers and Valentine’s Day has more expensive chocolates. Buy off-season for such things as candy for Halloween, a box of generic cards if you don’t make your own. Or even try planting your own rose bush and have expensive roses available as needed and therefore be able to create your own flower arrangements, which tend to not be worth the money you pay for them anyway.
If you really want to get radical, plant your own fruit trees and make your own fruit baskets or simply by fresh fruit in season and make your own creative arrangement. I also like putting together dry goods baskets. What can be more romantic than to have bought a few bags of seeds of the flower of your choice and watch the plant grow as your relationship grows.
If you’re planning a romantic dinner out at a fine restaurant, why not plan some kind of an outdoor picnic instead. Pack some simple and inexpensive foods that keep well and maybe add a cheap bottle of wine. Choose a special spot that you both remember and have maybe really enjoyed in the past, and let your creativity flow.
And one last thought. Try having a movie night in. Be creative and set the mood. Light up some of those unused hurricane candles and spread some extra cozy blankets and pillows around. Top it all off with some simple and inexpensive finger foods and your favorite drink. You’ll save a hell of a lot more money and save yourself from the aggravations that can occur when one goes out to the movies…parking, people talking constantly in the theatre, the same person bumping into your chair, waiting in long lines to get food and snacks, driving long distances and gas expense.
At home, you can wear whatever you want and go barefoot or even naked for that matter… Oh, and you may even avoid catching a bad case of hair lice. Movie theatre seats are very well known for harboring lice and their eggs.