As stores get rid of their candy canes, and start stocking their aisles with glittery pink hearts and chocolates for Valentine’s Day, many eager customers around the U.S. are preparing for the holiday. Lovers make lists of gifts and treats to buy to make each of their loved ones feel special.
Between the flowers, cards, candy and extravagant date nights, Americans are expected to spend around $27.5 billion this year, with the average person spending around $188.81 on Valentine’s Day gifts and treats for either themselves or their significant others.
However, for those who cannot afford to spend much on Valentine’s Day this year, some look to more budget-friendly ways to celebrate the holiday.
So, what started this culture of frivolous Valentine’s Day spending? To understand that, let’s look at the history of Valentine’s Day.
The History
Originally called Lupercalia, Valentine’s Day and its traditions first began as part of an ancient Roman festival. Traditionally – a violent and sexually charged celebration – this festival was held between Feb. 13 to Feb. 15 in honor of the Roman god of fertility, Lupercus.
Many scholars believe that the festival was then later changed to Valentine’s Day, both as a way to honor St. Valentine and as the Catholic Church’s way to shift attention away from the ancient Lupercalia festival.
The holiday slowly gained popularity and would go on to be referenced in poetry and literature for centuries following.
As industrialization grew throughout the late 17th century and early 18th century, the first Valentine’s Day candies were produced. The first of these candies, heart-shaped boxes of chocolate, was created by Richard Cadbury in 1861, followed by Sweetheart Candy Hearts in 1866 and Hershey Kisses in 1907.
It can be argued that the commercialization of the holiday didn’t begin until 1913, when Hallmark made the first commercially printed Valentine’s Day card. Following that, gifts such as flowers, teddy bears, expensive jewelry, and even laverish romantic dates, became popular; thus leading to Valentine’s Day and how it’s celebrated in modern times.
A budget-friendly Valentine’s Day
Just because Valentine’s Day has its roots in commercialization and expressive gift giving, that doesn’t mean one must break the bank in order to celebrate. In fact, there are many budget-friendly alternatives, many of which don’t require any purchase at all.
Homemade Valentine’s Day Crafts
For those who wish to honor a more traditional Valentine’s Day gift, making a homemade card or craft can be a great alternative to store-bought cards. Not only that, but there are several upsides to making a homemade Valentine’s craft – being able to customize them to your recipient and can be made with just about anything, such as paper, cardboard, markers, scissors, pencils and more!
Make a Music Playlist
For music lovers, a custom-made playlist for a friend or partner can also be a great option. Music platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and even YouTube, allow people to make playlists for free. They are a great way to find a new meaning to favorite songs, while discovering new genres and music.
Free Dates
For those who wish to go out on a date this Valentine’s Day, there are several free or budget-friendly options out there. Whether it’s staying home to cook a meal,watching a movie with your friends or significant other, hanging out at the library or even going out on a walk – the date-night possibilities are endless and a great way to get a better understanding of each other’s interests and passions.
Wait For Deals
Finally, for those who still wish to spend something this Valentine’s Day, a great idea is to wait until the holiday has passed to get gifts and treats with a discount or clearance deal. This is especially great for those who are single and celebrating the holiday by themselves, and wish to treat themself to some cheap candy and trinkets.
