When you love someone, it feels great to let them know. Your beloved will likely enjoy being showered with your expressions of love. However, according to StudyFinds, 70% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck. So, here are some creative ways for you to show your love without breaking the budget:
Free Ways to Show Your Love
Some ways you can show your love involve using your imagination, like writing a love song or composing a list of things you love about them. You can write your love message anywhere – including with shaving cream on the bathroom mirror. You could design a hand-drawn booklet full of “coupons” for “prizes” like a hug or a kiss. Your coupon book can include things they love – but that you do not, like a complaint-free evening of watching their favorite TV show, together.
Your coupon book can also include some hands-on pampering, including a back or foot massage. If you could both use a bit more exercise, commit to spending time walking or jogging with the person you love. Let your sweetie see your commitment to their spiritual side by praying with them or spontaneously praying aloud for them – in front of them. The next time you see them busy with chores around the house, turn on some music, grab their hand, and sweep them into a slow, romantic dance.
Low-Cost Choices to Express Your Feelings
Many loving gifts can involve making exceptional food, such as their favorite meal or dessert. Prepare some food that can be packed up for a spontaneous afternoon picnic in a nearby park. Plan an evening of games or movies at home, with prepared snacks and drinks. Use your creative side to create a “candy gram” – where the names of glued-on candy bars will spell out an affectionate message (like “I wanna kiss you” – with a Hershey’s kiss substituting for the word “kiss.”
Buy a $10 gift card from a coffee shop to help your sweetie start their morning with your loving wishes. Better still, pick up a cup of coffee and pay your steamboat a quick visit to drop it off. Call them and invite them to a local ice cream parlor for an afternoon treat. To let your sweetheart know you’re paying attention to them, order a small item of show merch for their favorite TV show (a Hodor doorstop, perhaps?)
Gifts That Cost a Bit More
On those occasions when a gift is expected, you could save money for a gift with a heftier price tag. For example, you might want to surprise them with a delivery of flowers. After all, almost $2 million is spent on flowers on Mother’s Day, so why not send posies on their birthday? If an anniversary is approaching, why not invite them to the site of your first date or meeting place?
If you and your loved one live together, you can invest in your future with a quality gift that will last many years. For example, buying a few pieces of Amish furniture – 100% handcrafted, will provide a gift you will both use and cherish for years to come. Your creativity can pay off if you plan an at-home treasure hunt, where you leave clues around your home. Include references to your time together in the clues (“pick the book that tells the story of the first movie we watched”) and end the hunt with a special gift.
By putting your imagination, your heart, and some planning into your gift, you can find a special gift for the one who is unique to you. Pay attention to the moments when they spontaneously admire something. Choose their favorite dishes and tell them the meal is in honor of them. When all else fails, and your pockets are empty, sincerely saying, “I love you,” for no reason, is always the best gift.