Today’s post is a rather short and timely.

 

I have posted seasonal money tips in the past but usually involving Christmas but I thought it will be nice to share something for my readers who are celebrating Valentine’s Day but don’t want to spend a lot of money.

Be Realistic with How Much You Currently Have

 

 

 

Take Advantage of Online Deals!

 

The truth is,

 

All the best deals are online.

 

Whether you are looking for an affordable dinner at a romantic restaurant or booking an overnight stay, the deals you can get from online promos are hard to beat.

 

Websites like Metrodeal and Deal Grocer can provide you so many options for buying Valentine’s gifts as well as booking your restaurant dates. And, all of them at huge discounts.

 

Nowadays, it can be more difficult to find a dinner-for-two deal at only Php 500 but there are quite a number of places where you can score a dinner date within the Php 1000 -Php 2000 range.

 

You can also take the celebration to the next level by booking a hotel stay with spa service. Sites like Agoda and again, Metrodeal and Deal Grocer for great deals on spa services and hotel stays. 

 

Rates at the spas and hotels in these sites range from below P2,000 to P10,000 or higher depending on your budget and preferences.  Still, there are enough places in the below P2k and below P8k for the more budget-conscious to choose from.

 

BDO credit cards have ongoing promos that will give you more discounts on the day of hearts.

 

Go for Cheap Alternative Activities

 

Believe it or not, activities like fencing, archery, and even target shooting at the gun range are becoming popular recreation options for couples nowadays. 

 

Armscor has several shooting ranges but in Metro Manila, the ones in Makati and Marikina are the most frequented. The budget for this can range from P600 – P3000 depending on the package you choose; how long you use the gun range; whether you rent a gun or bring your own. 

 

Another activity that’s also fun for couples is archery.  There are a few archery ranges in Metro Manila.  There’s Kodanda Archery Range that has branches in Makati, Pasay, and a few other places. 

 

However, if you want to up your game into something that pumps up your adrenalin, you can try Archery Attack. Essentially, this is similar to the paintball shootout games except that, of course, you use soft, ball-tipped arrows instead of paintball guns.  A two-hour session costs P500 per player.

 

Republic Fencing and Sports Club lets you and your date en-garde, cross blades (don’t worry the fencing sword or epee is designed for sport safety, not actual combat), and touche each other for fun.  Be sure to learn the French fencing terms–because if you whisper them properly, they sound really romantic.

 

I think with these activities, you’ll get your heart pumping and have fun making metaphorical and imaginary shots to each other’s hearts.  It’s no wonder that the best love stories on-screen and in books involve dashing heroes and beautiful damsels in scenes with arrows and swordplay: think The Princess Bride and The Hunger Games.

 

Make a simple but memorable gift for your special someone

 

One cool way to save money on gifts is to thoughtfully think of the persons you will be giving gifts. Think about what they like or maybe what’s on their wish list.

 

Do a chore or task that your loved one doesn’t like doing.  Instead of buying a card that is already designed, make one yourself. You can also buy the thing that you know they will like. You can also  have a nice dinner at home that you made yourself or cook together for more fun. You can also use your natural talents and create or better yet perform something for him or her. 

 

Don’t stay with “kahit eto na lang” for you give gifts for happiness. If you think of giving gifts as an extension of love and not of a yearly obligation, you will definitely feel lighter spending some cash.

 

Final Notes from SavingsPinay

 

You can always find ways to make Valentine’s Day more enjoyable, less stressful, and more affordable. 

 

 

 

I like what it says in this promotional ad campaign from BDO – Love cannot be limited by what you have. It’s about finding your way to express it.

 

 

How are you celebrating this Valentine’s Day?