Valentine's Day: A Marketers Dream

The concept of Valentine's Day is fantastic but it has become a holiday of one-uping your loved one by buying each other crap they don't need.

By keeping it simple and sincere you will find February 14th to be a lot less of a dreaded day.

Some ways to keep it simple:

• Make each other cards (sounds cheesy but I love homemade cards way better than store bought)

• Make dinner for/with each other

• Go out to lunch (not nearly as crowded and cheaper than dinner)

• If you buy flowers get them from the grocery store or wholesale store (Costco). They will wrap them up really nicely and will be a fraction of the price ($10-25). Don't be afraid to stray from the norm of roses, if you know your significant others favorite flower get them. It will show them you pay attention and might be cheaper than the overpriced red roses.
   
• Watch a movie together (Really watch it- turn off your phone, put down the lab top, and hang out!)

Mike, my husband, and I have a tradition of making fondue together every Valentine's Day. We really enjoy cooking together and just hanging out without any distractions. We also really look forward to our tradition in the days leading to Valentine's Day. Fondue, wine, and flowers for the occasion runs about $38. You can't go out for a nice dinner with drinks for nearly that.

The best part is enjoying the true meaning of Valentine's Day.