Valentine’s Day is one of those holidays that can easily turn into a budget-buster, but it doesn’t have to. Learn ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your family and friends without spending a lot. You’ll find all of our Valentines Day on a Budget posts here on this page.
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What’s the history of Valentine’s Day?
Valentine’s Day, celebrated every February 14th, is an annual holiday dedicated to all kinds of love. On this particular day, we express our love to our romantic partners and our friends and family members. Countries and cultures worldwide have their own practices for this romantic event. Giving away flowers and chocolates is probably the most popular tradition each February.
No one really knows for sure how this special celebration came to be. There are several theories. One of them involves the two men Roman emperor Claudius II martyred on February 14. They were both named Valentine. One of them was St. Valentine of Terni, a clergyman who officiated secret unions back in the day when the emperor banned marriages to push more men to join the army.
St. Valentine thus earned a reputation as a figure of love and romance. And in 496 AD, it was made official. Pope Gelasius declared February 14 as the feast day of St. Valentine.
Favorite Resources for Valentine’s Day
25 Valentine’s Day gifts under $10
Valentine’s Day cards from LovePop
Valentine’s Day supplies and decorations at DollarTree.com
Valentine sweaters from Fun.com
Valentines Day Food Ideas
Baking and making treats for Valentine’s Day is another fun activity for families to do together. You can enjoy them at home, or bring them to a Valentine’s Day party. Making your own treats is a smart way to celebrate Valentine’s Day on a budget.
20+ Valentine Rice Krispie treat recipes
Valentine raspberry meltaway cookies
Valentine sweets with 5 ingredients or less
Healthy Valentine food for kids
Valentines Day Decorating Ideas
Of course, you can buy Valentine decorations at a store. But it can be fun (and surprisingly easy) to make them yourself! I have many holiday decorations that I bring out year after year; they last a long time, and they inexpensive to begin with. I appreciate that value.
Many of these Valentine crafts and decor would also make a lovely gift for a teacher, Grandma or friend. Most use supplies from the Dollar Tree, so they don’t cost much to make at all.
Dollar Tree Valentine candle craft
Puzzle piece Valentine heart wreath
Valentine decor crafts under $10
Dollar Tree Valentines decorations
Dollar Tree Valentine wreath ideas
Printable Valentines and Cards
Some families prefer to buy Valentines, while others like to make them. Writing classmates’ names on Valentine cards is a great way for kids of all ages to practice writing. Plus, it helps them learn their friends’ names and how to spell them correctly.
If you plan to use these free printables to create Valentines at home, be sure to consider using HP Instant Ink. That’s how I save so much money on printer ink–even color ink! Use my referral link to get one free month, and so will I (thanks).
35+ Frugal and free printable Valentines for kids
Minecraft printable Valentines