Valentine’s Day on a Budget

Valentine’s Day can get expensive. Not to mention it can be difficult to get a dinner reservation and very busy and crowded if you do get a reservation. I don’t know about you, but that doesn’t sound enjoyable to me. Isn’t Valentine’s Day supposed to be about enjoying time with the person you care about? You don’t have to break the bank to show someone that you care. I think someone putting in the effort to make a home cooked meal shows that they care. Welcome to Valentine’s Day on a Budget! (I will be referencing Aldi a lot in this article)

Gifts

I don’t work for Aldi, but sometimes I feel like their unofficial spokesperson. As a single mom, I am a fan of saving money, and Aldi helps with that! For instance, here you will find their weekly ad where you can get flower bouquets from $4.99 – $14.99. You can also buy a box of assorted chocolates from $5.00 – $10.00. If you wanted to steer away from the traditional V-Day gift ideas, they will also have very stylish Men’s and Women’s sunglasses on sale for $4.99!

Dinner

Now if you don’t cook, the idea of cooking a romantic dinner at home can seem scary. Worry not! Aldi has a Giovanni Rana Signature Meal Kit Chicken Alfredo that is ready in minutes (and can be cooked in the microwave). It is DELICIOUS! Throw in some $3 heat and serve garlic knots, and a $3 salad kit, and you have just made a full meal for 2 for less than $25. Your partner will be delighted that you cooked for them (especially if you don’t usually cook), and you can avoid the headache and expenses of braving a nice restaurant on the busiest date night of the year.

If you know your way around the kitchen but need some inspiration for a romantic recipe for your dinner in, might I suggest this Easy Pasta Carbonara! Here is everything you will need, with the prices (Aldi prices)!

• Olive oil – $3.65
• Spaghetti – $1.95
• Bacon – $4.69
• Garlic – $1.89
• Frozen peas – $1.05
• Eggs – $1.99
• Parmesan (wedge) – $3.85
• Parsley – $1.05

That comes out to $20.12. And if you cook often, you most likely have some of these ingredients already. You can add on the garlic knots and a salad, and you have a BEAUTIFUL meal to share with your Valentine! Not to mention you would most likely spend twice that amount, if not more, if you were to go out for Valentine’s Day.

These are just a few ideas. Make this your own! I find inspiration for recipes on TikTok all the time! The point is your loved one doesn’t need you to break the bank to show them that you care. They will love the time and effort that you put in to celebrate with them and show them that you care. Enjoy your Valentine’s Day on a Budget!