15 of the best ways to feel the love without buying gifts
Here's what my partner and I like to do
For the last couple of years, my partner and I haven’t celebrated Valentine’s Day. Instead, we’ve put our effort into finding some of the best ways to show love all year round, without the added cost.
Whether you’re taking part in Valentine’s Day this year or not, you might be looking for ways to celebrate without overspending. Here are some of my favourite things that cost nothing, but mean everything.
Low-pressure quality time
- Go on a walk
Going on a walk with my partner is sometimes just what I need. It’s super easy and low effort, and it’s the perfect way to connect with no distractions.
- Listen to a podcast together
Sometimes we do this while on a walk together if we feel a bit talked-out from being at work all day. Pick a podcast or audio book to listen to together. It’s a lovely way to find something new to discuss.
- Couples readathon
If you’re both bookworms at heart, host a readathon together. Buy your favourite snacks, get cosy, and read. Make it even more fun by choosing a book for each other or reading the same book together. Extra points if it’s a book you already own.
- No phone zone and undivided attention
The no-phone-zone is something we started doing a few years back. In a world where we’re all glued to our screens, it’s a great way to give your partner some undivided attention.
- Sitting together while enjoying separate hobbies
Sometimes it’s not so much about doing things together, but just doing things in the presence of one another. While my partner watches a new tv series, I love to do some embroidery, scrapbooking, or playing on my Nintendo Switch.
Make something instead of buying something
- Make vision boards
Connect over shared goals and aspirations with a vision board making night. All you need is some scrap paper and some thoughtful ideas.
- Open when… letters
If words of affirmation mean the world to you, make each other a bundle of ‘open when…’ letters. Make them as creative and personal as you like. Sometimes things like this are appreciated more than a gift.
- Bake their favourite sweet treat
My partner and I absolutely love to bake. Whether we bake together or surprise one another with something new and delicious to try, it’s a sure-fire way to make someone’s day. After all, there’s nothing better than a freshly baked sweet treat.
- Thoughtful notes
Leave your partner little notes here and there to remind them of how much they are loved and appreciated. My partner and I always write notes for each other and hide them around the house to find when one of us is going away.
- Affirmation jar
All you need for this one is an empty jar – which, if you’re a candle lover like me, won’t be hard to find. Fill the jar with affirmations and memories you cherish to put a smile on your partner’s face. Have them pick one out weekly as a heartfelt reminder.
Small rituals
- Morning coffee together
Cut back on the coffee shop visits and enjoy a morning coffee in bed together instead. I always find that I feel more fulfilled when I do this with my partner instead of rushing my morning to get on with the day.
- Host one another
Take it in turns to host for the night. Have one of you in charge of dinner and one in charge of dessert, and keep it a total surprise until you sit down to eat.
- Monthly date night
Prioritise a monthly date night. My partner and I have a shared note on our phones to note down date night ideas to enjoy. We categorise ours based on nights in and nights out so, it works for our budget and energy levels too.
- Evening check-ins
Each evening, take the time to check in with one another. Don’t just ask about work – really talk to each other and make the time to do so. No distractions. No commitments. Just you.
- Sunday resets
Work together to get things back for the week ahead. Get back on top of washing, wipe down the kitchen sides, meal plan and swap schedules. It takes half the time if you do it together.
