How To Spoil Your New Spouse for Valentine’s Day On A Budget
By: Michelle Peterson
Photo via Pixabay by Bianamentil
When most of us think of Valentine’s Day, images of heart-shaped candy boxes and a vase full of flowers come to mind. But if you’re newly remarried, this holiday is about much more than that; it’s about making a gesture that is meaningful, something that will make your first Valentine’s Day as a married couple something to remember and cherish.
Thoughtfulness is key, so it’s important to sit down and think about what matters to your new spouse. Letting them know that you put a little thought into the day will go a long way.
Here are a few tips on how to spoil your loved one on the most romantic day of the year without breaking the bank.
Start small
It’s easy to get overwhelmed when planning for a nice gift--especially if you’re on a budget--so start small at first. Pick out several things you know your loved one will enjoy--or something you can enjoy together--and put them in a nice basket or gift bag. You can personalize this gift any way you want; for instance, if you’re both movie lovers, consider buying a couple of DVDs, popcorn, a soft blanket, and some boxed candy (like you find in the theater) and put it all together in a gift basket. Or if your spouse has children, ask your new stepkids to contribute to the gift. Younger kids might provide a drawing while older kids might create a photo collage of the new blended family.
Plan to pamper
Both sexes enjoy being pampered, so plan a spa night at home where you can give your loved one a massage, run a hot bath, and give your full attention to one another. Get creative and do a gentle hand massage with scented lotion, or a scalp massage to soothe and relax. Light some lavender-scented candles and play soft music to set the mood even further.
Eat in
You don’t have to go to a fancy restaurant and drop a couple hundred dollars on a meal and drinks; in fact, most restaurants are booked up on Valentine’s Day or have long waits. Why not skip all that hassle and eat in instead? Plan to cook your loved one their favorite meal and create a romantic atmosphere with candles, music, and a lovely table prepared with fresh flowers and gleaming flatware.
Or, again, if your new family is still bonding, you might invite your stepkids to join you. A fun, relaxing family meal followed by a game night could be a much more fulfilling way to show your love than a candlelit dinner.
Be helpful
One of the kindest things you can do for a loved one is to think of something they’ve been struggling with and find a way to help them out. If they’re too busy to clean up the garage but need the space for a woodworking project, surprise them by having it done when they get home from work. If their job requires them to be on their feet all day, buy gel inserts for their shoes and offer a long foot rub.
Plan a surprise
It doesn’t have to be a big one; small things, such as cutting out construction paper hearts, writing one thing you love about your new spouse on each one, and taping them inside their car while they’re at work are lovely ways to show you care. If you have step-children, this is something they can participate in. Take your favorite photos from the last year and create a photo book on Shutterfly, a meaningful gift they can keep forever.
This article is by Michelle Peterson of Recovery Pride. Her mission is aligned with that of RecoveryPride, which is to celebrate sobriety and those who achieve it.
Thoughtfulness is key, so it’s important to sit down and think about what matters to your new spouse. Letting them know that you put a little thought into the day will go a long way.
Here are a few tips on how to spoil your loved one on the most romantic day of the year without breaking the bank.
Start small
It’s easy to get overwhelmed when planning for a nice gift--especially if you’re on a budget--so start small at first. Pick out several things you know your loved one will enjoy--or something you can enjoy together--and put them in a nice basket or gift bag. You can personalize this gift any way you want; for instance, if you’re both movie lovers, consider buying a couple of DVDs, popcorn, a soft blanket, and some boxed candy (like you find in the theater) and put it all together in a gift basket. Or if your spouse has children, ask your new stepkids to contribute to the gift. Younger kids might provide a drawing while older kids might create a photo collage of the new blended family.
Plan to pamper
Both sexes enjoy being pampered, so plan a spa night at home where you can give your loved one a massage, run a hot bath, and give your full attention to one another. Get creative and do a gentle hand massage with scented lotion, or a scalp massage to soothe and relax. Light some lavender-scented candles and play soft music to set the mood even further.
Eat in
You don’t have to go to a fancy restaurant and drop a couple hundred dollars on a meal and drinks; in fact, most restaurants are booked up on Valentine’s Day or have long waits. Why not skip all that hassle and eat in instead? Plan to cook your loved one their favorite meal and create a romantic atmosphere with candles, music, and a lovely table prepared with fresh flowers and gleaming flatware.
Or, again, if your new family is still bonding, you might invite your stepkids to join you. A fun, relaxing family meal followed by a game night could be a much more fulfilling way to show your love than a candlelit dinner.
Be helpful
One of the kindest things you can do for a loved one is to think of something they’ve been struggling with and find a way to help them out. If they’re too busy to clean up the garage but need the space for a woodworking project, surprise them by having it done when they get home from work. If their job requires them to be on their feet all day, buy gel inserts for their shoes and offer a long foot rub.
Plan a surprise
It doesn’t have to be a big one; small things, such as cutting out construction paper hearts, writing one thing you love about your new spouse on each one, and taping them inside their car while they’re at work are lovely ways to show you care. If you have step-children, this is something they can participate in. Take your favorite photos from the last year and create a photo book on Shutterfly, a meaningful gift they can keep forever.
This article is by Michelle Peterson of Recovery Pride. Her mission is aligned with that of RecoveryPride, which is to celebrate sobriety and those who achieve it.
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