February. The month we celebrate Valentine’s Day and the month we get to celcbrate love and show appreciation for the people in our lives.

Admittedly, this is my favorite holiday. For me, it isn’t an overly assumptive romantic holiday, but a holiday to celebrate others by showing love and appreciation.

Here are my top ideas for budget-friendly Valentine’s celebration:

For your spouse or special friend:

• • Cook their favorite dinner at home. Light some candles. Play favorite memory tunes.
  • Write a love letter. Spray perfume on the envelope.
  • Write a message on the mirror (use lipstick or dry-erase markers)
  • Using kid-friendly Valentine’s cards, put them on their pillow, in their car, or lunchbox
  • OR here are ideas for Great Dates for Couples on a Tight Budget

For your children (even if in their teens):

• • Write a love letter
  • Prepare heart-shaped waffles served with strawberreis for breakfast (use a heart-shaped cookie cutter for the waffles)
  • Put a valentine card in their lunch box and/or on their pillow
  • For the month, read Valentine’s books. Check them out from the library.

For the whole family:

• • Have a family game night
  • Watch a Valentine’s movie night (here are some great ideas) or my favorites Lady and the Tramp, Princess Bride or the oldie but goodie Charlie Brown’s Be My Valentine
  • Using conversation heart candies, create fun sayings; make it a competition – who can make up the best in 2-3 minutes?

AND if you are need some encouragement or motivation for your money and marriage, check out this fellow-coach’s interview and the launch of their new podcast, ForBetterandWorth.