5 ways to do Valentine’s Day differently

Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate the ones you love. We offer five ways to do just that—without breaking your bank account, a gasket or your relationship.

Celebrate on an alternate date.

Who says you have to celebrate Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14? Hallmark does, that’s who. Buck tradition and celebrate the weekend before or, better yet, after to score better deals, fewer crowds and points for originality.

Read more: 7 ways to save on Valentine’s Day flowers

Consider going against the grain with your gift giving.

Roses are overpriced, chocolate is fattening and boxers with hearts on them are probably not what every man wants. Once again, going against tradition will help save you dough and let your sweetheart know that you put some thought into your gift. Now, if your darling adores roses or your guy has a thing for boxers with hearts on them, maybe that is the gift to get. But barring that, consider going against the grain on this one. A co-worker’s boyfriend sent her this beautiful bouquet of flowers. (Photo credit: Jody Dahms) A mix of roses, gerbera daisies, eucalyptus and hydrangea among other foliage make it really stand out. And the colors—orangey-red and green—are an unexpected surprise in a Valentine’s Day bouquet. And stunning!

Give the overcrowded restaurant scene a rest.

You don’t have to go to a fancy restaurant to have a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner. Light some candles, put on some nice music and have dinner in. You can jump on Pinterest—or open the February issue of any women’s consumer magazine worth its salt—to get recipes and ideas for festive Valentine’s Day-themed dishes and desserts. Or make it really easy and order a heart-shaped pizza popular this time of year at some national pizza chains. Yes, I’m serious. Although make sure your Valentine will find this charming and not ultra-cheap!

Share your love with others.

Participate in a fun run or a bike race that benefits a charity. Volunteer at a worthy organization that could use some extra hands. Host a Valentine’s Day potluck dinner for friends and family—paired, unpaired, young, old, doesn’t matter. You get the idea. Break from the traditional mold of what Valentine’s Day is—celebrating romantic love only—to an expanded one where you show and give love to all. You might notice that every suggestion in this tidbit can be done as a pair or solo.

Read more: Save big bucks with these sweet Valentine’s deals

Fuggedaboutit. You heard me. Fuggedaboutit!

Forget about the whole dang holiday. Again, this only works if both people are on board. However, I know plenty of couples who forgo all the Valentine’s Day hoopla and simply make regular date nights a part of their lives.

Happy Love Day to ALL!