08:52 || 4.2.26
“Broke-Boi’s Valentine’s”
5 Last-Minute Ways To Do Valentine’s Day on a Budget
That time of the year is here. A time where if you’re a man with a missus, you can miss it…Valentine’s Day. The signs come in early. First she signals that Valentine’s Day is coming up. A couple days later, she asks if you’ve made plans for Valentine’s Day.
Before you know it, she’s sending you 2 for 1 specials at restaurants, spas, pottery classes, the lot. Then all of a sudden she’s upset. Why? Because you still haven’t asked her to be your Valentine.
The truth is (for me at least), moretime, Valentine’s Day isn’t the problem. It’s (unnecessary and sometimes self-inflicted) pressure that comes with feeling like you have to break the bank for it to be a good day.
Christmas was only 2 months ago, chances are the bank is already broken. But really, it’s my flawed perspective. If you’ve got yourself a real one, as cliché as it sounds, it’s mainly the effort that counts.
So let me put you on game, here are 5 last-minute ways to do Valentine’s on a budget.
X. KNOW WHAT TYPE OF GIRL YOU’RE DEALING WITH
DISCLAIMER: THESE SUGGESTIONS ONLY WORK IF YOU’VE GOT YOURSELF A “REAL”. IF YOU’RE GIRL IS OVERLY MATERIALISTIC OR SWAYED BY THE WAYS OF SOCIAL MEDIA, GOODLUCK TO YOU BROSKI, I CAN’T HELP YOU.
Before you even start planning anything you need to know what type of girl you’re dealing with. Is she the type to want to go out or stay in? Is she a foodie or is she an activity person? What has she been complaining about recently that you’ve been hearing, but not listening to? What does she enjoy?
You’ve got to know your girl otherwise you’ll be setting yourself up for failure.
1. THE FIRST QUESTION (MOST IMPORTANT)
FREE
Will you be my Valentine? Trust me, this is the most important formula to this whole piece. Without this question, all your efforts damn near become void.
As a guy, it seems like just mere words, but for women, it’s almost like a silent code of validation that as a man I doubt I will ever understand. But the fact of the matter is without these 5 words, you’re setting yourself up for a bitter Valentine’s Day and the dreaded “I just find it funny how…” conversation.
2. LOVE HANDLES
£5-£25
Shout out my guy CJ, I can’t even take credit for this one. I’ll let it be known that bro is by no means a broke-boi, he touches PAPER! He just does not like spending.
Sometimes, all your girl wants is a basket full of little things that show you pay attention to her. It doesn’t have to be any thing crazy.
I’m talking her favourite snacks, sweets, chocolates, beverages (I don’t understand why girls love beverages so much). You could slap in a little face mask and candles, even reup her lip gloss.
Basically just a bundle of little things that you know she’d appreciate and make use of.
3. SIP/SPLIFF & PAINT
£20-£50
If your girl likes to dabble in the arts, then this ones always a good shout. Big up Billy, I remember when he told me about this one a couple years back.
In this economy, a quality sip and paint session could run you anywhere from £25-£40 per head. But when you do the maths, it doesn’t really add up.
All you need to do is take a trip to Flying Tiger, The Works, WH Smith (now TG Jones) or your preferred stationary shop, grab a 2 canvases, you might even find a pack of 4. Pick up some paint, a few brushes and if you’re feeling fancy, an Easel stand.
After that, visit your local bossman/dealer pick up your drink or bud of choice and Bob’s you’re uncle. You sip and you paint.
To create some ambience, make a playlist of both your favourite songs that fit the mood, some snacks, setup a few (tealight) candles and enjoy each others company.
One great thing about this one is you can flex the location. If you can’t do this at home, if you drive, find a nice location to park up at (hmu I’ll put you on some of my favourite spots to park up around London).
Even if you don’t drive, if the canvas isn’t obnoxiously big, I’m sure there are a few places you could post up at and catch a vibe (Ideally somewhere indoors. Try to minimise the discomfort as much as possible. Sitting in the cold is NOT comfortable, I don’t care how real your girl is, if she’s not comfortable this will backfire).
The most important thing when it comes to this sip & paint is the quality time. I’ll be real if you’re not going to be present then don’t bother. The value comes from the conversations, creativity, vulnerability that comes with probably not being a good painter but just doing it anyway.
Free Game: Every 5 minutes swap canvases with each other this way you both have a touch of the other to take with you.
4. THE LETTER (MY GO TO)
£1-£5
You see this one yeah, game changer! It’s never failed me. So simple but so effective.
Just write your girl a letter. On some corny sh*t. But when all else fails, pen to paper will always work. All you need is paper (I suggest lined), an envelope and a pen. If you’ve got time to post, then a stamp (first class always), but by the time this piece comes out, you won’t have time.
But here’s the pattern,
Write your girl a letter. It could be about anything but it has to come from the heart. The more personal, the better. Talk about what you love/like about her, a memory you’ve shared together, reference an inside joke that you have, the future.
Just write. Starting is the awkward part because tapping into that side of your “vulnerablilty” isn’t the most comfortable thing in the world, but after a couple lines, the words will just start flowing.
Remember, the more personal the better. From your handwriting to your words, there’s not much more thought that can go into that.
Flowers die, letters live forever. Unless she loses it, burns it or throws it away, the letter isn’t going anywhere.
Free Game: Once you’ve written the letter, spray a bit of your cologne on the paper (from a distance) so that when she opens the envelope she’s greeted by the smell of your scent – a sensory experience.
Note: Usually I would say post it to her, so you also hit her with the element of surprise but because of time, hand delivery works just as well.
MUM’S LIFE THIS IS GAME, DON’T WASTE IT ON SOME ANY-ANY GIRL BRO
5. THE DINNER DATE
£25+
On Valentine’s Day, most people’s default is simply booking a restaurant and paying extortionate prices for food they know they could have replicated at home if they really wanted to, so why not just replicate it at home.
This one definitely is the most time consuming, but it’s fun. Put together a 3 course meal for shawty. Starters, mains, desserts. The devil is in the details.
Once you have an idea of what is it you want to make, open Canva, find a “Menu Template” and create a menu for the restaurant that you’ll be inviting her to, in other words your crib.
A simple design, fancy names for the meals, and whatever you think it makes to create a quality dining experience.
Once that’s done, send her an email, not text, along the lines of “Your invitation to….” bascially confirming her “booking” at said restaurtant for a suggested time. Mention dress code and attach your “professionally” designed menu to the email so she knows what to expect.
The long part is actually cooking the food. From scratch is always recommended but shortcuts are also allowed depending on how much time and effort you want to invest.
Regardless of whether or not the food is 10/10 (aim for 10/10 though) it’s the effort that will be appreciated.
Girl aside, this option is just a good way to get out of your comfort zone and give yourself and excuse to do something you wouldn’t usually do. It’s not everyday meal prep rice and chicken.
Sha, just pray to God, you don’t feed her something she’s allergic to because at that point you’re on your own.
FREE GAME: Print out the menu and have it on the table on arrival to add to the experience. Bonus points for wine glasses and candles.
DO ME PROUD
That’s all the game I’m willing to give away for now. I’ve tried to consider the different love languages that a girl could have. At the end of the day no bread shouldn’t mean no Valentine’s. Don’t let your girl suffer because of your situation. All it takes is a little bit of creativity, some thought and a bit of effort.
It’s easier said than done, but broski, trust me, when it is done, it makes a whole world of difference.
Anyway, goodluck to you man! And if you’re a lady reading this, just know, sometimes even if he truly wanted to, it doesn’t always mean he can.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
W
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