5 Ways for Retirees to celebrate Valentine’s Day Without Spending a Fortune

Valentine’s Day! Whether you love it or hate it it’s hard to ignore this blatantly commercialized holiday. Billions are spent each year on greeting cards, candy, flowers, and jewelry. But in retirement, when there can be more excess time than money, simple activities done together may be a better way to keep the day special.

Here are 5 things to do along with 5 suggestions for doing them.

WATCH A ROMANTIC COMEDY

Curl up on the sofa with a box of chocolates and enjoy these 5 classics:

MAKE DINNER TOGETHER

Here are 5 delicious options:

• Shrimp Scampi ~ pair with Pino Grigio. There is just something so romantic about this dish.
• Filet Minon with Tossed Salad ~ pair with Pino Noir. Get creative and make a colorful salad for the occasion.
• Heart Shaped Pancakes ~ pair with Mimosas. Include syrup or whipped cream and fruit for a sweet breakfast for dinner night.
• Spaghetti and Meatballs ~ pair with Merlot. Make it extra fun by enjoying this popular pasta dish while viewing Lady and the Tramp.
• Backyard Barbecue ~ pair with Light Beer. Fire up the grill for an off-season cookout. Along with your hamburgers and hotdogs make some Valentine deviled eggs, adding red food coloring to the yolk filling.

LISTEN TO SOME OLD RECORDS

Chances are you won’t still have the actual records but whatever your device, throw on some romantic loves songs. You can just sit together and listen or better yet, take a whirl around the room.

Here are 5 love songs to get you in the mood:

• Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis Presley
• I Only Have Eyes for You – The Flamingos
• When a Man Loves a Woman – Percy Sledge
• Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You – Frankie Valli
• Close to You – The Carpenters

HAVE SOME FUN IN YOUR HOMETOWN

Here are 5 fun activities for little or no cost and you won’t have to go too far.

PLAY GAMES

There is nothing better for a relationship than a dose of healthy competition. A game day or night can be a great way to celebrate your love.

Try these 5 two player games:

Hearts

Scrabble

Backgammon

Trivial Pursuit

Chess