*This post contains a paid link, however, all thoughts and recommendations are my own.

Being a parent is a full-time job, you spend your time completely focused on your kids and sometimes barely have time to think about yourself. So with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, I thought I would share some quick tips to help you show your love for your other half – without breaking the bank when you barely have time to brush your hair!

The food of love…

Ok, so you have no time to arrange something elaborate, but you want to make it look like you’ve made an effort. In the earliest days of my relationship, pre-kids, I would make homemade pizza or something really special. Now, however, on a normal day, we tend to dine on freezer tapas. In the weeks that lead up to Valentine’s Day, have a look at the discounted areas in the supermarkets for a “whoops” bargain. Put it straight in the freezer and then it’s ready for the 14th Feb. I love a bargain and have found some amazing bits and bobs. I usually end up “upcycling” my finds as well by adding ingredients to really make the meal seem fancy.

Another option is the £10 deals – places like Asda and Tesco do offers with a main, side, dessert and drink for a tenner. As Valentine’s approaches, these tend to get more expensive so get ahead of the game and pick one up in the weeks approaching to save a few pounds and have a nice meal ready to go.

A little something…

Now you’ve got the food sorted it’s time to think about the gift. Everything can be very expensive – perfumes and jewellery seem the obvious choices. There are ways to find bargains when everyone seems to add zeros to the end of the price tags. Start off by having a look at the cashback websites, places like Quidco and TopCashback etc offer some brilliant deals for new accounts; or if you already have an account see if you have some money stored on there ready to use.

The other alternatives are the good old voucher code websites. Before I press “buy” online I always Google the shop to see if there is a coupon code, even the biggest stores have deals. I’ve managed to get loads of money off on products from l’Occitane and Pandora etc. in the past – but if you’re buying for him – there are always offers on men’s clothes at places like Jacamo, Boots or The Perfume Shop (for fragrances).

If you are prepared enough it is always a good idea to shop in the sales after Christmas. Gift sets and all kinds of presents are available with big discounts if you shop savvy. Lush has an amazing post-Christmas sale and you can always find something little from the drug stores like Superdrug that would just fit the bill.

If in doubt, make it out…

Finally, if you are looking for something more personal, you can make something. It really doesn’t need to be a crappy papier-mache gift. Make out some vouchers to your other half. In my house, a few vouchers for a nap, a lie-in or an evening not having to do bedtime would be massively appreciated. It shows you care without having to spend a penny. It may seem lame, but I guarantee when they come to cash them in they’ll be over the moon you made them.

Don’t worry that you have to keep up with everyone on Instagram or Facebook with big elaborate gestures of love. The important thing is that you are acknowledging each other. You can lose yourself in the throes of parenthood so taking just a few moments to say “Hey, you’re pretty cool.” is significant.

Do you have any ideas for budget Valentine’s gifts?

*This post contains a paid link, however, all thoughts and recommendations are my own.

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