Since we're really broke (just bought a house and all that jazz), I've been trying to figure out a way to celebrate but minus the money.
Here's my frugal tips for special occasions :)
1. Always look for coupons
Restaurants.com, Living Social, Groupon are just a few great places to get food half off or more. We like trying new places and coupons are a wonderful way to go. And usually they are just enough to feed two.
2. Look for rebates and special offers
We wanted to see a movie but there's nothing we like out on theater. Plus the thought of tossing away $25 on movie tickets, plus popcorn and sodas, etc. just kills me. For 2 hrs of short lived entertainment- ouch. So we found a wonderful deal on Disney MyMovieRewards. $7 coupon off a movie we've been waiting to come out on DVD, snatched it up AND it comes with a free theater ticket for another movie we want to see. $20 on 2 movies- not bad. PLUS it give me just enough MyMovieRewards that I can get a free season of Zorro. Triple win!
3. When no coupons are available- look for specials
If you're not lucky enough to find a coupon for dinner, trying a place that does a 2 for $-- deal. Sometimes you can save money just by getting a 2 for 1.
4. Do something unique but free
Sometimes a date doesn't have to cost a ton. We have several nice greenways, parks, etc. within driving distance that we LOVE to go to even without the kids. Take a bike ride, go fishing, just walk together and enjoy each other's company. Bookstores, museums, art shows are some of the ways we've enjoyed our anniversary for free.
5. Ditch the card and go homemade
My hubs HATES cards. Admittedly so do I. What a waste of trees. However if you are a card person, how much more wonderful is it to get a homemade one! It's super special simply because its lovingly made and one-of-a-kind.
6. Swap childcare with a friend
Now we are super duper blessed to have a wonderful live-in Mother-in-law who loves us and is occasionally willing to watch our kids. But I'm also lucky to have friends who are willing to swap childcare and sometimes friends from church who are just nice enough to watch our kids because they love us. When we can't find someone though we include the kids. Yes is less of a date but still can be fun as long as we are together.
7. Find a frugal gift
Along with that homemade card, do some homemade gifts. They can be as simple as a coupon set made to order- like "free massage redeemable anytime", or "free pass to the disc golf course".
Any way you celebrate, the most important thing is that you are together and Christ is center.
Here's to a happy 11 years and many many more to come!
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