Valentine's Day on a budget

Mark Mulumba is a single father of 3. He recently fell in love and wants to do something special for his girlfriend on Valentine’s Day.

“I have just taken 2 of my children back to school and I am cash-strapped. Whereas my girlfriend is not very demanding, I still want to do something special for her on Valentine’s Day,” he says.

For Joseph Katongole, it is the scare of the trending expensive gifts.

“I see men offering bouquets of money. I have just started working and I cannot afford to splash a big sum on valentine's but I still want to do something special for my girlfriend,” he says.

With the harsh economic times, and the children just back to school, valentines couldn’t have fallen at a worse time. Or it seems.

But Sandra Namuli of Gifts galore reassures that one need not break the bank to please a loved one on Valentine’s Day.

“To begin with, the day is about appreciating people you love, first consider your lover’s interest so that you do not misfire. One can splurge on a gift or event that the recipient might not fully appreciate. For instance, if one is not keen on reading, do not waste money buying them the latest book like “Spare” By Prince Harry just because it is what is trending currently because it will just collect dust on the shelf,” she illustrates.

If one is a jewellery lover, for example, buy it wisely by choosing sets. Instead of buying an expensive necklace, get a set with a matching ring, bracelet, and watch. That way you get more for a lower price and they can be worn separately, separately.

If the person is a nature lover, buy a simple indoor plant. There are many along the roadside, but also if they cannot take care of the plan there are artificial versions at an affordable price and they need no maintenance.

Another cost-saving method is Do It Yourself or DIY, Angela Namutebi an events planner suggests planning something at home if you cannot afford to go out.

“Make a special dinner at home, and do a simple set up with table linen, petals and a bottle of wine. This is cheaper than eating out. Ordering in is another option. The restaurants usually have valentine’s discounts and combos plus the added convenience of delivery,” she says.

She adds that there are a variety of themes one can create at home like a movie night, with popcorn, and pillows on the floor and watch romantic movies like Titanic, the Note Book or other genres of choice in addition, one can record a video and play it for their loved one to create beautiful lasting memories.

Décor can be very easy to set up. Simple linen, candles, petals or balloons are enough to change the ambience at home.