YOU don't have to spend a fortune on cards this Valentine's Day to declare your feelings for a loved one.
The average Valentine's Day spend is £52 but sometimes it is the more personal rather than pricey gifts that are most appreciated.
Lockdown may have the limited opportunities to get loved-up over the past year but those already in a couple or secret admirers can still try to find romance amid the pandemic this Valentine's Day.
Even so, it may be slightly harder to declare your love this year though as many non-essential shops are closed.
You can't just pop to the local card shop and instead are left with only your local supermarket or even petrol station to desperately browse and pick a card in-store.
But there are ways you can send a free or cheap Valentine's Day card to your loved one without even leaving the house. Here's how:
Make your own – from 66p
Anyone can pickup a slushy Valentine's Day card from a shop, but you could show your crafty side by making your own.
Plus now that the UK is under full lockdown restrictions, you may find you have more time on your hands.
Seek inspiration from websites such as Pinterest where you will find lots of free designs using materials such as card and ribbon.
Some Pinterest posts may even show you how to make your own Valentine's Day cards or let you buy crafts that have impressed you.
For example, RedTedArt has a post showing you how to make pop-up Valentine's Day cards.
The only cost would be your materials and a postage stamp – 85p for first class or 66p for second class – unless you deliver it personally.
Design online – from £1.25
Give your card a more professional look using DIY design websites such as Moonpig or Snapfish.
These websites will let you design a Valentine's Day card using your own photos and wording.
A standard A5-sized Valentine's Day card costs around £3.50 on Moonpig but it is currently offering 40% off cards designed in its app. Delivery is 76p.
You can download the app on an Apple or Android smartphone and you will need to register with your name and email address to start designing.
Snapfish cards start at £1.25 and standard delivery is 99p.
It is currently offering 50% off custom folded cards designed through its website but you will have to act fast as the deal expires on January 24.
Supermarket cards – from £1
Some stores are allowed to stay open throughout lockdown because they're classed as essential retailers, such as supermarkets and discounters, like Pounland and B&M.
Alongside groceries and household goods, these retailers typically stock cards, which you can add to your basket on your next essential trip out.
Retailers including Tesco and Sainsbury's aren't stocking Valentine's Day cards online yet, so it might be worth keeping an eye out for them in store.
Budget shoppers can already pickup a £1 Valentine's Day card at Poundland, which also has its own range of engagement rings.
Poundland is selling a Joey Tribbiani themed Valentine's Day card for just £1, so you ask your loved one his catchphrase "how you doing?"
E-cards – free
Email may not be the most romantic way to send a Valentine's Day card but so much of our lives have gone remote over the past year anyway.
You can send your loved one an e-card through email, which may actually make a change from Zoom or Teams meeting invites.
You can send free e-cards from websites such as eCards.co.uk or 123Greetings, which offer a mix of romantic and raunchy message.
Moonpig users can also design and send an e-card for 99p.
See where you can buy the cheapest Valentine's Day roses.
Check out Co-op’s £15 Valentine’s Day meal deal including steak, chorizo arancini and Prosecco.
Valentine’s Day gifts for her 2021: The top romantic, non-cheesy and alternative gifts for women.
Source: Read Full Article
