If you’re in love this Valentine’s Day, chances are, you’re about to be a little less wealthy too. Approximately $27.4 billion will be spent this year on Valentine’s Day alone, according to the National Retail Federation. Individuals are expected to spend around $191.61 on sweets like chocolate, and vegetables, like one to two carat diamond rings. While love may be in the air, it’s definitely not in your wallet this VDay holiday.
So what’s the best way to prepare for Friday’s expensive holiday? Don’t worry, for we have a few suggestions that might help you save a few bucks this year.
Photo courtesy of Grillo’s Pickles.
Does she love a nice juicy pickle? Well, then we have good news for you, buddy! Grillo’s Pickles is offering a do-it-yourself pickle bouquet for just $25. Give her the dill she desires, at a price you’ll love. This DIY kit comes with all the tools and decorations to personalize the bouquet. It also comes with an empty Grillo’s pickle jar to use as a vase, not to mention a coupon for a free jar of pickles to really pull it all together (60 Kendrick St, Needham Heights, MA).
Photo courtesy of Grillo’s Pickles.
Started in 2010, founder Travis Grillo has been using his family’s 100 year-old recipe to craft a pickle so delicious that the start-up brand instantly became a hit in Boston.
Photo courtesy of Grillo’s Pickles.
Grillo’s are sold at name brands like Whole Foods, and can even be found in Fenway Park. Hopefully these pickles help you score big, just like they did for Grillo! If the ol’ pickle in a bouquet trick doesn’t pan out, not to worry, Kings Dining & Entertainment has another option for you.
You literally cannot strike out at King’s this Valentine’s Day!
For those lacking true love to celebrate this Valentine’s Day and perhaps looking to do something a little more creative, find your way to Kings Dining & Entertainment. For only $10 you can “Strike Out Your Ex.” The rules are simple: receive a keepsake bowling pin, write the ex’s name on it, and knock them into the gutter! To help remedy your lack luster VDay, Kings will also giving you your very own Bumble code to get you back into the game. No gutter balls here. Kings Boston locations include Back Bay(50 Dalton St, Boston, MA), and Seaport (60 Seaport Blvd Suite 225).
Fully committed? We have those plans covered, too! For those who physically got married on Valentine’s Day, you get to redeem free tickets for Love Story at Showcase Cinema de Lux Lowell, Blackstone Valley 14 Cinema de Lux, and Showcase Cinema de Lux Revere. The movie will only be shown tonight, February 12th, at 7:00 pm. These special VDay tickets come with a complimentary food and drink combo of their choice. All you need to do is present a photo copy of your marriage certificate at the box office to redeem the free tickets.
Photo courtesy of Bukowski Tavern/Cambridge.
Not celebrating a true Love Story this year? Attend Bukowski Tavern’s annual “‘F*** Valentine’s Day’ Party” especially designed for the broken-hearted. Head over to their Cambridge location to share your best love-lorn stories on stage as Boston-based podcast Old Dirty Boston hosts and shares the event. To make the night even more – un-romantic – Boston comedian Steve Sweeney will emcee the night. Dine on Bukowski’s regular menu and try one of the tavern’s signature F*** Valentine’s Day Cocktails to help numb your pain (1281 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA).
Can your love stand the test of time? What about in a contest against 49 other couples? Bring your date to Faneuil Hall on Saturday, February 15th at 1pm to see if you can hold the “Longest Kiss in Boston”. You and your partner will have to keep an item (TBD) between your lips as long as you can – NO LEANING, NO HANDS. The last couple standing wins an amazing prize pack from Faneuil Hall’s neighborhood vendors and partners.
If you come through Faneuil Hall to spectate, you’ll enjoy live swing music throughout the contest and then learn to swing with instructors from Boston Swing Central. The lessons are free and beginners are welcome. No partner necessary … perhaps you’ll meet your new valentine at the dance! Next, it’s live swing music provided by The Easy Winners Sextet throughout the afternoon.
Photo courtesy of Rare.
Looking to spend Valentine’s Day in a traditional – and a little more expensive way – make your reservations now for Rare at Encore Boston. On both Valentine’s Day and Saturday night, February 15, Rare will offer a special four-course tasting menu for $95 in addition to the regular menu. Guests at Rare Steakhouse will be treated to a Hot Shellfish Platter of King Crab, Jumbo Shrimp & Littleneck Clams, before an indulgent Beef & Scallop Wellington with Black Truffle Jus. The evening ends with a stunning Baked Alaska for two. Additionally, the experience will begin with a celebratory sip & include a take-home surprise from Chef.
Photo courtesy of Sinatra.
Also at Encore on both Valentine’s Day and Saturday night, February 15, Sinatra will offer a special four-course tasting menu for $95 in addition to the regular menu. The menu is highlighted by Beet Caramelle Pasta with Burro Fuso first course and Italian Surf & Turf featuring Filet of Beef paired with Lobster Milanese as a second course. Each two top will receive one of their signature gold records with a selection of mini desserts to finish. Additionally, the experience will begin with a celebratory sip & include a take-home surprise from Chef.
Photo courtesy of Ritz Carlton Boston.
On Thursday, Feb. 13, The Ritz-Carlton’s newly redesigned Avery Bar is celebrating Galentine’s Day by offering complimentary cocktail and food tastings from 6 to 8 p.m. Bring your friends to enjoy some samples of their craft cocktails and bar bites, all the while browsing a selection of DevotionaLuxe jewelry from local artist Susan Gillis. There will also be a tarot card reader available as well for some fun love-related readings. No reservations required (10 Avery Street).
Photo courtesy of City Tap Boston.
You may have fallen in love with “Sex and the City” once but get ready to do so again at City Tap House’s “Sex and the City TAP HOUSE” Galentine’s Day brunch! Grab your girls ’cause this is how it’s going down: DJ T-Rex spinning the best of the ’90s & ’00s; Decadent brunch & dessert specials: Carrie Cupcake bedazzled with rose buttercream; Smoked Salmon Carpaccio; Macaroons & Mimosas; Yogurt Parfait Martini; and Chocolate-Covered Strawberries; Cosmos for days (DUH!); Mimosa bar; and a NYC-themed photo station! (10 Boston Wharf Road).
Photo courtesy of Flight Club Boston.
Flight Club Boston is celebrating ‘business as usual’ this Valentine’s Day, but we think throwing darts in your own private oche – which can be booked online to play Social Darts to your heart’s desire – while enjoying the venue’s Happy Hour specials (4-6pm) that include some seafood favorites: $1.50 oysters & shrimp, $1.00 littleneck clams, Uni Toast, Fried Belly clams, and $5.00 cotton candy is a very sweet way to kick off your Valentine’s Date Night (60 Seaport Blvd., Suite 215).
Photo courtesy of Top of the Hub.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with the best view in Boston. As most of Greater Boston now knows, the Top of the Hub bar and restaurant will be closing on April 18, 2020 after more than 54 years in business. Don’t miss you chance to take in arguably Boston’s most amazing view this Valentine’s Day (800 Boylston St).
Photo courtesy of California Pizza Kitchen.
California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) is showing major love for Valentine’s Day this year with the return of beloved fan favorites and new offerings that guests are sure to adore. Back by popular demand from Feb. 11-16, guests can order any CPK pizza on special heart-shaped crispy thin crust* for no additional charge. Diners can also take advantage of CPK’s Valentine’s Day meal special for the sweet price of just $35 with CPK’s “Sweet Deal for Two” prix fix menu, available Feb. 12-16. Guests who dine-in anytime between Feb. 11-16 will receive a special card to redeem for a buy one, get one free offer during a return visit and be eligible to enter a one-of-a-kind California Wine Country Sweepstakes, featuring a romantic two-night stay in Sonoma, Calif., an afternoon with the winemaker at Truett Hurst Winery, and dinner for two with wine pairings at Charlie Palmer’s Dry Creek Kitchen, courtesy of CPK and premium wine partner, Colby Red.
Photo courtesy of Harpoon Brewery
Celebrate Galentine’s Day with your besties at Harpoon Brewery. Don’t wait for someone to bring you flowers, create your own Valentine’s Day bouquet! Treat yourself to a girl’s night out. Your ticket includes your very own beer so you can “sip” back and enjoy while you craft your arrangement
No matter what you do or who it’s with, never forget what Valentine’s day is all about: Love lots of spending!