What you need to know:
- Punitive tax and shrinking payslips pushing Kenyans to apply austerity measures
- Consider fun and budget-friendly ideas for your valentines celebrations
Punitive tax and austerity measures have impacted heavily on Kenyans’ salaries and very few would be willing to go out of their way financially as of now to impress their significant other.
Given that this year’s Valentine’s happens to fall on a working day,Ghetto Radio takes a look at some fun and budget-friendly ideas for you to consider:
Breakfast in Bed
Couples who live with each other can start the day off on a sweet note by surprising themselves with breakfast in bed. They prepare their favorite breakfast foods like pancakes, waffles, or scrambled eggs, along with a cup of coffee or tea.
This is also an option for couples who might have off days on Valentine’s Day and spend the night with each other on the eve of the 14th.
Love Notes
Many of us used to leave small love notes for our partners to find throughout the day. Hiding them in their pockets, wallets, or lunch bags brightens their day and reminds them of our love.
While married couples might still do this, the world has gone digital, and all it takes is a love note sent to your significant other or casual partner through WhatsApp and social media platforms such as Instagram.
Do It Yourself (DIY) Lunch Date
Instead of going out for lunch, pack a homemade lunch for both of you and have a picnic in a nearby park or even at your workplace. N.B: not your office, in this case, an office block.
It is a romantic and budget-friendly way to spend some quality time together during the day. Alternatively, you can arrange for a lunch date at your favorite kibandaski (small restaurant) with friendly costs compared to high-end restaurants.
After-Work Happy Hour
Skip the expensive dinner reservations as well as expensive drinks at a luxurious bar and opt for a relaxed happy hour at home.
You can shop for your favorite drinks at the supermarket after work and make some cocktails or mocktails at home. Put on some music, and unwind together after a long day.
Cook Together
Again, steer clear of the expensive dinner dates and plan to cook dinner together in the evening.
Choose a simple and delicious recipe that you can prepare together in the kitchen. Cooking together can be a fun and romantic bonding activity.
Movie Night
Create a cozy movie night at home with your favorite romantic films or TV shows through streaming platforms such as Netflix. You may not need a TV for this one as both of you can watch via your laptop or phone with a pair of earphones/Bluetooth speaker and through whichever of you has an active subscription.
Bring out some snacks, cuddle on the couch or bed, and enjoy a relaxing evening together without spending a fortune.
Homemade Dessert
Create a homemade dessert together as a sweet ending to your Valentine’s Day celebrations.
Whether it is baking cakes, making fruit salad, or indulging in bars of chocolates, the process of creating something delicious together can be a fun and intimate experience.
Plan a Future Date
Spend some time together planning a future date or adventure. Remember, Valentine’s is on a weekend and not recognized as an official holiday even though it is celebrated by billions worldwide through the exchange of gifts and spending time together.
Whether it is a weekend getaway, a day trip to a nearby town, or trying out a new activity together, discussing and planning future experiences can be exciting and build anticipation for more quality time together.
Exchange Personalized Gifts
Instead of buying expensive gifts, exchange personalized and meaningful gifts that won’t interfere adversely with your budget.
It could be a handmade card, a photo album of your favorite memories together, or a playlist of songs that remind you of each other, all of which can also be made possible digitally through photo editing platforms and your phone’s gallery.
End the Day with Gratitude
Before going to bed, take a moment to express gratitude for each other and the time you spent together. Reflect on the highlights of the day and reaffirm your love and commitment to each other.
