Seven ways to make money from Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is fast approaching. But if you're not planning to celebrate it, why not make money from it instead?

Valentine’s Day (14 February, for those of you who can’t remember) is just around the corner. And that means it’s time to get thinking about what to buy your loved one.

But for those of you who, like me, can’t stand Valentine’s Day and all its commercialism and mushyness, perhaps you can use the big day to your advantage and make some money out of it instead!

1. Sell cards

Many people are suckers for buying Valentine’s Day cards to show their loved ones how much they care (why they can only show they care on one particular date is beyond me, but who I am to judge?). So why not take advantage of this and make some cards to sell?

Shop-bought cards are usually ridiculously expensive – in the region of £5 to £7 in many cases – so lower your prices slightly to make things competitive and you could make a fortune!

Take a look at the Martha Stewart website for some inspiration. Activity Village also has some good ideas – these are really designed for kids to make, but I don’t think that matters! Or if you’re prepared to spend a little upfront, the Baker Ross website has some great Valentine’s Day craft supplies.

If you’re thinking of selling your goods in the street, you should check with your local authority to see whether this is permitted. Alternatively, sell your cards at work, at your gym, or at any other classes you attend.

2. Sell baked goods

If crafts aren’t really your thing, perhaps you’d rather whip up a few chocolates instead and sell them on as Valentine treats?

How about these easy chocolate truffles to get you started? Or perhaps these Port and Stilton truffles or these chocolate orange truffles?

Alternatively, why not test your skills at cupcake baking? Take a look at these gorgeous-looking Valentine cupcakes and these fantastic Queen of heart cupcakes. Or for something a bit different, how about this recipe for Blueberry Angel Food Cupcakes by Gizzi Erskine.

The Cupcake Recipes website is also packed full of ideas to make your cupcakes extra special.

And if you fancy making some cookies, take a look at this recipe and these ones. 

3. Get cooking

If you’re feeling particularly brave, you might want to try cooking an entire Valentine’s Day meal. See whether any couples you know would be prepared to pay for a three-course meal and service provided by you!

After all, it will save them the stress of cooking at home and they’ll still be able to enjoy being waited on, without being crammed into a crowded restaurant with lots of other loved-up couples! What's more, you’ll be able to make some money out of it, while they will probably save money - restaurants are very clever at boosting their prices in time for 14 February.

For some inspiration, take a look at this Valentine’s Day menu from James Martin. It includes hazelnut butter grilled scallops, chargrilled steak, pistachio and chocolate soufflé, and a Cosmopolitan cocktail.

Alternatively, take a look at the wide range of delicious recipes by Michelin-starred chefs on our sister site lovefood.com.

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4. Babysit

If you know of anyone who might want a night off looking after the kids, why not volunteer your services and babysit? Babysitting rates tend to be between £6 and £10 an hour and if you’re sitting after midnight, you can ask for even more (although your request may not be accepted!). Of course, you’re more likely to be able to charge more if you’re fairly experienced in looking after babies and children.

Even if you don’t know of anyone who might want a babysitter, you could look for work through an agency such as Sitters and Tinies. Or you could post an ad offering your services in the Babysitting & Nannies job section on Gumtree – it has pages for all UK regions. Vivastreet is another option.

You could also post an advert in shop windows – providing you’re granted permission.

5. Throw a singles party

Unsurprisingly, the people who are most likely to hate Valentine’s Day are singletons. After all, it’s a reminder that they’re single. This, of course, won’t bother everyone, but if you know some singletons who need cheering up, why not throw a house party and charge for entry?

The fee doesn’t have to be much – perhaps just enough to cover any drinks and snacks you might provide, and to make a little extra on top. After all, why let couples have all the fun? And you never know, this could be your opportunity to play Cupid!

6. Sell your jewellery

Why not take advantage of a rise in demand for jewellery at this time of year and sell any unwanted stuff of your own? Use websites such as ebay and ebid to try and get a good deal.

Alternatively, if you’re feeling crafty, you could make your own jewellery and sell it on an online marketplace such as Etsy, Folksy, Coriandr, Misi and Not On the High Street.

In fact, you could also sell your cakes and cookies or any other Valentine’s Day gifts on these websites. But you may need to act quickly in order to get your goods on the website in time!

7. Make music

If you’re a talented musician, you could always try your luck at busking. Have a go at singing a few romantic songs, strumming the guitar, playing the keyboard, and see if you can earn a few extra pennies.

(Be warned that if you’re going to do this, it’s a good idea to contact your local authority to check whether busking is prohibited anywhere.)

Alternatively, you could ask your male friends if they will pay you to romantically serenade their girlfriends – obviously on the boyfriend’s behalf! (Or it could be the other way round, of course, with the boyfriend being serenaded!)

Good luck!

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