Snag Some Swag On Valentine’s Day — Here’s Where And How

Valentine’s Day has gotten a bad rap for being an expensive, commercially-driven holiday with no true meaning, but it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, you don’t even have to be half of a couple in order to snag some free (or bargain-priced) swag on Valentine’s Day. All you have to do is show up at any of the following places and score some goodies for yourself — your date is totally optional.

Anyone who decides to purchase $10 worth of gift cards at Steak ‘n Shake will get a complimentary Valentine’s shake now through Valentine’s Day. Who says fast food can’t be romantic?

The deal at Qdoba is a little cuter and much more romantic. Rather than having to purchase gift cards in order to score, the restaurant has brought back its “Qdoba for a kiss” promotion to participating locations for Valentine’s Day. Simply kissing your date will get you a BOGO meal. In fact, you don’t even have to kiss your Valentine. Creative customers have scored the BOGO deal by kissing themselves, or a photo of their favorite celebrity. So, if you’re single, grab a picture of your Hollywood crush and score yourself lunch and dinner.

It seems Hooters understands that it may not be a top destination for courting couples on Valentine’s Day, so the restaurant best known for waitresses in short-shorts and buffalo wings is offering a buy 10 wings, get 10 wings free if you are willing to “shred your ex.” Single people can bring in pictures of their ex into participating locations on Valentine’s Day and literally put their exes through a shredder — or you can even do it online! You can then drown your sorrows in a heaping plate of twenty hot wings.

For the more traditional couples, Outback Steakhouse and Chili’s are both offering great deals for Valentine’s Day. On Valentine’s day itself, Outback Steakhouse is offering a dinner for two, complete (of course) with a bloomin’ onion, steaks, sides, salads and cheesecake — all for only $40. Chili’s is offering it’s “Cupid’s Combo for Two,” which, at a mere $35, comes with two Presidente margaritas, an appetizer, two sirloin steaks, and white chocolate molten cake.

Nothing says romance like tequila.

Of course, there is something for pizza lovers, as well, on Valentine’s Day. California Pizza Kitchen is offering its “Sweet Deal for 2,” which consists of one appetizer, two entrees and a dessert to split (or not split!) for $32.

For wine lovers, TGI Friday’s is slashing their bottles of wine by 50 percent through Valentine’s Day, and offering other drink specials, as well. And no one said you have to share a bottle of wine, so this is another great deal whether you have a significant other to share Valentine’s Day with or not.

If you’re thinking about popping the question on Valentine’s Day, and the diamond engagement ring has left your wallet a little light, consider getting down on one knee at Mimi’s Cafe. Simply show staff the ring, do your thing, and Mimi’s Cafe will reward your commitment with free cake and champagne. If you aren’t quite there yet, simply profess your love for your love on the restaurant’s Facebook page by Valentine’s Day and you’ll get a coupon for a free entree.

On a more serious note, and one that relates to your actual heart rather than dealing with matters of the heart, Sam’s Club is offering a free heart health screening the day before Valentine’s Day to both members and the public on Saturday, February 13 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The heart health screenings are available at all Sam’s Club locations with a pharmacy. The screening is valued at $150 and includes the following tests:

• Blood pressure
• Total cholesterol
• HDL (good cholesterol)
• Glucose
• Body mass index (BMI)
• Vision (not available at all locations)
• Hearing (not available at all locations)

Have a happy (and bargain-filled) Valentine’s Day!

[Image via Shutterstock]