By June Ramli
Perth, Feb 13: As Valentine’s Day collides with rising living costs, couples are quietly rethinking what romance looks like.
Beyond candlelit dinners and bouquets, a new question is emerging: can a practical gift — even cash — carry the same emotional weight as traditional tokens of love?
In many Asian cultures, gifting money is already woven into celebrations.
From birthdays and weddings to festive occasions such as Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, and Deepavali, cash is considered thoughtful, respectful, and empowering.
By contrast, Western traditions have long leaned toward curated surprises — wrapped presents, chocolates, jewellery, or gift cards.
But with financial pressures reshaping household priorities, the line between practicality and romance is beginning to blur.
Relationship and behavioural experts suggest the answer lies less in the gift itself and more in the intention behind it.
Licensed therapist Krista Walker, LCSW, J.D., notes that while cash may feel pragmatic, it can also risk appearing impersonal if delivered without care.
“While I appreciate the practical angle of gifting your sweetheart cash for Valentine’s Day, this can come across as a low-effort gift. The thrill of Valentine’s Day is actually the frivolousness for the sake of love. Nobody ‘needs’ a dozen roses, oversized teddy bear, or diamond earrings. That’s the point! It’s all about romance, whimsy, and thoughtfulness.”
Walker warns that money, when framed poorly, may unintentionally signal emotional distance.
“By offering a practical gift like cash, you’re basically saying that you think your involvement is transactional and free of joyful spontaneity.”
However, she emphasises that context can transform perception.
“If you’re adamant about giving cash, it should at least be paired with flowers or a cute stuffed animal to avoid this becoming a very awkward exchange.”
Other experts argue that cash can indeed be romantic — if it reflects emotional attentiveness.
Consumer and lifestyle business owner Serina Lee explains that financial gifts resonate when they clearly acknowledge a partner’s lived reality.
“Cash can be romantic when it’s paired with emotional context — like tucking it in a card that says ‘I know you’ve been stressed about X, so here’s one less thing to worry about.'”
She adds that targeted support often feels even more meaningful.
“Many couples find that targeted practical help — like surprising them by paying their car insurance, stocking the fridge with their favorite foods, or booking them a massage — feels more personal.”
Acts of service, Lee says, frequently deliver the strongest emotional impact.
“Taking over bedtime with the kids so they can sleep in, handling the task they’ve been dreading, or planning a cheap-but-thoughtful date removes invisible labor and says ‘your peace matters to me.'”
From a financial perspective, practicality is increasingly seen as its own form of intimacy.
Dan Wilderness, founder of personal finance platform The Financial Wilderness, says cash is not inherently unromantic — but it requires nuance.
“Giving cash can be romantic, but it’s pretty fraught with danger and not a choice for the faint hearted!”He highlights the common pitfall: “There’s a real danger of it looking like a gift given because you forgot or didn’t want to make an effort.”
His advice? Anchor the gesture in a shared narrative.
“Make clear the money is supporting something very specific and orientated to you as a couple — for instance: ‘Let’s build a fund together to do our once in a lifetime trip.'”
Meanwhile, gift card specialists point to a middle ground between symbolism and utility.
Consumer gift card expert Shelley Hunter believes essentials can sometimes be the most emotionally intelligent choice.
“When the economy or your personal budget are especially challenging, I believe essentials is the most romantic gift you can give — it says ‘I see you.'”
Her creative framing examples blur humour with affection:
“A gas station gift card makes a fantastic Valentine’s Day gift if you write ‘I’d go anywhere with you.'”
Ultimately, experts agree that Valentine’s gifting is evolving, not disappearing. Whether it’s roses, a paid bill, a thoughtfully chosen gift card, or discreetly gifted cash, the emotional message remains the true currency.
Because in an era of tighter budgets, romance may be less about extravagance — and more about understanding.
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