With Valentine’s Day approaching, the pressure is on to plan the most romantic date that you and your bank account can conjure. Fortunately, you don’t have to spend much when you have some cheap Valentine’s ideas up your sleeve.
Wondering how to celebrate Valentine’s Day when you’re broke? We’ve gathered a slew of budget-friendly date ideas and Valentine’s Day gift ideas for every taste.
An Evening at the Spa
When most people imagine cheap Valentine’s Day ideas, they don’t think of a spa day. However, you don’t have to drop hundreds at an actual spa to relax and indulge together.
Start with fluffy robes and soft lighting at home to set the mood. Depending on your preferences, you might give one another massages, apply face masks with cucumber slices, treat each other to mani/pedis, or all of the above.
Takeout and Video Games
If your significant other is into gaming, spending a night sharing in their favorite pastime can be a grand romantic gesture. It might even be more fun than you think. Let them decide where to grab food and then enjoy a relaxing night in playing the hottest new games.
An Intimate Hike
If you and your partner both love the outdoors, enjoying some natural beauty together can be a great way to spend the day. You might revisit your favorite trail or embark on an adventure somewhere new to you both.
Lights Out
A little imagination goes a long way when you’re looking for cheap Valentine’s ideas. Try pretending that there’s a power outage and rely entirely on firelight. If you have a fireplace, you can cook hot dogs, toast marshmallows, or read romantic poetry in the soft, warm glow.
Fitness Fun
Working out might not sound like a particularly romantic experience. However, if you and your significant other both enjoy exercising, getting after it together can be a lot of fun.
If you don’t have a gym membership, take advantage of the free day passes many gyms offer. As a bonus, you can enjoy a little post-workout relaxation in the sauna or hot tub.
Bowling for Two
If you’re looking for a retro date idea that’s also affordable, don’t overlook the bowling alley. Even if you’re not an expert bowler, you can still have a blast with a little friendly competition.
Most bowling alleys have snack bars (and some have actual bars), so this option can double as a cheap dinner date. If you have friends who are looking for something to do on Valentine’s Day, you can even make it a double (or group) date.
Coupon Booklet
Can’t decide on cheap Valentine’s Day presents? You don’t have to buy expensive jewelry to show your special someone that you love them.
If you’re having trouble thinking of gift ideas, the classic coupon book is an oldie but a goody. Besides romantic “deals,” make sure to include tasks that will make your loved one’s life a little easier, such as kid-free time or buying and putting away the groceries.
Cooking Together
Preparing food together can be surprisingly intimate if you’d prefer a quiet night in. Whether you cook a lavish, complex meal or just whip up something simple and scrumptious, you’re sure to have a Valentine’s Day to remember.
Chopped-Style Cooking Competition
Some Valentine’s Day date ideas are less conventional than others. If you and your boo are more the competitive type, you might recreate the set of Chopped in your own kitchen. Gather together a collection of unusual ingredients, set a time limit, and see who can come up with the best dish!
Movie Night
Going to the movies has a timeless appeal, but if you don’t want to spend $10 on a bucket of popcorn, hosting your own movie night at home can be a wallet-friendly alternative. Make a pillow fort (or just snuggle up under the blankets) and get cozy while you put on a couple of your favorite films.
Mini Road Trip
If you’re looking for affordable Valentine ideas that break the mold, consider taking a road trip—without shelling out a small fortune for gas or spending hours behind the wheel. Simply pick a nearby spot you’ve never visited before and make the trip together.
It doesn’t have to be elaborate. Even a quiet date at a coffee shop in the next town over can be an enjoyable time.
Scavenger Hunt
Sometimes, the best cheap Valentine’s gifts are experiences. Create cards with clues to the location of the next card until you reach the end. The end of the hunt could be dinner at a restaurant, a movie, a homemade meal, or even your bedroom. Leave clues around your house, or for the more adventurous, around your city or town.
Playlist Presentation
You might be wondering, “How can I make Valentine’s Day special on my budget?” The good news is that sometimes, affordable gifts for Valentine’s Day don’t cost anything at all.
If you and your significant other like music (who doesn’t?), consider creating special playlists for one another or even collaborating on one that’s representative of your relationship. You can then sit and listen to the tunes you’ve curated together.
Museum or Gallery Visit
If you live in an area where it’s easy to get to an art gallery or museum, checking out the exhibits together can be a great way to expand your mind while delighting in one another’s company.
Trivia Night
Print cards with trivia questions about your life together so far. Remember to keep it fun and be forgiving if your significant other misses some of the questions!
Private Picnic
If you’re deliberating about how to make Valentine’s Day special with no money, a romantic picnic is the quintessential cheap date. However, much of the country is in a deep freeze in early February. No worries—just take it inside.
If your indoor picnic is on your living room floor, go all out with a picnic blanket, pillows, and a delicious collection of picnic food. White Christmas lights strung around can simulate stars. Don’t forget the rose petals.
These Cheap Valentine’s Ideas Are Just the Beginning
You don’t have to feel limited to the cheap Valentine’s ideas we’ve listed here. If you don’t see an option that suits you, use them as a starting point to create your own unique and memorable experience. Just remember that you and your significant other don’t have to spend money to have fun—being together as you are is enough.