It’s time to celebrate the significant other in your life! If you’re thinking that means pricey gifts, expensive dates, and blowing an entire day’s salary on a restaurant meal, think again. There’s no need to drain your wallet while trying to create the perfect Valentine’s Day. Instead, use these eight Valentine’s Day ideas and hacks that don’t break the budget.
1. Dine In
Restaurants typically up their prices when the whole world is going out to eat. So, you’ll likely be paying extra just because it’s Valentine’s Day. Plus, trying to carry on a conversation in a noisy restaurant is hardly a recipe for a romantic evening.
Instead of shelling out big bucks for a sub-par experience, cook up a gourmet meal at home. You can easily spend less than half of what you’d pay for the same food in a steakhouse by opting to DIY. If you both like puttering around the kitchen, prep your delicious dinner together. Don’t forget to set the ambiance with scented candles and soft music!
2. Explore the great outdoors
It may be cold out, but you can still spend some shared time together outdoors. Bundle up and take a refreshing walk under the stars. Watch the waves crash onto shore at a nearby beach. If it’s snowy out, you can let your inner child free and build a snowman together or go snowshoeing! Afterward, go home and warm up in front of the fireplace with steaming mugs of hot chocolate.
3. Laugh it out
Comedy clubs are always a ball of fun—and they’re cheap, too! It’s also something that’s a bit off the beaten path. Check out the local comedy club together for a good time that can cost you as little as $5 each.
4. Get active
Gym memberships and day passes usually decline in February. This is because many people have abandoned their New Year’s resolutions to get fit. Find a gym or activity center that offers rock wall climbing, a trampoline park, indoor roller skating, or anything out of the ordinary that gets you moving! A shared workout can be a great bonding experience that’s good for your health and your wallet. While working out may not seem like it belongs in a list of Valentine’s Day ideas, doing something out of the ordinary can spark some excitement!
5. Make a memory box
Instead of expensive gifts and overpriced cards, take a long walk down memory lane together by making a memory box. Cover a small box or container in some decorative material, or spray-paint it in your chosen color. Then, sift through your collection of ticket stubs and other mementos you’ve saved up from your months or years of dating each other. Throw in tourist pamphlets of places you’ve visited, random photos and any other trinkets that bring up warm memories.
Grab a tub of ice cream, two spoons, and enjoy a wonderful evening reliving some of your best shared moments.
6. Get cultured together
Give your date a refreshing twist by hitting a spot you’ve never visited together, like a local museum! Choose a place with an inexpensive entrance fee and displays that appeal to each of your interests. Then, spend an evening soaking up the culture and absorbing fascinating information. It’s a great way to breathe fresh life into a dating rut. Plus, studying works of art or historical artifacts makes for fabulous conversation.
7. Try a neighboring town
If you’re used to hitting up your own city when you go out, try looking for a neighboring town or suburb that’s within driving distance! Some new scenery can make it exciting as you find new adventures and places to dine.
Check sites like tripadvisor.com and yelp.com for suggestions on things to do, places to see, and the hottest hidden gems of the town you’re visiting.
8. Movie matinee
Instead of paying full price for movie tickets, see a movie at a daytime matinee. You’ll save a bundle on tickets just by going a bit earlier in the day. Theaters are also less crowded during the afternoon, making for a more enjoyable experience all around.
You don’t have to break your budget this Valentine’s Day. Use these Valentine’s Day ideas or another creative money-saving hacks, to enjoy a wonderful day with the love of your life!
