Affordable Valentine’s Day Ideas: Show Love without Breaking the Bank

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. And while some people believe the best way to make their significant other feel special is by spending lavishly, in reality, most people can’t afford that. But, there are ways to show your partner that you love them without breaking the bank. Below is a look at a few low-cost Valentine’s Day ideas.

Cook at Home

A night out with dinner and a movie is one of the most iconic date ideas, but with rising costs, doing so isn’t as affordable as it used to be. A more economical alternative is cooking a meal at home and coupling it with a stay-in movie night. Given that you’re not stuck to a fixed menu or movie schedule, your possibilities are endless! You can even cook with your partner to add a splash of romance to the night. For those who aren’t in the mood to watch a movie, having a stay-in board game or video game night is just as cozy. If you’re dead set on going out to dinner but still want to cook for your partner, consider making them breakfast in bed.

Go on a Picnic

A picnic can be a fun twist on the traditional date night idea – all you need is a blanket, a basket, and food that isn’t too messy. Picnics are a great time to break out a low-cost charcuterie board. If you do so, a cheap bottle of wine pairs well with cheese and crackers. You can even purchase several small bottles of wine and have a wine tasting (assuming alcohol is allowed in your picnic location). If the weather isn’t suitable to host a picnic, consider a coffee date at a cafe! There are few things as romantic as coffee and conversation.

Take a Hike

A hike is an excellent way to connect with nature and your significant other. And there are arguably few better ways to spend the day with your partner than to spectacular views. If the hike is several hours long, you can combine a picnic date and a hike date into one! For those not keen on hiking, there are many other outdoor options to consider. You can take a romantic walk through a park, botanical garden, or nature trail. A beach date is another fun alternative.

DIY Spa Night

A day at the spa is often relaxing, but it's hardly cheap. If you want to pamper your significant other this Valentine’s Day, try a spa night at home! Most big-name stores sell low-cost, spa-like face masks, which can be fun to do with your partner. You can also run a nice bubble bath for your partner. For a romantic touch, consider sprinkling rose petals onto the water. If you own one, fire up the foot spa for when your significant other steps out of the tub. If they’re comfortable with it, you can even couple the foot spa with a massage.

Relive Memory Lane

There are few better ways to connect with your significant other than by reminiscing about cherished memories together. If you have a photo album with photos of you and your partner, break it out and share your relationship’s favorite moments. Recalling past dates may not only bring up good memories, it creates a space to plan future dates. For those feeling adventurous on Valentine’s Day, consider recreating a favorite date you’ve had together. If you have a photograph from that original outing, it can be fun to recreate the photo!

Go out On the Dime

For those dead set on going out this Valentine’s Day, there are many low-cost date ideas out there. Ice skating is a great option that many agree is romantic. What better way to feel close to your partner than by holding onto them on the ice? Museums and art galleries can also be fun, and most of them are pretty affordable. If you’re up for a challenge on Valentine’s Day, look for restaurants or bars that host trivia nights. Answering trivia questions together can be an entertaining way to connect with your partner in a casual environment.

Valentine’s Day isn’t about spending money – it’s about spending time with your significant other. After all, some of the best memories in life are those that didn’t cost you anything. For more, check out our other blog on Valentine’s Day savings.

Hunter Morrison

About Hunter Morrison

Hunter has freelanced for various print and radio publications across Northwest Florida, including The Bay Beacon, Navarre Press, Inweekly, Crestview News Bulletin, and WUWF. He was also the Editor in Chief of the University of West Florida’s student newspaper, The Voyager. In 2023, Hunter moved to Kenai, Alaska to take up a news reporting position with KDLL Public Radio. For fun, Hunter enjoys cross-country skiing, hiking, photography, thrifting, traveling, and looking for the best Thai food around.