10 Ideas for Valentine’s Day That Won’t Break the Bank in 2024

Ahh, Valentine’s Day! Sure, many a cynic has pointed out that Valentine’s Day can be seen as a commercial holiday that centers on material things instead of love, but it doesn’t have to be that way. You can show your special someone how much you love them and have a really meaningful day together without blowing your budget on expensive gifts and dinners. Here are ten ways to spread the love this Valentine’s Day without breaking the bank.

Go on a photo opp date

Who doesn’t love a good selfie especially with that special person in your life? Find all the great places around town for a selfie and take a fun pic at each location. You can print the photos later and make an inexpensive album of your own. This is also a great idea for an anniversary. Revisit all the places that are significant to you and take a quick pic. It will be fun to think back about those memories and how things have progressed as you’ve grown together.

Cook at home together

Don’t be another trend spend statistic, cooking is so much cheaper than eating out, and you don’t need a reservation! Splurging on some fancy steak or fish will cost so much less than going out for the same meal. Look up simple recipes with classic flavors and try them out. You can dress up and light some candles so that the mood is just as special, even if you’ll have to pour your own wine. If your tastes are less bougie, try making a meal from another culture that you’ve always wanted to try and listen to some music. Whatever you two want to enjoy together is what will make Valentine’s Day special.

Schedule for a different time

Valentine’s Day evening is obviously a huge night for restaurants with fancy dinner specials. Often restaurants are booked on Valentine’s Day, but you don’t have to celebrate at the same time as everyone else. Why not go out to breakfast on Valentine’s Day or spend a special lunch hour together? The cost of your meal will be less and you probably won’t be splitting a bottle of wine at that hour, either. You’ll get the benefits of Valentine’s Day with half the costs! You’ll still get to have the fun of going out to have someone cook a delicious meal for you. Plus: no crowds!

The More the merrier

Who doesn’t love a Gal-entine’s Day?! There’s no reason that your special day has to be a solo thing with your partner. Consider hosting a small group at your house, where people can bring extra wine or other goodies for everyone to share. This way everyone spends less has more fun and benefits from each other’s varied tastes and culinary skills. Bonus- you’ll probably get some sweet treats for hosting dinner!

A movie with a view

Charge up your laptop and download a movie. Cough, cough – did someone say Netflix®?  Bring a picnic basket and enjoy a movie under the stars. Make sure to bring everything you need to stay warm and be comfortable so that your special date isn’t ruined by a chill or breeze. Not exactly picnic season where you live in February? That’s okay. Even doing the same thing indoors somewhere other than your usual dining table can be a fun way to do something different and relax together.

Inexpensive get-away

Want to get away? Try renting a room from somewhere like Airbnb® instead of getting a fancy hotel room. Weather permitting, you could rent a cabin for a lot less than a four-star hotel and enjoy the peace and quiet while you relax together or take in the scenery on a hike. If you like to ski or snowboard there are a ton of places that you can visit. Even if you aren’t the activity type of couple there is always streaming movies or TV.

Barter for babysitting

Don’t want to go broke on a babysitter? This could sound bad but try bartering with your friends! No, we don’t mean barter off your children, but offer to babysit for a friend in exchange for them doing the same. Date night is a lot cheaper when you’re not adding babysitting bills on top of it. If you don’t know anyone who would want to do this, look for parents night out events at your local rec center or church. They often offer free or very affordable childcare to give parents of all incomes a chance to get out of the house and bond for a while without the kids.

DIY

There are so many ideas for gifts you can make that mean more than something expensive. Whether it’s a coupon book to redeem for special events in the future or a photo collage of your favorite pics as a couple, think about what you can do that will really show how much you care, without requiring an expensive trip to the mall.

Entertainment for less

Check out small theaters near you. Many towns have a local theatre near them if not, look for something fun like a gallery show or small performance. Local performances and events won’t cost as much as a bigger event. The added plus is you’ll be supporting a local business. It can be a nice way to reconnect with your community and see what kinds of art and entertainment are out there that you don’t usually go see. Don’t overlook simply seeing the sights. Checking out local architecture, monuments, and historical places isn’t just for tourists.

Cut the average cost of your date in just one way

If you still want the experience of going out, consider just doing half of your date at home. Maybe you go out for dinner but come home to stream a movie? If you like cooking you could try cooking at home but go see a movie afterward. You could even do both of those at home and then head out for a fancy drink afterward. You would still save a ton by not doing the entire night out, especially considering that the average dinner and a movie date costs $102!

Don’t let the pressure of the Valentine’s Day holiday get to you! Creating a special experience for Valentine’s Day is unique to who you two are as a couple. Don’t let your holiday be manipulated or changed by marketing or ads. We’ve all seen the jewelry and expensive flowers that start appearing in Februarys.  Keep in mind that everyone just wants to know that their partner cares about them and listens to them. This holiday is really about how you can show you care in your own way.

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