Affordable Ways to Spend Valentine's Day on a Budget

February 14 may be a dreaded day for some, but it is a day to look forward to for others. You will want to be sure the special someone in your life feels special, but you’re probably going to want to do it without breaking the bank. We have compiled a list of ways to handle Valentine’s Day when you are on a budget but still want to show love and appreciation to those in your life who matter the most. This can be a time when people go out and splurge on a candlelit dinner and a huge bouquet of flowers to show their affection, but that is not how it has to be. It’s the thought that counts, so keep in mind that you don’t need to spend a lot of money to say a lot to your valentine.

1. Dinner Party for Two

While having a romantic dinner at a fancy restaurant might be out of the budget, your favorite dinner at home may not be. Stay in and cook your favorite meal as a couple. This is a great chance to catch up on things you haven’t been able to talk about or to just talk about your relationship. If you’re still trying to impress someone on Valentine’s Day, this a great way for you to find out their favorite meal and invite them over to celebrate without being around a bunch of strangers in an expensive restaurant.

Another great option is to get takeout instead of dining in. This allows you to still get a meal from your favorite or special restaurant of choice while avoiding the extra expenses and stresses that may come along with dining in.

An alternative fun and cheap option could be enjoying breakfast together instead of the typical dinner. Get your Valentine’s Day date out of the way in the morning and kick back and relax at night while saving yourself some money. Going out for breakfast, or even cooking at home, can be significantly cheaper than going out to dinner.

2. Enjoy a Movie at Home

Staying home and using the movie streaming services you already have can save you a little extra cash. Choosing to stay home to watch a movie allows you to have cheaper food, snacks, and drinks while still getting quality time together. You can also make it a small fun event to go to the store and get all the goodies you want for your movie night.

Enjoying a new movie or one of your favorites in the comfort of your own home can make for a relaxing and fun night. If there is nothing that interests you on your current movie subscription service, you can also grab a Redbox movie rental while you stop in to the store for snacks. Either of these options is cheaper than stepping into a movie theater.

3. Save on Flowers

Flowers are one of the most traditional Valentine’s Day gifts out there. For as common and popular as they are, flowers can come with an expensive price tag. If you don’t want to splurge on a large flower arrangement, you may want to avoid buying flowers online to avoid paying a hefty delivery fee.

If you know you want to get flowers, you can check local discount stores and flower shops for a better deal on flowers for your Valentine. If you’re going to buy flowers, make sure flower food is used, as flower food will help them stay vibrant and live longer. Most bouquets of flowers come with their own flower food, so you don’t have to worry about an additional cost. If you want to avoid buying a whole bouquet, consider buying a single rose and attaching a handwritten card. While much more affordable, it is just as romantic and thoughtful.

4. Take Advantage of the Outdoors

Weather permitting, one of the best things you can do is take advantage of the outdoors. Go for a walk or a hike, or go out and watch the sunrise or sunset. Enjoy each other’s company and take in the fresh air and views. Bring along a camera and a snack and enjoy everything the outdoors has to offer, all for free.

If you decide you don’t want to do this close to home, you can go to a local park, beach, or hiking trail where you can take in new views and create new memories as a couple.

5. Have a Game Night

Having your own game night can be a low-key date that will take off the pressure and allow you to relax. Getting competitive together and celebrating Valentine’s Day without the hassle gives you the chance to have fun without breaking the bank. Bring out old board games or find a deck of cards and learn a new game. There is no need to run around all day spending money.

6. Try an Alternative

Whether you’ve been together for months or years or are just starting out, it’s no secret that coming up with the perfect gift for Valentine’s Day can be hard, especially on a budget. It might be difficult to think outside the box, but maybe you should think about what your valentine has an interest in. Do they read frequently? A new book or place to store their books could be the perfect gift. If you’re thinking of giving a gift with a more personal touch, try a customized music playlist of your favorite songs to listen to together or a photo book of memories shared.

There can be so many creative options that are also affordable. You can even write and hide thoughtful notes around the house using note cards you already have. Valentine’s Day does not have to break the bank; think outside the box for affordable gifts.

Celebrating on a Budget

Who said that Valentine’s Day is about long-stemmed roses and overpriced chocolate? Keep it simple and cost-effective instead of splurging on one night. At Bryant & Stratton College we understand the stress of Valentine’s Day and celebrating on a budget. Following these tips will make your partner feel special and let you have a stress-free Valentine’s Day!