Celebrate love this Valentine’s Day without breaking the bank! Valentine’s Day is a time to show your loved ones just how much you care!
Cost of Valentine’s Day
According to the National Retail Federation, Americans spend over $23 billion dollars annually. This equates to over $160 per person! Sure, Valentine’s Day is a special day to celebrate love, but who said being romantic had to be expensive?
Check out these affordable Valentine’s Day date ideas and these affordable Valentine’s Day gifts to make your loved ones feel special this year.
Traditional Valentine’s Day Gift Hacks
Valentine’s Day Date Ideas
Traditional Valentine’s Day Gift Hacks
Flowers
If you want to give flowers this Valentine’s Day, here are some hacks to save money.
Start Shopping Early
Start shopping early before inventory runs out. Also, because roses are a popular gift, prices tend to increase closer to the day.
Opt for Non-Traditional Bouquets
Due to the high demand for roses on Valentine’s Day, they can often be expensive. Expand your search and consider other affordable in-season flowers.
Single-Stem Rose
Are you heart set on roses? Instead of a bouquet, consider going for one single-stem rose. Dress it up in a heart-shaped vase or repurpose something like an olive oil bottle to make it look that much more special.
Infinity Rose
If you typically purchase a large bouquet of roses, consider surprising your loved one with an Infinity Rose. While these roses are not cheap, infinity roses are a great value since they last over a year without water!
Consider Other Delivery Options
Have a teen niece or nephew? Pay them a few bucks to drop off a bouquet of roses at your loved one’s office after school!
Or, try services like Instacart or DoorDash to have flowers and chocolate delivered! If you haven’t used these services before, take advantage of sign up offers for even bigger discounts!
If you’re looking for more money-saving ideas, check out these 9 tips to save money on Valentine’s Day flowers.
Chocolate
Want to wow your special someone with a box of chocolates? Here are some money-saving options.
Start Shopping Early
Like roses, chocolates are a very popular choice and the selection can run out fast!
Sign Up for Discounts
Most online retailers, including Godiva, offer discount codes for your first purchase or for signing up for an email list. Enjoy the same quality chocolate but for a fraction of the price!
Chocolate Making (and Breaking) Activity
Turn your gift into a fun activity by making your own chocolates! Fill this chocolate mold with a surprise inside for your loved one to find upon breaking!
Valentine’s Day Dinner
If you’ve ever been to a restaurant on Valentine’s Day, you know it can get expensive. Avoid the crazy crowds and high prices with these hacks.
Check Out a Happy Hour
Happy hour can be so much more than just drinks! Many restaurants also offer a curated list of reduced-cost bites to fill you up!
Cook a Special Meal at Home
Nothing says “I Love You” like a delicious home-cooked meal. Make dinner extra special by setting the table with candles and playing romantic music.
Order Takeout
Escape the hustle and bustle and save on the service fees by making it a night in. Order takeout from your favorite restaurant and pair it with a bottle of wine for a special evening.
Go Out for Dessert
After a lovely meal at home, head out for a fancy Valentine’s Day dessert and a glass of wine. Or, opt for items like gelato and crepes.
Go Out for Coffee
If you’re not a fan of crowded restaurants, why not go out for coffee? Enjoy a cozy evening sipping your favorite warm decaf drinks while sharing a pastry.
Plan Valentine’s Day Dinner on a Different Night
Enjoy your celebration of love on a different night and take advantage of deals offered on days other than February 14th. Many restaurants offer weekday specials that will help you save money.
Valentine’s Day Date Ideas
Whether you’re looking for great Valentine’s Day ideas to do out on the town or in your own home, we’ve got you covered! Here are some ideas that will help you create lasting memories that won’t break the bank!
Recreate Your First Date
Make this Valentine’s Day extra special by going back to where it all began. Go to the same place you had your first date or, with a little imagination, recreate your first date at home for free! Romance and nostalgia in one affordable package!
Go Stargazing
Spend the night away from the city lights to admire the night sky – it’s sure to be magical! Not only will it make for a romantic Valentine’s Day, it’s also totally free! Check out the SkyView app for a cool way to identify stars, planets, and constellations. Bring a cozy blanket, snacks, and a thermos of hot cocoa for a cozy night under the stars.
Bake a Heart-Shaped Pizza
All you need is some pre-made dough, sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings. Mold the crust into a heart shape and voila! Dinner is served!
At-Home Spa Night
Spoil your sweetheart with an affordable at-home spa night! Set up a relaxing atmosphere, light some candles, prepare some aromatic massage oil, and give each other massages.
Reminisce Through Old Photos Together
What a fun way to celebrate love! Go through your old photographs together and reminisce about the memories you’ve made. You can also print photos to create a wall collage of your love!
DIY Wine Tasting
Make it a night to remember with your own affordable wine tasting. Gather up some affordable bottles of different types of wines, sample them, and decide which one is your favorite! Glam up your evening with this wine-tasting flight set that’s sure to impress.
Valentine’s Day Charcuterie Board
Dress up your kitchen table with this gorgeous, DIY Valentine’s Day charcuterie board! Gather up some of your favorite cheeses, crackers, nuts, fruits, and chocolates for a tasty evening snack.
DIY Photography Session
Set up a little DIY photography studio with this phone tripod and wireless remote set. Get dolled up, strike some poses, and take cute photos together anywhere you like – fun memories will be made here!
Make a Romantic Playlist
Spend time together creating a romantic playlist of all your favorites. You can include songs that remind you of each other, songs you can dance to around the house, or maybe even some songs for other romantic activities.
Create a Scavenger Hunt
Send your loved ones on a fun scavenger hunt around the house with this free DIY Mission: Valentine printable from the Dating Divas! Want to make your own kid-friendly version? Use pink construction paper and create your own heart-shaped notes and watch your kids enjoy searching for that next clue!
Rom Com Movie Marathon
Snuggle up on the couch for a movie marathon! Don’t have Netflix? Check your local library! Many libraries offer streaming services that are absolutely free!
Romantic Valentine’s Dinner At Home
Skip the restaurant and cook dinner together! Put together a lovely dinner for two like steak with herb-roasted potatoes or salmon with rice pilaf. Not a cook? Order takeout or order a meal kit from Hello Fresh that is affordable and easy to make.
Game Night
From board games to video games, set aside an evening to compete against each other in some friendly competition! Check out our free Valentine’s Day Family Feud game. I’ll leave it to you two to decide on the stakes.
Time Capsule
Put together a time capsule full of memories, cute photos and keepsakes that reflect your relationship. Open it next Valentine’s Day and enjoy reminiscing on the memories you’ve made together!
Bubble Bath
Draw a warm bubble bath and add these sudsy bubbles, snacks on a bathtub tray, and this tea light and rose petals set. Light a scented candle and put on your favorite tunes and relax together.
Virtual Dinner Date
Are you and your sweetheart spending Valentine’s Day apart this year? Set up a Zoom call with these Valentine’s Day backgrounds to feel closer to each other even though you’re long distance. DoorDash your sweetheart and yourself the same food, like your favorite tomato soup or some heart-shaped cupcakes, to enjoy together on Zoom!
DIY Paint and Sip
Re-create a romantic night out at home with your own affordable paint and sip. Buy a paint-by-numbers kit or some blank canvases, paints, and brushes for a fun, cheap Valentine’s Day date that you won’t forget!
Power Out
In a world full of screens and distractions, sometimes the best date night is an unplugged one where you can enjoy each other’s presence without any external noise.
Breakfast in Bed
Treat your sweetheart to breakfast in bed. Whip up some pancakes, bacon, and eggs and have breakfast ready for them when they wake up. Not much of a cook? Plate up some takeout or even have breakfast delivered for a special surprise.
Go on A Hike
There’s nothing quite like getting out into nature with your significant other and enjoying beautiful views along the way. Look up local trails near you for a free Valentine’s Day adventure. Pack some trail mix with heart-shaped chocolate or even a picnic to enjoy at the hike’s peak!
Bake A Sweet Treat Together
Baking together is a great way to spend quality time with one another! Grab a muffin tin to make Valentine’s Day cupcakes or even make cute Valentine’s cookies with the kids or friends! Baking is a fun and affordable way to express your love.
Escape Together
Bond together over this escape room game at home. Follow the clues and riddles to see if you can break out alive with your Valentine!
Plan a Future Date
Get excited for the future and together by brainstorming great ideas for a future date or trip! Whether it’s a staycation, a picnic in the park, or dinner at your favorite restaurant, planning a date will give you both something to look forward to and cherish.
Take a Cooking Class
Cooking classes are a fun way to spend time together this Valentine’s Day. Learn new recipes, techniques, and tips while having fun with food in the kitchen together! Airbnb online cooking experiences and in-person Sur La Table cooking classes. Plus, you’ll have a delicious dinner to enjoy at the end, win-win!
Love Letters
Write a love letter to express your heartfelt emotions to each other. Include 3 reasons why you love them and a sentimental photo of the two of you. Seal it in an envelope and store it away until next Valentine’s Day and enjoy reading each other last year’s love note!
DIY Hot Chocolate Bar
This cheap Valentine’s Day idea is easy and fun! Gather hot chocolate mix, mini marshmallows, heart-shaped candies, chocolate syrup, and other toppings for a fun night in!
Watch the Sunset
There’s something magical about this free Valentine’s Day idea. Watching the sunset together is a beautiful moment you both can share and appreciate the beauty of nature.
Arcade
Feel like kids again with a night at the arcade! Take turns competing over a game of air hockey or racetrack and see who comes out on top.
Go Thrifting
This Valentine’s Day date idea will leave you with extra money to spare! Visit your local thrift store and choose an outfit for each other to wear out on a date night you surely won’t forget!
Romantic Picnic
Have a picnic in a nearby park in town or even in your own backyard! Pack a picnic basket full of goodies, like sandwiches, wine, and snacks for a cheap Valentine’s Day idea that will feel anything but cheap.
Share Love By Donating Blood
This free Valentine’s Day idea also gives someone else the gift of life. Find your local blood donation center and donate blood to help save lives!
Coffee Date
Go out for a cup of joe and enjoy each other’s company!
Romantic Walk
Take a stroll through your favorite park or place in town hand-in-hand. Take in the gorgeous views and enjoy some quality time together away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Take a Dance Class
Surprise your partner with a dance class at your local dance studio or community center – it’ll be fun, affordable, and memorable! Whether you choose swing, salsa, or ballroom dancing – get your groove on and move to the rhythm of love.
Volunteer Together
Celebrate Valentine’s Day by showing love in your community. Find a local organization that you both want to support and spend this v-day volunteering together. Grab some food after and talk about your experience – it’s sure to be a meaningful day.
Visit an Art Museum or Gallery
Art is an expression of love. What’s more fitting than visiting your local art museum or gallery on Valentine’s Day? Many museums offer affordable or even free admission, so you can soak in the culture at a great price.
Dress Up
No matter what activity you decide to do, you can make it extra special by dressing up for the occasion. Whether you’re at home or going out, getting dressed up is free and will make your day that much more special!
Plant Something Together
Share your love and plant something like flowers or herbs together. Watching the little green sprouts grow will remind you both of your connection and love. Plus, it’s affordable, and you can enjoy the fruits of your labor for weeks to come!
Make Meaningful Art Together
Stop by your local craft store and pick up some wood planks and Home Sweet Home stencils to make meaningful art together. This will be an activity that you both can look back on down the line and remember fondly! Plus, it makes for cute decor for your home.
Final Thoughts
No matter what you choose to do, Valentine’s Day celebrations are all about the thought behind them. Showing love doesn’t have to mean spending a lot of money. So don’t let your budget stand in the way of showing your loved one how much they mean to you – try out one of these unique experiences today!
Looking for gift ideas? Check out our list of affordable Valentine’s Day gifts.
We can’t wait to hear how you spent Valentine’s Day. Share with us in the comments below!