Plan the Perfect Date Night on a Budget
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Valentine’s day is fast approaching. It is that time of year where we dedicate one entire day to expressing love to that special someone. If you’re like most people you are just now starting to scramble for the perfect
Many of the ideas you will come across online can be great if you have significant amounts of disposable income.
But, for those of us on a budget, Valentine’s Day can quickly go from a special day meant to be filled with love and appreciation to a financial stressor.
Financial stress is the last thing you want on a day like this one.
Somewhere along the way, Valentine’s Day became extremely commercialized, and I think we began to lose sight of what this holiday is really supposed to be about.
You don’t have to spend a fortune to show someone you love them. There are tons of Valentine’s date ideas that are perfect for showing how much you care!
Keep reading for the perfect date that will make you a hero without breaking the bank!
5 Valentine’s Date Ideas that Won’t Break the Bank
1. Cook Dinner Together
Between the cost of dinner, dessert, drinks, and possibly a babysitter, going out is not cheap.
A more affordable, and arguably more fun option, is to cook a fancy dinner together! Not only will you save money, but also cooking together can be a way to spend some serious quality time together.
Plus, if you have kids you can opt for a late night dinner after they are in bed and save on the cost of babysitting while still enjoying a romantic night together.
2. Daytime date
Another more affordable option if you are in search of Valentine’s date ideas is to opt for going out during the day.
Most restaurants offer lunch specials that are basically the same as what you would get for dinner, but for a fraction of the cost.
Going out while the kids are at school will also save you on babysitting!
3. Fancy dessert
Rather than going all out for dinner, a better option for a budget is to skip the meal out and just splurge for a fancy dessert.
Restaurants seem to always have massive portion sizes for everything including dessert, so splitting is a great option here as well.
4. Go to a museum
Going to a museum can be a great money saving activity good for any time of the year including Valentine’s Day.
Many museums have affordable or even free admission. Taking in the art and culture of your area can be a great way to spend time together while also saving some of your hard earned cash.
5. Bowling
This one is a fun date idea for the couple that likes to have fun, kick back, and take it easy.
More of an old school date idea, going bowling still hasn’t gone out of style. Bowling definitely makes the top of the list for affordable Valentine’s date ideas!
But Wait There’s More Valentine’s Date Ideas
6. Picnic
Next on our list we have a tried and true classic.
Having a picnic can be extremely romantic. Grab your favorite drinks, plan out your date’s favorite meal, and head to the park for lunch.
Not only will you get in quality time together, but you will also show how much you care by planning each detail of the meal.
Depending on where you live this one might be a bit harder to swing, but if you live in a colder climate you can bundle up and drink hot cocoa to ward off the chill.
7. Run a 5K
For the athletes or those aspiring to get fit, running a 5k can be a super fun way to spend time together while getting out and staying active.
While there will likely be a fee associated with this activity, it is still among one of the more affordable Valentine’s date ideas out there.
Not only can this be something fun to do the day of, but you can also do some training together beforehand for a chance to spend even more quality time together.
8. Bake something
You know those movies where the couple starts baking and pretty soon they are giggling, smiling, and covering each other in varying amounts of flour?
Valentine’s Day is a perfect time to loosen up and have a little fun. And what better way to do that than by baking a tasty dessert.
Because ingredients are so affordable compared to more traditional dates, you could even try out several recipes if you’re feeling adventurous!
9. Movie night
A movie night can also be a fun and romantic date idea if you plan it right.
Picking a good movie is critical. No one (or almost no one) wants to spend their Valentine’s Day wanting to watch a horror film, or a documentary.
Pick out a movie you know your date will love (yes, even if it might not be your favorite) and come prepared with snacks and a cozy blanket for snuggling!
10. Game night
Getting a little competitive can spice things up in a relationship. If that sounds like it would be up your alley, try a game night!
Having a game night can be a totally free way to spend some quality time with your special someone if you already have a variety of games on hand.
If you don’t have too many games or you want to try something new, check around with friends to see if someone has something you could borrow for the evening.
11. Dance together
Not much is more romantic than a slow dance together to your favorite song.
Pop on some music and dance the night away for a sweet, yet affordable date night.
12. Go for a hike
It wouldn’t be a post from me if I didn’t add in the option to go for a hike when looking for affordable ways to enjoy your life.
I always have to give credit to something that made it possible for me to pay off my debt after all.
Going for a hike in the wilderness will give you a chance to disconnect (you might not have cell service) and really talk with your partner.
And chances are you can find a place near you that offers serene views all for free.
13. Coffee date
If you want to go out, but you don’t want to spend a ton of money, coffee can be a happy compromise.
You’ll have a chance to get out so you don’t feel like you are cooped up in the house while also getting the quality conversation in.
14. Go to a candy store
This has got to be one of the sweetest (pun intended) Valentine’s date ideas ever!
Want to feel like a kid in a candy store? Why not go to the candy store?! You and your date can spend some time looking for the tastiest treats around and leave with a bag of goodies.
You could even take a stroll around town afterwards and do some window shopping together as well.
15. Go for a scenic drive
Depending on where you live, this can be a great and affordable option for a date.
The United States is filled with scenic byways that offer breathtaking views.
Make a playlist of you and your date’s favorite songs, hit the road, and sing your heart out together as you take in the sights.
Drumroll Please for the Last Valentine’s Date Ideas
16. Stargazing
Grab a blanket, some hot chocolate or apple cider, and your special someone, and stargaze the night away.
If you live in the city you may have to drive a ways outside of town to see the stars, but trust me, it will be worth it.
It’s a perfect chance to snuggle up while you look up at millions of tiny pin pricks of light that remind us just how beautiful and vast of a universe we live in.
17. Volunteer
This one will require a little planning ahead of time, but is a totally free Valentine’s date idea!
Volunteering not only affords you an opportunity to spend some quality time with that special someone, but gives you a chance to make a meaningful impact at the same time!
Show Your Love With Quality Time this Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s day is all about love and quality time. Neither of those things requires money!
I hope some of these ideas will allow you to have your most memorable experience yet while managing to save up for what’s most important.
Maybe it’s the house you hope to buy with the love of your life, or the vacation you are getting close to being able to pay for in cash.
Whatever your goals, a holiday centered on love shouldn’t keep you from getting one step closer to where you want to be. You can still have fun, live your best life, and save this Valentine’s Day!
Bonus Free Valentine’s gift ideas
Chances are if you are like most people, planning the date is just the beginning of your list of things to figure out for this holiday. I’m guessing, coming up with the perfect gift is also on your list.
Here are just a few quick ideas for free gifts that your special someone is sure to love!
1. Write a poem
There really isn’t anything much more romantic than a poem. Writing a poem is a great way to express your love.
Chances are, even if you’re a terrible writer, this gesture will mean so much more than anything you could buy at the store!
2. Make a list of things you love about your person
Seems like our lives are full of lists. Why not make a list of some of the things you love most about your partner?
If poems and rhyming really aren’t your thing, just writing down some of the things you truly love and appreciate about someone can be a great way to show how much you care.
3. Make a coupon book
This can be a fun one and you can take it in many different directions. Making a coupon book of things you’ll do for your partner can be a meaningful gift to give this Valentine’s Day.
Maybe your partner hates doing the laundry, give them a coupon that says you’ll do it for them. You can include options for other chores, back rubs, and more.
Think about what your date would really love, and make a coupon for it. It’s a silly yet thoughtful gift that doesn’t cost you a dime while still showing how much your significant other mean to you.
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