Romantic dinners, expensive bottles of wine, chocolates, flowers, cards are all things that make Valentine’s day special. However, when you’re living on a budget sometimes you need to get a bit creative when it comes to Valentine’s day date ideas.
Did you know that the average American spends $143.56 (up $7 from last 2018) on celebrating Valentine’s day? To me, that’s pretty expensive. Valentine’s day doesn’t have to be expensive. You and your sweetie can make this an unforgettable holiday without breaking the bank!
For example, my husband and I really enjoy making a nice dinner at home rather than dealing with the restaurant rush on Valentine’s day. My absolute favorite memory is when the two of us spent Valentine’s at home making this amazing scallop recipe, it’s to die for if you like curry!
If you’re not quite sure what to do to celebrate as a couple? Don’t worry we’ve got you covered. We’ve gathered 14 affordable and romantic Valentine’s day date ideas!
Table of Contents
1. Recreate Your First Date
This is where it all began! Do you remember you are your loved one’s first date? Do you remember where you went and what you wore? Have fun by recreating old memories and replay your first date! This is a great way to bring all the first date sparks back into your life by taking a trip down memory lane.
2. Cuddle Kit Date Night
For this cozy and fun date night gather up things around the house that will make a cuddle night fun. This can be a cheap and affordable night by gathering a fluffy blanket, your favorite PJ’s, a package of popcorn, and a bottle or (box) of wine.
3. Romantic DIY Backyard Dinner Date
This is the PERFECT date night idea for those who don’t live in a snowy cold area. Surprise your sweetie with a romantic dinner date in your own backyard. You can easily decorate a nice table, have a pretty printed menu and a DIY card.
Don’t stress about what’s on the menu keep it simple. It’s all about the two of you enjoying time together.
4. Workout Together
Did you know that working out with your sweetie can actually be fun? Honestly, my husband and I truly enjoy working out together- We have completed 2 Ironman’s together.
The first one we did we even crossed the finishing line together. 😉 The second he showed me up and beat me! There’s nothing better than creating a healthy life together.
5. Romantic Chocolate Tasting Date Night
I don’t know about you, but I love chocolate. There’s something more enjoyable than a nice bar of chocolate. The great thing is, many grocery stores are beginning to carry a good selection of quality and flavorful chocolate bars.
Head on down to your nearest store and pick up a variety of chocolate bars! A couple of my favorites are Sea salt, and dark chocolate. If you’re a planner and would like to order an amazing assortments of chocolates these are so yummy!
6. Go Through Old Memories
We’ve been together for 17 years! We’ve had some amazing times and have created unforgettable memories. I have a basket full of old cards and mementos to prove it. Use Valentine’s Day as a way to rekindle memories that you have shared over the years and cherish the experiences that brought you together.
7. Play in the Snow
We live in the mountains of Idaho where Valentine’s Day is celebrated in snow. Take advantage of the fluffy white stuff and make a fun date out of it.
Remember back to your childhood when you would make snow angels, snowman and whitewash each other? Or perhaps you could take it up a notch and head out skiing, snowmobiling or visit a local hot spring in the snow.
8. Spa Date Night Kit
Everyone enjoys being pampered once in a while. Use this Valentine’s night to have a romantic spa date. The best part is you can do this from the comfort of your own home with items you most likely already have. Are you looking to create a nice salt scrub? Try out this DIY recipe .
9. Create An Experience
This Valentine’s day use Groupon or another discount app to create a memorable experience together. I’m a big fan of giving experiences over gifts for special occasions.
Spending time as a couple is what it’s all about. Explore Groupon and see what Valentine’s day deals they are offering. Often times you can find good deals on couples massages, affordable date night dinners, bike rentals, or even a new fitness class.
10. Romantic Ice Cream Tasting Date
I love this Valentines date idea! Personally, I can never decide what flavor of ice cream to buy, so with this I can get a couple! Head down to your local store and pickup your favorite flavors in small containers and taste test your way through the yumminess.
11. Romantic Stroll and Sunset
Spend the evening walking hand in hand watching the sunset together. The best part? It’s absolutely FREE! We have a beautiful lake where we live and really don’t take advantage of the sunset strolls as often as we should. Valentines makes this the perfect time to chat it up while enjoying the fresh air.
12. Make Plans Together
The hustle and bustle of life can make it difficult to take a time out and actually do a bit of planning for the future. Use this Valentine’s day to plan for your future.
Making plans as a couple is something that keeps you on the same path dreaming together. We love planning vacations, or bucket list items together. Why not pull out a map close your eyes and point to your next vacation. We always use Skyscanner to help us find an affordable travel destination.
13. Be a Tourist in Your Own Town
How often do you actually take the time to enjoy the area you live in? We live in a tourist destination and find ourselves letting the days slip by without taking advantage of all our town has to offer.
Make it your mission to live through the eyes of a tourist on this Valentine’s day. Spend time strolling a local park, taking pictures, or discovering a new place you never knew existed.
14. Movie Night in
The cost of going out to the movies is expensive, add in snacks and a drink and you’ve just doubled what you paid to get into the movie. Make it a cozy movie night by using Hulu or Amazon video to order up the latest hit.
Add to the excitement of the evening by creating a cozy environment with blankets, pillows, pjs and candlelights.
Don’t forget to share and pin for later! While you’re there, I’d love for you to follow me on Pinterest
Final Thoughts
What are some of your favorite and affordable Valentine’s Day Date Ideas? Leave a comment below I’d love to know!