In case the aisles full of red, pink, and white candy didn’t give it away, Valentine’s day is beyond us yet again. Granted I don’t take the cliché Valentine’s Day seriously anymore. I think of it more like a day to celebrate love, companionship, and a way to celebrate those around you whether that be my fiancé, my friends, or my family. It’s super easy to spend a pretty penny around Valentine’s Day setting up reservations at your favorite restaurant and going out in celebration.
But don’t you worry because I got you and your wallet covered! You don’t have to spend a ton of money to have a great Valentine’s Day. Everything you need is literally right at your fingertips or costs a little bit of money to do. For today’s blog post, I’m going to be sharing with you 10 date ideas that are perfect for couples looking to celebrate Valentine’s Day on a budget.
Laugh together at a comedy club
A couple that laugh together stays together. Haha but seriously a night out at the comedy club is the perfect way to spend Valentine’s Day. You’re sure to melt away the worries and stress of the day and make a great memory with your loved one. I recommend looking up some options in your area and seeing which show lines up with both of your tastes. You don’t want to accidently attend a vulgar show full of cussing if your partner hates a dirty mouth.
Make your own pizza (bonus if it’s shaped like a heart)
When I was in college, I used to make homemade pizza all the time and honestly it used to be the best pizza that I’ve ever had, plus its super simple to make. Grab some pizza dough, lather on some tomato sauce, and add on your favorite toppings to create your own pizza at home in less than 30 minutes. Making food together is the best way to hone in on your communication skills and learn something new about your partner. Bonus if you get creative for Valentine’s Day and shape your pizza like a heart.
Spend time outdoors hiking, biking, or walking
There’s just something so magical and relaxing about spending time outdoors hiking, biking, or walking around your favorite spots. I really enjoy hiking with Ava and somehow Titi is kind enough to come along with me. It’s some of my fondness memories of our relationship. If you don’t have a forest or great hiking spot near you, don’t worry! A simple walk around town or your local botanical garden works the same magic!
See a double feature at the $1 movie theater
Nowadays a simple movie date can cost you easily between 30 to 40 dollars if you buy the tickets, snacks, and drinks for your date. But lucky for you there’s always a cheaper alternative nearby. For your Valentine’s Day date, attend a double feature at the $1 movie theater. You pick one that you want to see and let your partner pick the second one. This way you both get to see a movie that you want and get to learn about your partner’s interests. If you’re in the Columbia/Lexington area, check out Spotlight Cinemas on St. Andrews. They offer movies for $3.
Cook dinner at home together
The easiest way to save money on Valentine’s Day is to simply stay at home and cook dinner at home. There’s something so relaxing and bonding over food that is so special for this time of year. Cook something that you’re familiar with or try something new that you found on Pinterest. Better yet? Order yourself a subscription to a meal planning service like HelloFresh where you can try unique meals every day and keep the spice going past Valentine’s Day.
Want to go out to eat? Eat breakfast instead.
Dinner with your loved one is typically what you think of for a Valentine’s day date, but it doesn’t have to be. Do something different this year and go out to eat at your favorite breakfast spot instead. It’ll be a lot cheaper than dinner and you won’t have to wait hours for a table. Plus what’s better than some fluffy chocolate chip pancakes and cold glass of milk? Nothing!
Bust out the bucket list
Nothing is better than spending Valentine’s Day doing something that you’ve always wanted to do. Valentine’s Day should be all about making new memories with your loved ones so bring out the bucket list and find something to cross off. It can be exhilarating as going skydiving or more chill like swimming with the dolphins. Whatever you want to do…make it happen this year.
Play fun board games at home
Instead of heading out to the city life for Valentine’s Day date, take a step back and enjoy the simpler things in life, such as playing board games in your pajamas at home. I’m not going to lie, I have a competitive spirit and so does Titi, which makes playing games together interesting to say the least. Even though we both are competitive, we always have a good time together.
Go old-school with bowling or roller skating
When’s the last time that you went bowling or roller skating? It’s probably been a good minute unless it’s a hobby of yours. Either one is a great option if you want to have fun and want to get to know your partner in a different way. If you’re going roller skating, be prepared to have a sore booty because there will be a lot of tumbling and falling during this date activity (at least for me it was).
Relax at the spa
Throughout the year, it’s super easy to just sit back, work all day, and forget to just relax. Book a spa day or massage for your partner and you to make sure to get well-needed pampering. I tend to find all of the great deals using Groupon, especially for things like facials and massages. There are different types of massages as well as intensity levels. Make sure to book one at the intensity level and type that you are comfortable with.
What are your favorite ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day?
