How to Celebrate Valentine’s Day on a Budget

Kat Tretina

February 8, 2018  •  3 Minute Read

Financial Tips, Holidays

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and love is in the air, even if it’s not in your wallet. Valentine’s Day is stereotyped with a constant stream of cheesy dinner dates, expensive jewelry gifts, and over the top romantic gestures that cost a fortune.

The average person spends $140 on Valentine’s Day, which can feel impossible if you have little money to spend on the holiday. If you are strapped for cash but have a special someone to share the day with, never fear, a great Valentine’s Day date doesn’t need to break the bank. Here are 4 ways to spend Valentine’s Day with your sweetie, without spending an arm and a leg.

Use A Discounted Gift Card for Your Dinner Date

There are a number of online retailers that sell gift cards steeply discounted. A little planning on your part can save you big bucks on that dinner for two, movie tickets, or a special gift. Check out sites like Cardpool.com or Restaurant.com to find gift cards sold at discount, but retain their full face value. Using one of these sites will help save you money by making that $70 dinner for two only cost $50 or even less.

Amazon sells an enormous array of gift cards at a discount, with a multitude of designs. You can also buy discounted gift cards at supermarkets from time to time- simply keep an eye on the weekly flyers and wait for your desired gift card to be featured. You may also receive “bonus” gift cards if you purchase a certain amount in gift cards. Restaurants often offer and extra $15 gift card with the purchase of a $50 gift card.

Give Homemade Gifts

Giving a gift that is homemade just for your special someone is really a treat like no other. Homemade gifts tell the person receiving them that they are worth our most precious resource- time. So take a trip to your local craft store and create something unique for your Valentine. Make them a card or picture frame with your favorite picture of the two of you inside.

If you already have a skill, use it! If you know how to knit or paint, create a gift for your date using the skill you already have. You could also spend some time together teaching your skill to your special someone, or learn an new one together. Most crafts stores offer classes in anything from painting to cake decorating. Your date is sure to appreciate all the time and thought that went into your homemade gift.

Affordable Date Ideas

The best dates don’t have to be expensive. If you are short on money, but have a little time, an activity for two can cost little to no money, but still be a memorable and cherished experience.

• Plan a treasure or scavenger hunt for your date. Leave clues or notes to special places for the two of you and have them lead to a candle-lit picnic or the place of your first date. You can make the clues rhyme, reference inside jokes, or quotes from a favorite song or movie. Personalizing your clues won’t cost a thing and will make your significant other feel like the apple of your eye.
• Create an at home date kit- include all the necessities for a living room camp out (blankets for a pillow fort, the ingredients for s-mores, and a favorite movie), a living room wine tasting, or an at home spa night for two.
• Spend some time in nature together. Most beaches and parks are open into the evening and can serve as a beautiful backdrop for a cozy evening for two. Bring your portable speaker and a blanket for star gazing with your favorite tunes to set the mood.

Check with Discount Services

Sites like Groupon and LivingSocial offer great deals on restaurants, amusement parks, spas, and experiences for individuals, couples, and small groups. Most of their deals are catered to your area, so you are sure to find something in your budget and area that will please your date. Whether it is a Sushi making class or indoor skydiving, adventures don’t need to come with enormous price tags.

Valentine’s Day is meant to be spent together- and that doesn’t need to cost a fortune. True affection can flourish even if funds are scarce with just a little planning and creativity. If cupid has already done his work, now it’s your turn. Let that special someone know how close they are to your heart by simply spending some time with them this Valentine’s Day.