Affordable Valentine’s Day Date and Gift Ideas

Valentine’s Day symbolizes something different for everyone. For some, it may even vary based on the kind of year they’re having—like if they’re single, dating someone new, in a serious relationship, or even dealing with a pandemic. It’s no secret that some people think Valentine’s Day is a silly holiday and that it’s all commercialized. Though I have to agree that, yes, it is not technically a “real” holiday and the majority of it is about marketing, I have to admit that I do enjoy celebrating with my man. Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be about spending money on gifts, flowers, and dinner, it can simply be about celebrating romance.

It’s true—Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be a day of spending extra money just because society has told you to. In fact, in times like now, in the midst of uncertainty, spending extra money on the Valentine’s Day clichés may seem a bit unnecessary. But the truth is you can still celebrate the day, and it can be done without breaking the bank. After all, it’s not about material things, it’s about love, right?

Below I’ve broken down really fun and affordable date and gift ideas for Valentine’s Day. Use these to celebrate the day with that special someone, and avoid breaking the bank in the process, because romance doesn’t have to be expensive.

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Affordable Valentine’s Day date and gift ideas:

• Make a video or slideshow. One of the most memorable gifts I’ve ever received was from my boyfriend on Valentine’s Day in 2016, when he made a YouTube video highlighting some of his favorite moments in our relationship. It was so thoughtful and made me feel so special, and we’ll still watch it together from time-to-time whenever we’re feeling nostalgic. If you’re feeling extra sentimental this Valentine’s Day, try making a little video or slideshow highlighting some of your favorite moments spent with your valentine. It’s actually fairly easy to do, and can be done with either pictures and video or both! Plus, there are tons of free apps you can download right to your phone in order to do this!
• Cook a homemade meal. There’s something special about having that special someone cook for you, or even cooking for that special someone, and the most romantic holiday of the year is no exception. If you’re stuck at home thanks to COVID restrictions, try making a homemade meal for yourself and your date. If you’re feeling extra romantic, get dressed up, light some candles, and play some classical or jazz music while you dine to really set the mood.
• Bake dessert and/or have a bake-off. What kind of Valentine’s Day would it be without sweets? If you want to go above and beyond store-bought chocolates and candy, try making your own dessert or having a bake-off! Not only will this be fun, you’ll get some tasty treats out of it, too. Besides, a little friendly competition never hurt anyone.
• Set up a fondue station. Make like Justin Bieber in “Boyfriend” and try “Chillin’ by the fire while we eatin’ fondue” this Valentine’s Day. Fondue stations are not only delicious, they’re also a lot of fun and can crank up the romance meter. Don’t forget to feed each other chocolate covered strawberries.
• Create a treasure hunt in your house. If the opportunity presents itself and your S.O slips out at one point during the day, set up a treasure hunt for them for when they come home! My boyfriend did this for me when I came home after work on our first Valentine’s Day together, and it led me to balloons, roses, chocolate, and Hello Kitty. You don’t have to go crazy, though; even setting up a treasure hunt that leads to you at the end is a great idea your partner’s sure to love.
• Decorate the house with paper hearts, balloons, flowers, or candles. Vibes are everything, and if you want to set the mood, try decorating the house with valentine’s inspired decor. This can be anything—from strings of paper hearts, to lanterns, candles, balloons, and more—the choice is yours.

• Break out the board games/cards. Game night doesn’t have to be its own separate entity. This Valentine’s Day, cozy up in some PJ’s, break out the bubbly, and play some board or card games with your valentine.
• Make a scrapbook. Pictures are a dime a dozen in the world of social media, but that doesn’t take away the significance of memories you can relive just by looking at one photo. Make a scrapbook filled with your favorite memories from your relationship; I guarantee that this will be something you’ll both cherish forever.
• Write each other a love letter or email. Upgrade from the Valentine’s Day cards you used to pass out and receive in elementary school to a love letter or email for that special someone. Don’t be afraid to make it cheesy, it is Valentine’s Day, after all.
• Go on a picnic. Weather permitting, get some fresh air and enjoy a picnic with your valentine. Grab some cheese, bread, grapes, wine, and you’re good to go! Just make sure one of you doesn’t forget the blanket.
• Watch a movie at home. Throw on some comfy clothes, pop some popcorn, open a bottle of wine, sit back, and relax with a movie. There’s nothing better than a cozy night in.
• Have a wine and paint night at home. Get those creative juices flowing and have a wine and paint night at home. If you want to stay true to the theme of the day, try making Valentine’s Day themed paintings.
• Do dinner and drinks at home. Take the classic Valentine’s Day date and put your own twist on it by opting for dinner and drinks at home. If you’re on the fence about whether or not it’s worth going out and spending the extra money, try creating the ambiance in your own home with a nice dinner (apps included!) drinks, and maybe some dessert. This will be much more affordable, but still give you that romantic experience.