Overspending for Valentine’s Day is a problem that plagues couples every time February 14th rolls around. Instead of splurging on a pricey restaurant meal or a romantic getaway, find special ways such as a simple bouquet to show your partner how much they mean to you. On the plus side, the money you save on eating out or on giant stuffed animals can go towards your future couple goals.
The good news is that you don’t have to break the bank to turn this holiday of love into a day to remember without spending a fortune. Cook a fancy meal at home, get outside on a hike, cuddle up with a classic romantic movie evening, or highlight your teamwork skills with an adventurous scavenger hunt.
Discover these top 10 ways to show your love in an affordable but unforgettable way.
1. Cook a Romantic Dinner
It’s no secret that restaurants often boost their prices during this holiday. They also often only have limited menus that may not make the extra cost worth it.
The good news is that you can make a memorable and affordable meal at home. If you both like cooking, put on a relaxing playlist, and enjoy cooking a special meal together.
2. Take a Hike
If you and your special someone are nature enthusiasts, head outdoors for a hike and a picnic in the great outdoors. Check out state or national parks in your area or head to a place outside your locale to make a day of it.
3. Get Crafty
Sometimes a gift that’s from the heart means more than an expensive gift.
Consider putting together a scrapbook or photo collage of you during your relationship or make a shadow box of important mementos. You might even try your hand at a bouquet out of origami flowers.
4. Set a Dreamy Mood
Just because you’re saving on the splurge doesn’t mean that you can’t go big for Valentine’s Day decorations. Create a romantic mood with heart-shaped balloons, and love signs, or drape heart-shaped garlands around the room to make a perfect background for a romantic photoshoot.
Add LED candles or genuine candlesticks, sprinkle confetti and rose petals across a red, white, or pink tablecloth, set out champagne flutes, or even pick out heart-shaped plates.
5. Get Cozy with an Indoor Picnic
Jazz up your romantic dinner experience by planning the perfect floor picnic. Grab a couple of large, comfortable floor pillows, spread out a blanket, and sprinkle rose petals around chunky LED candles to create a soft glow and intimate atmosphere.
6. Set Up a Home Theater
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Bask in a low-key cinema night that’s full of coziness and drama. Cuddle up in front of the TV or feel like you’re in your own personal movie theater by putting up a projector to screen the film. Add popcorn with theater popcorn boxes, fairy lights, and snuggly blankets to complete the mood.
7. Cast Your Love in Stone
Try creating a couple’s keepsake by making a cast of you and your partner holding hands. Pick up a hand-casting kit to make your very own romantic 3D molded hands memento.
8. Enjoy a Spa Day
There’s nothing like taking a break to relax with your significant other with a luxurious spa day in the comfort of your own home.
Nab a basket of spa goodies that include bath bombs, oils, foot soaks, and comfy robes. Create a Zen mood by dimming the lights, putting on a soothing playlist, and rejuvenating the air by diffusing fragrant essential oils.
9. Get Your Game On
Another affordable way to spend an unforgettable Valentine’s Day is to do an ultimate board game night. Break out your childhood favorites such as Clue, Candyland, or Risk, or as brainteasers like Scrabble and Boggle, or a game of Twister that’s sure to provoke lots of laughter.
10. Chase Adventure with a Scavenger Hunt
An indoor scavenger hunt is a great way to make Valentine’s Day memorable. Purchase a pre-made game that keeps you both guessing or go DIY by writing clues that send your partner searching through the house for the final prize.
Final Thoughts
Avoid getting swept up in the consumerism of a popular holiday by making your own traditions. If you enjoy a fancy night out, dress up with heels or cologne and create a romantic gourmet dinner in the privacy of your own home. If you like activities, consider a hike, a craft, or a scavenger hunt to spice things up.
At the end of the day, taking time to connect and express your love for your partner in an unforgettable way is the gift that matters most.