Let's face facts, Valentine's Day is a Hallmark holiday. I say that with no disrespect. I am an avid lover of Valentine's Day. Romance and feelings are my jam. However, paying $50 for a bouquet of roses that are usually $19.99 is not. Nor is fighting the mass of people trying to get reservations at a restaurant that is ordinarily empty. Luckily for you, you don't need to break the bank to enjoy the holiday of love. Here are 10 of the best ways to do Valentine's Day on a budget. The best part is, for most of them you don't have to even leave your home.
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1. Go Stargazing
This is a simple way to do Valentine's day on a budget and you can do it in your own backyard. Granted it is weather-dependent but don't little a little cold weather stop you. You do want to put some separation between you and the cold ground though. Wehter it is a sleeping mat and bag, an air mattress, or if you have a trampoline lay on that. Bring out the bundles of warm, fuzzy blankets, some hot cocoa and light the fire pit. Then gaze up at the stars with your hunny. Affordable and romantic, the best combination.
2. Get Crafty
Being artsy doesn't have to break the bank. If you don't want to have to buy art supplies like canvases and paints that is okay. There are plenty of cute, crafty things you can do for Valentine's Day on a budget. For starters, you can make each other cards. All you need is some paper, a pencil, and some markers. You could also write each other poetry or love letters. One year, my husband and I drew comic strips of our lives together. It was so simple and so fun to see which moments each of us chose as our highlight moments of our lives.
3. Cook Together
Cooking together doesn't have to be exhausting or expensive. There are plenty of Valentine's Day recipes that are affordable and easy to make. One of my favorites is home made pizzas. You can even make it a game at the grocery store. You each go out into the store and buy ingredients to make your partner their version of a perfect pizza. Then when you get home you make each other's perfect pizza. Turn on the tunes and jam out together while you make each other your meal. Other easy options include chocolate covered strawberries, a charcuterie board, and some Valentine's Day cocktails. Or you can make a game of who can make a better meal using only ingredients you have in the house currently. That is creative, fun, cost effective, and it eliminates leftovers. Its a win win!
4. Have A Slumber Party
Who said slumber parties are just for when you are young. They say you should marry your best friend right? Well one thing you do with your best friend is have a slumber party. However, if you are going to do this you need to do it right. Set up your sleeping station in the living room. Build the forts, watch the movies, and eat all of the snacks. You would be amazed how just sleeping in a different room of house and acting like carefree kids can totally change the mood and be so fun.
5. Go Dancing...In The Living Room
Next up on our Valentine's Day on a budget list is to go dancing. However, you don't need to go somewhere fancy to do this. Instead, go on YouTube and find a tutorial video of the type of dancing you want to do. Now, you have a private lesson to follow. Or, if you guys like to freestyle a bit more. Put on your favorite playlist, dim the lights, and bust a move. Letting loose can be a great time and a cute way to bond. If you want to make it even more romantic, you can get dressed up, meet in the kitchen for cocktails first then head to the living room for dancing.
6. Watch A Sunrise Or Sunset Together
No matter which person you are, because yes there is a difference between the sunrise and sunset person, this is a romantic option. Grab a bottle of champagne, probably more for the sunset people, your favorite snacks, and snuggle up as you watch the beauty. There is a reason every romantic movie has a sunset scene...because it is stunning. Doing this allows you to romanticize the little moments in life. It doesn't have to be super fancy to be beautiful. As you are watching the sun set, or rise, reminisce on your relationship and all the good times you have had together.
7. Have A Karaoke Night
Similar to throwing a dance party, this is another Valentine's Day option that you can do at home that is super fun. Head back over to YouTube and type in whatever song you want followed by the word karaoke. Then belt it out like no one is listening because, well no one is. No one other than your partner that is. That is the beauty of doing Valentine's Day at home. This is a fun option that allows you to let your hair down and have some fun.
8. Do Some Quizzes
You know how they always have those games at baby and bridal showers? The "Who Knows The Bride Best?" sort of games. Well why not do that but the romantic version with your partner. Test their knowledge of you! You can make it as romantic or as funny as you like, and make a variety of quizzes. Try some where you test their memory with questions like, "What did I wear on our first date?" Have other ones that allow you to see their perception of you. With questions like "If I was a flower which type would I be?" Then have some that allow you to get to know them deeper. "If you could visit any three countries in the world with me which would they be and why?" The possibilities here are endless. You could try to guess each other's answers, you could award points for right answers it is a fun and affordable way to connect.
9. Have A Picnic
This is a Valentine's Day idea you could do on a budget or do it up. If you are on a budget have the picnic in your living room or backyard and use things you already have in the house. Or opt for cheaper snacks. A nice fruit platter is always a delicious choice. Remember, it is cheaper to buy the fruit and make it yourself rather than buy the pre-made platters. You can also do some crackers and cheese. You could make sandwiches, the type of food really doesn't matter. It is the effort that counts. Now if your budget is bigger and you want to make is snazzy that is where you can throw in the wine, some throw pillows, candles...you can make it as lavish or as budget-friendly as you need.
10. Take A Trip....Down Memory Lane That Is
Sorry did I get you excited? People this is the Valentine's Day on a budget list...taking a trip would not be on this list. However, you can take a trip down memory lane. Look back through old photos, watch your wedding video, talk about your favorite memories with each other. Share and enjoy the highlights of your relationship. Remembering the good times you shared will bring you closer. If you want to kick it up a notch you can dedicate rooms in your house to specific memories. For example, my husband and I met in a hotel pool at a resort in Mexico. So maybe I would fill the tub with water and rose petals, have some Mexican music playing and have some photos from that weekend in the bathroom and we could enjoy our time in there. Then we always eat at our favorite restaurant for special occasions, maybe I could try to recreate our favorite menu items from there in the kitchen. Finally I could re-create our first Valentine's Day in the living room with the giant rose heart and we could end with one of our favorite movies. You can make it as simple or detailed as you want, it is the thought that counts.
I hope these ideas help! Remember it is not the size of the budget or bank account that matters, but the size of your heart and the love it gives.
