Valentine’s Day is upon us once more. However you feel about the day or your current relationship status, one thing that is sure is it’s a season to express love. In all kinds of ways and to different degrees.
It can be a special occasion to show your significant other how much you care, or spread love to some other people around you. One key reason this day is dreaded though is how undoubtedly costly it can be on the pockets of people who want to go all out.
The good news is, spending a lot of money to make the day special is not compulsory! There are some very budget-friendly ideas that can make Valentine’s Day special and enjoyable. This article is here to prove that. Be it alone, with your partner, with a bunch of family members and friends, or with beloved strangers, you can make the day count in a budget-friendly way.
Here are 10 great ways to spend Valentine’s Day that are unconventional and will save you money.
1. Cook a special dinner at home
Cooking a romantic dinner at home can be a great way to save money while still showing your significant other how much you care. It’s an especially nice touch if the other person usually does the cooking. You can make their favourite dish or dessert and pair it with a glass of wine for instance.
Conversely, you can try a new recipe together. Or even have a friendly cooking competition at home, where you both prepare a dish and judge/banter each other’s creations. That would be sure to create some lovely memories.
2. Have a potluck dinner with friends
Instead of going out to a fancy restaurant or eating alone, why not have a potluck dinner with friends? You can enjoy a fun and casual evening with your loved ones this way. It also takes away some stress as everyone brings a dish the rest can relish.
3. Have a DIY spa day
You can choose to pamper yourself by creating a spa-like atmosphere at home; scented candles, soothing music, make your own face masks, scrubs, and all.
You could also have a spa day at home with your significant other. You can give each other massages, facials, and mani-pedis, take a bubble bath together and enjoy other relaxing activities.
4. Create a Valentine’s day movie/series marathon
Instead of going out to the movies, have a movie marathon at home with your significant other or alone. All those clips you had lined up to see on a free day? Now’s a good time to see them.
You could also just choose a theme, such as romantic comedies or action movies to binge. Then make homemade snacks like popcorn and lemonade, sit pretty, and enjoy yourselves.
5. Have a Valentine’s Day games night at home
Having a games night at home with your significant other or a bunch of friends is a good idea. It’s a great opportunity to spend some quality time together and have loads of fun.
You can take turns playing each other’s favourite games like popular board games, puzzles, and the like. You could even have a karaoke night and sing a herd of songs together. Time spent this way usually ends up with a lot of laughs.
6. Take a hike or walk in nature
Talking whilst exploring a new trail and its accompanying scenery is a great way to get some fresh air and enjoy each other’s company. Do something new by walking in nature with other(s) and you’d be happy you got your 10,000 steps in this way. The best part? It’s completely free.
7. Volunteer on Valentine’s Day
Remember it’s a time to show love. You can make Valentine’s Day a day of giving back by volunteering together at a place that means something to you. This could be by yourself alone or with others.
Whether you choose a community centre, orphanage, or somewhere else, spaces abound where your giving would be well appreciated.
8. Have an open-air picnic
Picnics aren’t outdated at all and are a great way to show your partner some love and unwind while at it. You could pack up a meal and have a picnic in the park. It’s a romantic and budget-friendly way to spend the day together.
9. Take a class together on Valentine’s day
Sign up for a one-time class together. It could be in dance, painting, photography, or anything else that floats your boat. That’s definitely a fun way to learn something new and spend time together while also saving money.
These are just a few examples of ways to spend Valentine’s Day that are budget-friendly and still special. The most important thing is to focus on spending quality time with the other person and showing them how much you care. Remember, it’s not about how much money you spend, but about the effort and thought you put into the day.