The day to express your love and appreciation for your loved one is upon us. With many couples being short on cash this year it would be easy to dismiss celebrating this day. Often times Valentines is viewed as an expensive night out on the town. If you include gifts the price of the special day can be quite high if you don’t have it included in your spending plan.
Well, in my opinion Valentines Day should never be dismissed because of a concern for money. There are plenty of inexpensive Valentines options out there. You might have to plan a little more in advance or give it some extra thought, but hey, that’s what the day is about anyway.
So, after researching a little bit and checking my own past date experience mental file, I’ve come up with a list of inexpensive Valentines Day or date options you might just consider to make this an extra special time for you and your loved one. Also, keep in mind you can combine any of these options!
Inexpensive Valentine’s Ideas
Go have a cup of coffee
We all know there is a coffee bar on every street corner these days. Take a trip to your local favorite coffee bar and spend a few hours talking and sipping on your favorite cup of joe.
Stay home and cook a dinner you’ve never cooked before
Consider finding a cookbook with a romantic dinner. Men, pick up the ingredients at the store and surprise your wife by either cooking for her, or spending time together by cooking.
Rent a movie
Often a weekend activity for me wife and I, but guys, this time let your wife pick the movie! Yes, it might be one of those romantic comedies with Matthew McConaughey, but just watch it anyway!
Volunteer your time
Perhaps there is a local food bank or soup kitchen that needs assistance. This is a great option for giving back to others and growing closer through the experience with your loved one.
Do a craft together.
There are plenty of places around where you can pick out ceramic items and paint together. Why not paint coffee mugs for each other? Yes, guys, paint something for your wife. It’s okay if it doesn’t turn out all that well.
Go to lunch instead of dinner.
Still insisting that you and your loved one go out to eat? Some would rather do this instead of having a mess to clean up at home. Check around at your local favorite restaurants and make a lunch reservation which is typically a more inexpensive option.
Take a trip to the ice skating rink.
Perhaps you live in an area with an ice skating rink? This is a great way to have some fun, especially if you’re inexperienced. Enjoy a good laugh as you pick each other up off the ice, or try to avoid falling.
Check out a museum or art exhibit
This is a good option to consider if you’re interested in art. Actually, it’s a good option even if you’re not interested in art. There is something about walking around looking at art together. Don’t couples always do this in the movies?
Still want to eat out dinner? Pizza can be romantic!
Oh yeah, another eating out idea is to go have some pizza at your favorite pizza place. It’s even better if you can order by the slice somewhere (perhaps in downtown).
Go see a matinee
Obviously, matinee movies are cheaper than going in the evening. You might consider going to see a movie in the day and doing one of these stay at home activities in the evening.
Have a picnic in the park
Weather permitting you can never go wrong with packing a picnic basket and taking it to the park. Hint for guys: Don’t go to the park down the street where all the kids are playing on the playground. Instead, pick the lake or ocean view.
Go to the zoo
This is a great option to do sometime without the kids. My wife and I spent our second date the zoo and had a great time. You can never be too old to do something like this.
Dance lessons
You can find free first-time dance lessons or great deals on an initial trial package. Some places will provide a few short lessons to give you a taste of some of the different types of lessons you can take. This can be a bit more expensive if you decide to purchase a package, but I’ll tell you nothing could be more romantic if you can budget this money.
Take a cooking lesson
Similar to the dance lesson option, you might be able to find cooking lessons in your local area. This is an activity you can do together and have fun learning.
Have picnic at home
Were you planning on the picnic by the lake or ocean but the weather is ugly? No problem. Spread out your picnic blanket in the living room and enjoy your picnic at home in front of the fire (if you have one).
Final thoughts
Use Valentines as an opportunity to be creative and give some thought as to how to make this day extra special. And guys, don’t forget flowers and a card (make one yourself).
What are your ideas for an inexpensive, but memorable Valentines?
About Jason Price