It seems like as soon as we ring in the new year we are faced with yet another holiday, because Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. After Christmas, and all the expenses that come with it, planning a meaningful Valentine’s Day can daunting.
Frugal Valentine’s Day Date Ideas
If your wallet is just a little bit tight this February, here are a few budget-conscious (and some free!) ideas that you can try:
Stargazing
Did you ever lay on the ground as a child, looking up at the sky at night, trying to count the multitude of stars in the sky? If so, consider making a whole date out of it. Granted, February is a cold month to do anything outdoorsy, but if it happens to be a clear evening, bundle up with your sweetie, and enjoy the romance of a beautiful night under the sky.
A Potluck Dinner with Friends
Do you have a set of friends who you like to double date with? If so, consider hosting a small potluck dinner for Valentine’s Day (with Covid-19 precautions, of course!). Each person brings a dish or two, and together you can all sit down to a home-cooked mean and good conversation. This is also a great idea if you are a group of singles who want to get together for an anti-Valentine’s Day dinner! Plus that will give you a reason to use your insulated casserole carrier.
Thrifting Competition
Take a trip to your local thrift shop and make a contest out of finding the strangest thing in the shop. A weird lamp from the 1960s? T-Rex slippers? Cheesy knock-off products? Score! The person with the most bizarre find wins! Bonus points if you buy it!
Looking for some other options? Check out 10 FREE Valentine’s Day Date Ideas!
Have a Photo Shoot
Nice photos don’t have to cost a lot, and with today’s cell phone camera quality, you can take professional-looking photos on your own. Choose a pretty place in the house or a nice spot in the park. Set up your phone or camera to snap photos on a timer, and voila! You have beautiful Valentine’s Day shots!
Go see a Play
Do you love live theatre? Take your significant other to see a show, or better yet, volunteer and see the play for free while handing out programs and helping to seat people. If live theatre isn’t an option, lots of local theatres are streaming their shows online right now for reasonable ticket prices. Not only do you get to see a show, but you also help support a local business!
Try Something Sporty
Want a sporty date for Valentine’s Day? If so, lots of mini golf or driving ranges are open with Covid-19 restrictions in place, and can be a fun way to spend a date night with your love. Most places even offer special discounts for certain nights of the week!
Late Night Appetizer Party
Are you and your special someone night owls? If so, many of restaurants offer late-evening appetizers at half price which is both good for your wallet, and your evening cravings. So hit up a restaurant with cheap apps and munch on some onion rings with your sweetie!
Bonfire
If you’re outdoorsy and don’t mind the chill of February, consider having a bonfire and roasting some marshmallows this Valentine’s Day. If you have a projector, set up a bedsheet and project your favorite film onto it! But even without the accompanying movie, enjoy the warmth of the fire and the company of your special someone.
Watch the Sunset/Sunrise
When was the last time you saw a sunset or sunrise? Make a point of grabbing good bottle of wine, some glasses, and setting into a spot when you can watch the sun go down. Bad weather? Try to watch the sunrise the next morning.
Spontaneous Trip
Do you enjoy traveling and have a love for the unknown? If so, pull out an old-fashioned map (or just open Google Maps) and pick a place within a drivable area that you’ve never been to before. Turn on your GPS and drive to the spot. Then, explore everything the area has to offer! Whether you find anything worth looking at or not, enjoy the drive with your significant other. And be sure to check out my Frugal Travel Ideas!
