Last year, Michelin-recognized British chef Adam Simmonds offered to come to your house to prepare a Valentine’s supper for you and your partner. The eight-course menu included Almus white caviar, Pacific bluefin tuna, Wagyu beef, gold leaf and other lavishly crafted treats.
What did that opulent meal cost? $99,466 (roughly £61,000).
While a near-$100,000 dinner is beyond the means of most couples marking Valentine’s Day, here are 11 ways to express your love without diving into debt. These enjoyable Valentine’s Day suggestions will make your partner feel cherished while keeping costs down.
1. Enjoy the Outdoors
Spending time in nature feels romantic — and it’s free. Depending on local weather, you might take a hike, set up a beach picnic, or go snowshoeing. A stroll through a park is always a pleasant way to connect, whether the sun is shining or you’re splashing through rain puddles.
Pack stoneground crackers, salami, brie, grapes and a bottle of Two-Buck Chuck (or your preferred affordable wine), and head to a scenic spot for a sunset picnic.
Even in milder climates, seasonal skating rinks pop up this time of year. Many places also have indoor rinks year-round. Hold hands and glide around together.
2. Host an Elegant Dinner at Home
Who says you must dine out to have a memorable Valentine’s dinner? With restaurants busy offering expensive prix fixe menus, consider celebrating at home instead.
Set a nice tablecloth, light some candles, and prepare a delicious meal. Start with prosciutto-wrapped asparagus or devils on horseback. For the main course, try creamy pesto shrimp, a tasty salmon dish, chicken parmigiana or even a heart-shaped pizza. Finish with chocolate-covered strawberries or chocolate truffle cookies.
If you prefer flowers, consider economical options and learn about cheap valentines day flowers to keep costs low while still making a lovely impression.
3. Light the Fire
If you have a fireplace or an outdoor fire pit, Valentine’s Day is ideal for a cozy blaze. Bring marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate to make s’mores. Or, spread a blanket in front of the hearth and enjoy some fondue together.
4. Snuggle Up for a Movie Night
Celebrate love with a romantic film marathon. AMC offers a list of the 50 most romantic movies for ideas.
Pop a bag of microwave popcorn, or try this homemade kettle corn, and enjoy the films. You might even earn a little cash reviewing the movies online afterward.
5. Catch a Movie Premiere Near Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day itself may not be prime time for free movie premieres, but watch the weeks surrounding it for chances to score tickets to advance screenings.
6. Make a Charming Gesture
Instead of spending over $100 on long-stem roses, present a solitary rose between your teeth in classic tango fashion. Thoughtfulness and presentation matter more than an expensive bouquet sitting untouched on the table—and your date will likely remember the playful flourish.
7. Reminisce Together
Spend an evening flipping through old pictures and recalling favorite memories. Give your partner a keepsake from your first date. Create a photo album or slideshow with music and video for a heartfelt stroll down memory lane.
8. Embrace Retro Romance
Take it back to school-day charm. Gift your date candy conversation hearts reading “Be Mine,” “True Love,” “Let’s Kiss,” or craft your own message to spell out something special for your sweetheart.
9. Exchange Massages
Gather lotions and oils, and spend the evening trading relaxing, romantic massages. Add a fun touch by giving your partner a voucher for a “free massage anytime.”
10. Play Together
Not mind games — actual games. Pull out Scrabble and enjoy an evening of wordplay with your Valentine. Plug in controllers for a two-player video game, whether you team up against a common enemy or compete. Puzzles are another cozy option.
You can often find board games and puzzles at thrift shops for very little — just confirm all the pieces are included. Dollar stores and eBay are also excellent places to locate cheap games and accessories.
11. Stargaze Together
Bundle up and step outside to gaze at the night sky. Bring a star chart or download an app and spend your evening admiring the cosmos. Learn a few stargazing basics, and head out with your skymap, telescope and binoculars (or just your eyes) to take in planets, nebulas and galaxies.
If you happen to be in Tucson, Arizona, consider attending the all-day skywatching event on Valentine’s Day at the East Campus Observatory of Pima Community College from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. It includes speakers and telescopes equipped for safe solar viewing, as well as opportunities to observe deep-sky objects.
Looking for budget-friendly gift ideas to pair with your plans? Check out these diy valentines gifts and other affordable ways to celebrate the holidays for inexpensive, thoughtful options.
Your Turn: How will you be celebrating Valentine’s Day this year?
