If you're looking for ideas for Valentines' Day on a budget, read on. There are ways to celebrate and have a great Valentine's Day without spending your last dollar!
Valentine's Day is fast approaching and so are the inevitable anxieties of trying to find the right way to celebrate your love without breaking the bank. Read on for some great and affordable Valentine's Day ideas!
1. Make a love jar
There are surely hundreds of reasons why you love your significant other, right? Maybe it's the way they make you feel like you're floating on a cloud when you're together. Maybe it's how they always know the right words to cheer you up when you've had a bad day. Whatever the reasons, try this tip for a fun and romantic way to share the love. First, find a simple mason jar with a lid (if you don't have one, check out Goodwill or another thrift store for plenty of options). Then, using a blank sheet of paper (you can choose if you want to use something fancier, but printer paper will do just fine!), write out 50-100 of the reasons why you love your beau. Carefully cut each of these out, and use them to fill your mason jar. Now, simply decorate your jar as much or as little as you prefer and voila - a romantic and affordable gift that your partner is sure to love as much as they love you!
2. Cook together for the ultimate night in
Another Valentines' Day on a budget idea: instead of spending hundreds of dollars on a couple of plates of mediocre food that you have to enjoy in a room with 50+ other couples, save money and have a romantic Valentine's night in! For much less than the cost of a meal out (especially on this notoriously over-priced holiday), you and your partner can enjoy a fabulous, delicious home cooked meal. Simply head to the local grocery store and pick up a nice steak, some seafood, or whatever suits your style. You can choose to surprise your love with a ready-to-eat meal when they get home or cook together for some extra-sweet bonding time. Dress up in some sexy lingerie if that's your thing, throw in some champagne and strawberries and have the night of your lives without spending too much! Need recipe inspiration? Just browse through some of my easy recipes here on Hip Mama's Place! 🙂
3. Surprise your partner with candy and flowers
Why over complicate things? Especially if you haven't been together for a long time, it can sometimes be better to keep things simple. Instead of spending hundreds on an extravagant night out or an expensive gift like jewelry - stop by your love's workplace (or home) with a bouquet of flowers and some nice chocolates or candies. Your partner is sure to appreciate this sweet gesture on the most romantic day of the year. Make sure to include an admiring note to let them know how much you care! If you're looking for something cute and affordable to gift your man this Valentine's Day, how about a manly gift basket? Go check it out.
4. Bake and decorate heart-shaped cookies together
If you want to find an activity that provides some intimate bonding time in the kitchen with your partner but you don't feel confident preparing and cooking a whole meal, try this fun activity: bake heart-shaped cookies together instead. Check out the dollar store or Goodwill to find some affordable heart-shaped cookie cutters. You can make this as involved or easy as you'd like. Either whip up some dough from scratch or buy some pre-made dough at the store - either way you are sure to enjoy this sweet treat. Together with your beau, use the cookie cutters to cut out some Valentine's Day-themed shapes and then pop them in the oven. Once they are done, let them cool completely before adding icing, heart-shaped sprinkles, and whatever else your heart desires. Be prepared to get a little messy, but that is part of the fun! Try my Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies or my Valentine's Day Chocolate-Covered Pretzels recipes -- both are yummy and are perfect for this Valentine's Day idea!
5. Get creative - write or make a beautiful gift to show your love
If you don't want to (or can't) spend any money this Valentine's Day - this one is perfect for you. However you prefer to get creative, use your skills to share the love with your partner. Write a poem expressing how much they mean to you, or wax poetic about their beauty and good qualities. Write a short story about the first time you saw your love, or your favorite day spent together. If you're more of a visual artist, try painting or sketching an image of your partner, your favorite date spot, or the two of you sharing a kiss. If you prefer something more hands-on, grab some clay and shape it into something that fits the Valentine's Day theme. Whatever you choose to create, your partner will be delighted to know that you took the time to make something romantic and thoughtful especially for them. What more could you ask for on Valentine's Day?
So what do you think about these Valentine's Day on a budget ideas? Do you have other ideas for an affordable Valentine's Day? I'd love it if you can share in the comments!
Whether you choose to stay in, go out, create or buy your loved one a present, remember that the thought you put into making them happy will be the real gift. You don't have to spend a ton of money to show your love and affection, or to let your partner know that you care. Let your heart lead the way this Valentine's Day... and enjoy!
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Yanitza says
These are great ideas! I particularly like the love jar.
Aarika says
These are some fabulous ideas for a low budget Valentine's Day. I love the heart jar. What a great idea!
Everything Enchanting says
You have shared some great ideas to celebrate V-day on a budget! I like the baking one 👌🏻Thanks for sharing the tips
Monica Y says
I think I would surprise my husband with flowers, he probably would never expect me to give him flowers
Marysa says
It is nice to have some low-key, budget ideas for valentine's day. We are definitely staying in and enjoying a quiet Valentine's day.
Kathy says
These are some wonderful ideas. I think my husband and I will probably be spending it watching something on Netflix and just having a nice dinner at home.
Mama Maggie's Kitchen says
Yes, everything now needs to be in budget! These ideas for Valentine's day are really sweet and budget friendly. Thanks for sharing.
Monica Simpson says
I love this. The best valentines days I've had have been simple and at home. No fancy gifts. Just time together.
Tammy says
I love Love Jars. Hubby and I have one and day dates are our fav too. Gotta keep dating even after you get married.
Catalina says
Candy and flowers for your partner is such a sweet idea! Anyone would appreciate it!
MELANIE EDJOURIAN says
These are lovely ideas. I think if I was baking though I'd rather hubby stay well clear. He'd be happy with that as he loves to eat whatever I bake.
Kuntala Bhattacharya says
Lovely ideas, in fact one of our website authors have also shared her ideas on Vday. I liked the love jar, too cute.
Lynndee says
Such fun ideas. It's going to be a quarantine-style Valentine's Day for us this year but I'm still looking forward to celebrating it with my boys.
Joline says
Love these ideas! We always stay in on Valentine's and maybe this year we'll bake together!
Gracelene Dela Cruz says
Thanks for sharing these cool Valentine's day celebration ideas!
Nikki Wayne says
Nice Valentine's day tips! Thanks for sharing,love it.
Rose Ann Sales says
We loved cooking cookies and cakes before the Valentine's day, thanks for mentioning.
Nikki Wayne says
Great ideas, thanks, it's nice to have affordable options to celebrate Valentine's day.
Tasheena says
These are all wonderful ideas for Valentine’s Day. Thanks for sharing these.
melissa chapman says
You have shown that the simple things you can do together with your valentine are the best. Spending money and expensive gifts are not as nice as a nice time together.
SoniaChic95 says
My favorite one is to write poems to my other half because it is free and from the heart!
rika says
These are great tips! I love that love jar, so pretty and very romantic.
Nkem says
Aww I like the idea of a love jar! That's so cute.
Mayuri Saxena says
These are such cute ways to express your love this Valentine. I am going to try a couple of these on Valentine.
Yudith Napitupulu says
This is really great idea. Who said need much money for celebrate valentine's day with you love one? My hubby is always cooking for celebrate valentine.
Rosey says
I agree, no reason to over complicate. I am excited for a quiet Valentine's Day this year.
Sonia Seivwright says
These are a perfect way to save money and just enjoy each other as a couple.
Rikki Ridgeway says
For a nice date night in, I always love the cooking with my husband idea. It's easy, and we both love to cook and its just a great way to spend some time together.
Ej Requina says
I guess going creative and affordable this Valentines is a must now with all the unexpected and crazy events happening. These are great and creative suggestions! Cheers!
Ntensibe Edgar says
Aaawwwww....these are very thoughtful! Personally, I love writing and so, I say we get creative – write or make a beautiful gift to show your love!
Mama Maggie's Kitchen says
I am sooo loving these sweet and wonderful ideas for Valentine's Day! I will keep them in mind.
Marysa says
These are all fun ideas, especially since Valentine's Day is a little different this year. It is nice to stay on a budget and keep saving.
Nile Flores says
I usually don't celebrate Valentine's day. However, I used to buy a card and some sweets when I did. Great ideas!
vidya says
a poem might be my way this year!
Sara lafountain says
I am definitely cooking a romantic meal for my husband! That is an easy way to stick to my budget.
Ciara says
These are such great ideas. I love the little love notes
Catalina says
I think we can celebrate Valentine's Day even without spending too much. Thanks for these ideas!
Danielle says
Love all these! I think homemade dinner and gifts are the best ones to receive!
Beth says
These are great ideas to help make Valentine's Day special without breaking the bank. We tend to stay in on Valentine's Day because we don't like crowds. (And of course this year, everyone has to stay in!)
Sarah Bailey says
These are some really lovely ideas. I am totally all for the baking cookies as well as you get something delicious at the end of it.
Cindy says
Such sweet ideas to show someone you love them. I might just try the baking idea.
Janeane M Davis says
These are great ideas for making the holiday special. What's nice about these ideas is that they can also be used any time of the year to spice things up a notch.
Catherine Santiago Jose says
Such a beautiful and practical ideas to do this Valentines. This time we decided to cook our favorite recipe and will eat it together with out kids.
Steven Morrissette says
Great budget ideas for valentine's day. This year and last year was cheaper than usual because we stayed home instead of dining out.
Forever My Little Moon says
We never go "all out" for Valentine's Day, but usually try to order food and then maybe watch a movie at home after our daughter is in bed.
Ryan Escat says
I love 2 and 3. My wife will definitely have fun doing these things. Thanks for the ideas
Amanda says
This is great! My hubs has sometimes gotten me a card and written a really long message in it! That usually means more than anything!
Len Swegart says
Awesome ideas on a budget. I always love writing and receiving letters and notes. It's personal and straight from the heart. Thanks for sharing!
Kimmy says
All great ideas to consider!
Nikki Wayne says
Thanks for the tips. Cooking together is what always comes to my mind since it's the most affordable and romantic,I think?
angela says
I like the idea of cook together! Its gonna be so much fun.
Dianne G says
Wow! All are great ideas! Will consider this and share to my friends too.
Sarah Mahmoud says
These are really great ideas!
Tasheena says
These are all wonderful budget-friendly ideas for Valentine’s Day. Thanks for sharing!
Cinny says
These are adorable ideas. I'm trying to plan something this year to make it special.
Kita Bryant says
All of these are such sweet and thoughtful ideas. I just LOVE this holiday!
Tasha Gervais says
Cooking and baking are all I need, LOL! And for me, I prefer a plant over cut flowers 🙂
Neely Moldovan says
We always make each other something and then usually splurge on a nice dinner at home!
Ben says
These are all really great ideas. Who says you have to spend a ton of money to have a great Valentine's Day? I think that's especially important this year when money is so tight for so many of us.
Jamiee says
Such great ideas, a night in cooking together sounds PERFECT - thanks!
Tara Pittman says
I like the baking one. In the past, I would always bake a special dessert for my husband.
Amber Myers says
These are some great ideas! My husband is deployed so I'll just see him on Facetime. But really, we've never done a ton for Valentine's Day.