16 Inexpensive Valentine's Day Date Ideas
With Valentine's Day right around the corner, it’s time to put our thinking caps on and see how we can create special memories with our special someone.
You don’t have to break the bank with those overpriced roses or an expensive piece of jewelry. Rather, you can commemorate the day by creating new and lasting memories.
Together, let’s explore 16 inexpensive Valentine’s Day date ideas that will not only give you something to look forward to, but also give you something to look back on – and possibly even repeat – year after year. Ready to make some new memories?
1. Candlelight Picnic
Let’s start with a creative Valentine’s Day date idea that can be dressed up in any number of ways. This can be indoor, outdoor, or even a carpet picnic!
The key to romanticizing a picnic is to treat it like a fine dining experience. Use the china; use the crystal glasses; set out the candles; display an arrangement of flowers in a beautiful vase.
Lots of little hors d'oeuvres are a great idea for this sort of arrangement. Perhaps you’ll nibble on a charcuterie board, crackers, and other light bites. And, of course, don’t forget the dessert – something along the lines of chocolate covered strawberries.
2. Attend a Live Show
Live music, as long as it’s your genre, almost always lifts the spirits. There’s a certain atmosphere that can’t be replicated any other way, making it one of the best Valentine’s Day date ideas.
See if there’s some live music at a local pub, park, or restaurant downtown. With a drink or two, some good tunes playing all night, and lots of love, this could create such a lovely memory.
3. Cook a Meal Together
In line with the carpet picnic, this is your opportunity to lean into the ambiance more than the activity. Select a fine cut of meat; bake scallops or something else out of the ordinary.
Turn on your favorite playlist; open a bottle of wine. This is your opportunity to turn your home into a gourmet restaurant, create something together, and enjoy a delicious meal in each other’s presence without spending a fortune.
4. Enjoy a Fondue Night
If neither of you get a thrill out of cooking, opt for an easier alternative like a fondue kit.
Fondue can be used in the main course, as a cheese dip for certain options. It can also be used for dessert because, once cleaned, it can turn into a chocolate sensation for strawberries and any number of other items that are best dipped in this delight.
5. Take a Class
The act of learning something together is almost always a bonding experience. Sometimes, cooking classes can get a bit pricey because the school has to factor in the cost of the supplies.
But, if you search around you might find an affordable option. Also, if a cooking class takes you too far out of your budget, you can dial things back a little with a cocktail-making class.
6. Wine Tasting
Do you live in an area where you can venture off to a vineyard or winery? In which case, this could be a lovely opportunity to get out, enjoy a bit of ambiance, and see which variety of wine strikes your fancy.
Of course, you’ll have to figure out transportation. Ideally, wineries are a great place to stay the night to avoid the dangers of driving after several sips. Since this is an inexpensive idea, see if an Uber or some other form of transportation is an option.
7. Visit a Museum
How many movies have we seen where a loved-up couple walks through a museum hand-in-hand? They explore gorgeous works of art, chat about it, and steal kisses along the way, making it one of the best things to do on Valentine’s Day.
In some cities, the library system ties into the local museums. Call your local library to see if this is true in your area. Or just see if there are any perks, in general, for those who sign up for a card. You may be pleasantly surprised and find a free activity for date night!
8. Take a Special Walk or Hike
Are there picturesque trails nearby that you’ve always wanted to explore, but just never had the chance? Make a day out of it.
Pull out your hiking boots; dust off your old camera; and see what nature has in store for you. Depending on how ambitious you are, you might even combine that picnic into your hiking adventure.
9. Star Stargazing
This, too, could easily go hand in hand with your picnic. And why not? You’ll already have a picnic in your backpack.
If you plan your picnic and hike right, you could end the day by laying out under the stars, something we rarely – if ever – take the time to do throughout our busy weeks. How’s that for a romantic Valentine’s Day date idea?
10. Visit an Arcade
When’s the last time you were silly and played games all night? We’re never too old for a round of cards, a board game, or an attempt at charades.
You can up the ante on this concept with a night at an arcade. They’re still fairly affordable and are guaranteed laugh factories. When couples’ playful and competitive sides come out, it’s yet another bonding moment and a new memory in the making.
11. Go Antiquing
Thrift shopping and antiquing can also create a new memory, especially if you and your partner are on the lookout for a particular item. In a way, it almost turns into a scavenger hunt.
See if your house or yard needs anything like a new bookcase, reading chair, or planters for the garden. Or maybe it’s something more fun like a new pair of boots or a three piece suit.
Thrifting and antiquing isn’t quite as blasé as shopping at the mall or grocery store. There are so many eclectic items just waiting to be examined. When you round things out with a cup of coffee and a slice of cake, you’ll have another special moment to tuck away in your back pocket.
12. Rent an Airbnb
Sometimes, the simple act of an overnight trip turns into a really special adventure. It’s a new scene with fresh, new bedding you didn’t have to wash or clean.
The kitchen should be sparkling and clean, just waiting for someone to cook a meal in it. The fridge is empty and just waiting for you to stock it with your favorite snacks and meals.
Sometimes Airbnb runs specials or a host just happens to have a reduced rate for the night. See if you can scoop up a quiet cabin in the woods, a small shack on the beach, or a downtown loft to frame a new memory from a short, overnight excursion.
13. Set Up a Movie Marathon
The key to a memorable movie night is the snacks. Splurge on the chips, cookies, and movie-theater candy that you try to avoid throughout the week.
Also, the Golden Globes just took place. Run down the list to see if there are any blockbusters you wanted to watch but forgot about in the hubbub of life. Good ol’ Leo is always a safe bet for both men and women. Matt Damon and Bradley Cooper also had a big year.
Rent the film from whichever streaming service it’s on, lay out all the candy and treats, and cuddle up under one of your softest blankets. Don’t forget to turn down the lights and fire up the candles.
You’ll be safely tucked away from the worries of the world for the night with your favorite person right beside.
14. Go On a Ghost Tour
Ghost tours are fun because they create an air of excitement. But, really, you could turn this into any sort of downtown excursion. Pretend you’re not a local for a day and go on a group tour of the city or a famous landmark.
Ride the double decker tour bus or visit the national landmark your town is famous for. It’s so fun to be a tourist in your own city for a day. You end up uncovering all sorts of secrets you never knew existed.
Then, when family and friends come to town again, you can pay it forward and give them a tour of your hometown.
15. Start a Memory Box
Whether you purchase a nice, wooden box on Amazon or make one yourself, you can spend the evening creating a memory box with a glass of wine and a record playing in the background.
Print out some of your favorite pictures. Add in that poem he wrote on your anniversary. Drop in a concert ticket or the playbill from a Broadway musical you went to once upon a time.
This will be a heart-warming memory to look back on from time to time. And, if you keep it up, it could go on to be a wonderful legacy item for your children and grandchildren.
16. Take a Road Trip
You know the Maroon 5 song about taking a drive on Sunday morning? There’s something magical about cruising down the highway – with or without a destination in mind.
Fire up a brand new playlist and just hit the open road. Take a two hour drive over to the beach or town you’ve been meaning to check out. Stroll around for the day and then get back in the car and do it all over again.
For some reason, long and easy drives are a great way to talk about new things and chat the day away. For the price of a tank of gas (which, we know, isn’t always inexpensive), you could have another new memory for that memory box.
Inexpensive Valentine's Day Date Ideas to Cherish Forever
You don’t have to break the bank to celebrate your partner. Just think of creative ways to break up the monotony of everyday life and create a special space for a moment in time.
Whether you cozy in for the night or hit the open road, we hope these inexpensive Valentine’s Day date ideas will help you feel the love and create some memories that’ll keep you warm all winter long.
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