As a young couple living on a limited budget, my boyfriend and I have found alternate ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day without spending too much money. Valentine’s Day can be one of the most expensive holidays. A 2011 survey by the market research firm BIGresearch projected that Americans would spend a total of $3.4 billion dollars on Valentine’s Day dinner last year, with the average romantic meal adding up to $116.21.
Here are a few ways to spend Valentine’s Day without breaking the bank:
1. Stay in. Don’t want to face the crowds of couples and pricey menus? Stay in and plan your own romantic meal for two. Two years ago, my boyfriend and I hit up our local Whole Foods Market and purchased whole wheat pizza dough, cheese, and an assortment of veggie toppings. Together, we made our own homemade pizza. Making our own dinner, we were able to work together and enjoy a delicious meal that we had created together! Even if you are not a top chef, many grocery stores have pre-made dinner for two packages. Serve by candlelight and viola! You have created a romantic setting you can both feel good about.
2. Make your own card. It is no secret that Valentine’s Day cards are just a overpriced piece of paper with cheesy quotes. Make your own card that can actually represent how you feel about your partner. Even if you are not the super creative type (I’m not), a homemade card carries loads more sentiment than its store bought counterpart. Have a favorite author or poet? Search Google for a romantic quote by them. Even better, use your partner’s favorite author or poet!
3. Celebrate on a different day. You can save a good bit of money by going out to dinner on a different night. As Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest restaurant nights of the year, restaurants tend to jack up prices. Besides Valentine’s Day, February is a relatively low revenue month for restaurants. Choose another night to go out, and check out the web for local restaurant deals.
4. Spend time together. You do not need to be showered in flowers or dined in expensive champagne to enjoy some quality time with your partner. The most important thing is just spending time together, enjoying each other’s company. If you are usually stretched for time, devote the day to your loved one. Be especially attentive and remember why you love this person and why you want to spend this day with each other.
What are some ways you celebrate Valentine’s Day on a budget?
guest
my boyfriend and I will be celebrating valentine’s day on the 13th because he still thinks that valentine’s day is on that day.. lol
we probably would stay in and cuddle on the couch with a good movie (X-men first class!) & dinner at home.
cherry blossom / 44 posts
Adam’s birthday is a week after Valentine’s day, so I promised him dinner and homemade pie. Valentine’s day is just a day to give eachother kisses and cheap candy
guest
We’re doing a night in, dinner, movie, and cake! His birthday is the 22nd so we usually don’t go big for v-day.
daffodil / 1615 posts
I’ll be spending my Valentine’s Day the same way I spent it last year: eating Chick Fil A in my sweatpants with my boyfriend. No complaints here :)
guest
Volunteer or hike and buy all the candy (read: Dove dark chocolate hearts) on the 15th.
guest
This year we’re doing things low-key. Cooking dinner at home together and snuggling in front of the TV with a movie. Will probably bake something tasty for dessert, too.
guest
We stayed in and did the low key thing last year (I made dinner, he got me flowers and used empty wine bottles for vases, and we watched a movie), and this year we have something extra to celebrate – after being long distance for 8 months or so, my boyfriend is moving out here with me. So we are splurging for Valentine’s Day this year and going out for a fancy dinner – however, we are going a few days before Valentine’s Day, so we don’t have to deal with huge crowds and super expensive Valentine’s Day menus.
guest
i wish i could cook dinner for my boyfriend but i live in a dorm so that’s impossible
we’re going to eat at a small cafeteria on campus that is having a 5 course couple’s meal on valentine’s day, it’s included in our meal plan, so we aren’t spending anything really. maybe going to a movie.
guest
We probably won’t do anything.
guest
Valentine’s Day, we don’t usually do much. Anniversaries and birthdays are bigger deals. I’ll probably get some chocolate dipped strawberries for him, and he’ll probably get me some flowers, then we’ll make dinner and hang out.
tulip / 5 posts
I never understood the concept of valentine’s day gifts. I mean it’s not like a birthday or Christmas where you get someone an extravagant gift they’ve been wanting. Its a fake holiday so you should get fake gifts! I’d recommend one of those cookie cakes you can get at any grocery store. I would just be careful that if you haven’t said “I love you” yet, the first time shouldn’t be written on a cake.
guest
Luckily we both have Valentine’s off, we’re quite excited. So it’ll probably be snuggle in bed, eat breakfast together, go out to a movie, a hike, or window watching (some of a few of our favorite things,
), a cheap meal, video games together, dinner at home, more video games, showers and …. All for around 20 to 30 bucks. We’re easy to please. Just being alone together is really what we enjoy.
orchid / 159 posts
I celebrate the 15th, which is Discount Chocolate Day. Wake up early, have a delightful breakfast (I recommend apple cinnamon crepes), and go to a CVS or Walgreens and pick up that gaudy heart box of chocolates for 75%. It’s good fun
guest
we’re just gonna spend time together & possibly make homemade chocolate covered strawberries! that way we still get the treat but it’s a fun experience together & way less expensive