How to Celebrate Valentine’s Day on a Budget
Last updated on January 14th, 2025 at 03:57 pm
Celebrate love this Valentine’s Day on a budget! Explore budget-friendly tips and ideas to make your day special and memorable.
Are you trying to plan an inexpensive Valentine’s Day celebration? Let’s be honest, most of us are on a tight budget these days. We will be welcoming baby number 5 right around Valentine’s Day, so we will either have a newborn or I will be super pregnant. Either way, I don’t think this year will be a normal Valentine’s Day. So, I wanted to give you all some ideas about how to celebrate Valentine’s Day on a budget!
Try these inexpensive Valentine’s Day ideas:
Set a budget and brainstorm
Sit down together and determine how much you’re willing to spend. See how many ideas you can list that stay within the budget constraint. Love doesn’t require money. A fun and memorable Valentine’s Day can be enjoyed on a budget. Make a list of inexpensive ideas that will thrill your significant other. Avoid letting financial challenges ruin your holiday. Be thankful you have someone to celebrate.
Eat dinner at home
Forget the reservations, crowded restaurants and the high cost of a meal out on the town. Cook a delicious, romantic meal at home.
>> Frugal Romantic Dinner Ideas That He’ll Love <<
Find a flower option besides roses
Roses cost a small fortune on Valentine’s Day. Find another flower your significant other loves. Many women don’t even like roses. Ask about her favorite flower. I personally love sunflowers. Or better yet, forget flowers all together. I’d rather have a snickers bouquet!
Rent a few romantic movies and stay on the couch
It’s easy to find a list of romantic movies. You don’t even have to get dressed up. The popcorn is less expensive at home, too. You can even talk during the movie, and snuggle up under a comfy blanket. Truth be told, I would choose this option every time.
>> How to Save Money on Streaming Services in 2025 <<
Go to a hotel in lieu of a trip
Save on travel expenses and visit a local hotel for the night. Consider finding one with a tub for two.
>> How to Travel on a Budget: Our Best 11 Tips <<
Have an indoor picnic
Unless you’re in the south, it’s a little cold for an outdoor picnic in February. Clear out space on the living room floor and have your picnic inside. Anything is possible. Get creative! If you’re crafty, you can even make some pretty amazing DIY decorations.
Look for free or inexpensive entertainment
You can find quality entertainment on the cheap. Museums, local theater companies, art galleries, and food and wine tastings can all be both entertaining and inexpensive.
>> Our free list of activities <<
Use a coupon
A coupon may seem tacky on a first or second date. However, if you’ve been together for a while, that awkwardness no longer exists. Both parties realize the saved money could be spent on something else. Personally, if I went on a date and he used a coupon, I’d know he was a keeper!
Deliver your own flowers
The florist is more expensive than the grocery store or the farmer’s market. Deliver them yourself and enjoy the smile you receive. Who doesn’t want to see the smile on their face when you gift it to them anyway? My husband always grabs the clearance bouquets. He knows I will kill them anyways! It’s the thought that counts.
Choose a different date
Valentine’s Day might officially fall on February 14th, but why not consider celebrating the following day or weekend. Restaurants, flowers, and cards are all significantly less expensive. You can avoid the crowds, too.
Write a love letter
Everyone has a sheet of paper and a pen. Take a few minutes and put your romantic thoughts down on paper. It’s free, and you’ll score big points.
Give each other a massage
Pick the music and the massage oils. Light a few candles and turn on some music. Let your fingers do the talking.
Make your own card
There’s no law that states you have to support Hallmark by purchasing a card that costs $4.99. They usually end up in the trash anyway. Make a card this year. It will be remembered forever. It’s so easy with websites like Canva to just create your own for free!
Go out for breakfast
It’s the most important meal of the day, and the least expensive, so why not go out for breakfast instead of dinner this year? Lunch is another option.
Make a gift
Make a scrapbook or create a CD of their favorite songs. It’s the thought that counts.
>> Frugal Homemade Husband Valentine’s Day Gifts He’ll Love <<
More Valentine’s Day Inspiration:
Frugal Romantic Dinner Ideas That He’ll Love
35+ Frugal Valentine’s Day Treats
