6 Creative + Budget Friendly Valentine’s Day Ideas
Oh, Valentine’s Day, you are so unique. Filled with expectations, sugary treats, and of course a little romance. I have gone back and forth on this holiday for years. I love the concept and idea behind it, but I don’t like the pressure, or all media surrounding it. Instead of conforming to the status quo, or forcing yourselves to go out to that expected lavish dinner, enjoy something special. Indulge in a quiet, comfortable, and still romantic, evening at home. Here we show you how with 6 Creative + Budget Friendly Valentine’s Day Ideas.
When putting together the ultimate date night in, you want to keep a few things in mind. Understanding of course that you can and should customize this template to your own preferences. This will at least get the ball rolling, and keep those creative (and romantic) juices flowing.
6 CREATIVE + BUDGET FRIENDLY VALENTINE'S DAY IDEAS
FOCUS ON WHAT YOU LOVE
This really comes down to knowing your partner, and capitalizing on your shared interests. Connecting over a meal that you prepared together, or relaxing with takeout in front of a fire, can do wonders for your relationship. Sometimes that small amount of bonding is all you really need.
KNOW YOUR PARTNER
What is most important to your special someone? Would they appreciate a night off of cooking? Then consider surprising your partner with a meal you prepared all by yourself.
Or maybe you both hate to cook, but love a local restaurant. Order your dinner in advance, and have it ready for your parter when he or she arrives home.
Whatever you decide, consider the desires of your partner. Listen to their dropped hints, or ask probing questions to get a better idea of what they would really like.
SHOW APPRECIATION
Although Valentine’s Day can be notoriously cheesy, and hyped to convince us to spend money on material things, the concept does have some merit.
This is an opportunity to tap into your romantic side, whether you have one or not. A good excuse to show your significant other some love, in whatever form that may be. You do not have to buy something, a loving action has much more impact in most cases.
If you have kids, considering getting them involved too. Valentines from each of you, drawing a bath for your partner while you spend time with the kids, or a surprise breakfast in bed that you and the kids prepared are all thoughtful gestures.
This action will really impress your partner, and ensure you have a love-filled evening together. Show them what they mean to you, and rekindle that spark that you brought you two together in the first place.
DRESS THINGS UP
Avoid your daily routine for this date night, so it doesn’t feel like every other day. Instead, pretend like you are actually out at a restaurant. Set the table, real napkins and all, put out some fresh flowers, and light some candles.
If you want to really run this with theme, even consider dressing up. Instead of your usual PJ’s, put on a nicer outfit and get ready as if you were leaving the house.
If you have kids, make arrangements for them to get to bed early, or invite a family member over to help with bed time. Plan ahead so you know you will have the entire night free, and uninterrupted time to spend together.
HAVE FUN WITH FOOD
If one or both of you enjoy cooking, use this as an opportunity to bond over a romantic meal. Even if you aren’t an avid cook, or just want a night off, you can still look forward to a healthy satisfying meal.
A note of warning: enjoy your favorite foods, even a treat to share, but don’t let this be an excuse to completely fall off the wagon. It isn’t worth it to ruin a month (or more) of progress with one meal.
TRY A NEW OR FAVORITE DISH
Make a meal reminiscent of your favorite vacation or destination. Did you honeymoon in Italy? (We did and it is still one of our favorite cuisines to cook together). Recall a special dish, or even an entire meal, and use this inspiration to put together a romantic dinner. Not only will you enjoy the food, but you will both love recalling those happy memories.
If you are struggling to select a menu, think of your favorite meal when you dine out. Then, create your own variation at home.
Or, you can always go for an old classic such as a perfectly cooked steak and baked potatoes, or splurge on a gourmet seafood meal, or a main that is really special to you.
TRY A NEW OR FAVORITE DISH
Make a meal reminiscent of your favorite vacation or destination. Did you honeymoon in Italy? (We did and it is still one of our favorite cuisines to cook together). Recall a special dish, or even an entire meal, and use this inspiration to put together a romantic dinner. Not only will you enjoy the food, but you will both love recalling those happy memories.
If you are struggling to select a menu, think of your favorite meal when you dine out. Then, create your own variation at home.
Or, you can always go for an old classic such as a perfectly cooked steak and baked potatoes, or splurge on a gourmet seafood meal, or a main that is really special to you.
TRY A NEW OR FAVORITE DISH
Make a meal reminiscent of your favorite vacation or destination. Did you honeymoon in Italy? (We did and it is still one of our favorite cuisines to cook together). Recall a special dish, or even an entire meal, and use this inspiration to put together a romantic dinner. Not only will you enjoy the food, but you will both love recalling those happy memories.
If you are struggling to select a menu, think of your favorite meal when you dine out. Then, create your own variation at home.
Or, you can always go for an old classic such as a perfectly cooked steak and baked potatoes, or splurge on a gourmet seafood meal, or a main that is really special to you.
ADD ONE SPECIAL ELEMENT
This could be something simple. Maybe your partner adores fresh flowers but you never have them in the house. Surprising them with fresh flowers will surely start your evening on a positive note.
If you are into romance, or even want to try a little something fun, look to aphrodisiac foods.
Aphrodisiac foods can boost our mental and physical desire, and let’s be honest, they are just plain fun. We likely have all heard that oysters, dark chocolate, and strawberries and champagne are love-inducing foods, but there are many others as well. Check out this list of 22 Aphrodisiac Foods for more inspiration.
Especially on a romance-based holiday, it can be really fun to play into these suggestions. Chocolate is a classic sweetheart gift for a reason.
We hope these 6 Creative + Budget Friendly Valentine’s Day Ideas will help you pull off your own romantic evening at home.
