Cheap and Affordable Valentine’s Day Ideas

It’s almost February and that means love is in the air! For many couples, it could mean breaking the bank to enjoy time spent with their significant other. But what if it didn’t have to be that way? In this post, we’ll discuss some of the best Valentine’s Day ideas that can save you money leaving your budget intact. 

Affordable Valentine’s Day Dinner Options

As tradition has it, a nice dinner on Valentine’s day is vital to kick off your night full of love. The problem? Your budget is flashing red but you want to indulge with your significant other on this special day. We’ve put together some affordable dinner options and a few ways you can save on your next dinner.

White Castle

Yes, you read that right. White Castle offers a unique Valentine’s Day dinner for you and your loved one. Just remember to make reservations in advance to avoid any disappointment when the day comes. The dimmed lighting and heart-shaped decor will certainly set the mood as opposed to the harsh blue and white colors that come standard with any White Castle meal. Who wouldn’t enjoy table service with their sliders and fries (and Big Red)? Get all the details here!

Use Credit Card Rewards

If you plan on going out to eat somewhere but your budget won’t allow for it, check to see if you have any credit card rewards that you could us. If you do, you might be able to eliminate the cost all together or drastically decrease it.

It’s also wise to use a credit card that offers great rewards on categories like dining and entertainment. A card like the Capital One Savor card offers some of the largest rewards for these categories at 4% cashback. You can read our full review of the card here or view all of our credit card reviews here. This is the easiest way to get rewarded during your night out.

Make a Home Cooked Dinner

If you want a nice dinner, but don’t want to spend any money, that leaves you with one option. Cooking at home. Give yourself the proper amount of time to cook and be well prepared ahead of time. You don’t want an unexpected grocery run to start your Valentine’s Day celebration. You can even consider setting the mood with candles, dimmed lighting, and a bottle of your favorite wine.

Cheap Valentine’s Day Getaway Ideas

If you want to get away for a couple of days throughout the Valentine’s Day holiday, we have a few tips that can save you some money.

Stay at an Airbnb

A great option for your next weekend trip could be an Airbnb or another short term rental. Typically you can find a place to stay for up to half the price of a standard hotel. You can choose to rent out the entire space or a single room, depending on your wants. Try to find a location that is not too far from you in order to save on your travel expenses. If you’re a “spur of the moment” couple, you could consider waiting until a day or two before to get some deeply discounted options.

Best Cities for Weekend Getaways

Below is a list of our favorite cities for a weekend getaway located around the United States. Each offers its own unique experiences so you won’t be able to go wrong no matter which one you choose.

• Nashville, Tennessee
• Charleston, South Carolina
• Jackson Hole, Wyoming
• Savannah, Georgia
• Napa Valley, California
• New Orleans, Louisiana
• Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Other Cheap Valentine’s Day Ideas

Valentine’s Day is all about spending time with loved ones. That doesn’t necessarily mean money, but oftentimes they get lumped together. Keep reading to learn some of the best cheap Valentine’s Day ideas.

Watch Your Favorite Show or Movie Together

As we mentioned, Valentine’s Day is about spending time with your loved ones, and this could be by watching your favorite television show together. Dedicate some time to relax with your partner and be sure to purchase some popcorn and soda before starting your binge.

Go for a Drive

For many people, driving can be a form of stress relief. Consider taking a drive at night speaking with your partner about your memories together and your future. This can be a great way to connect and get to know your partner even more than you already do. If you want to get exploratory, flip a corner at each intersection to designate which way you will turn.

Take a Day Off Work Together

In 2020, Valentine’s Day falls on a Friday, consider taking a day off work and spending the day with your partner. You could complete your normal tasks together like going to the grocery or hitting the gym, or you could consider something more elaborate like an art or yoga class. Either way, you should spend time together relaxing in whatever way is best for you.

Go for a Wine Tasting

Wine tastings can be a fun activity for any couple whether you’re a wine connoisseur or not. The only downside is that they can end up costing you more than you want to spend. Check out local offers on sites like Groupon to see if you can have a night out for cheap. Plus, use a credit card that offers good rewards for dining and entertainment to lessen the cost.

Tour Your City

The chances are, you’ve never really had the time to get to know the ins and outs of where you live. You could consider signing up for a tour of your city, or if you live in a smaller town, drive around and scope things out. Create a list of new restaurants you want to check out or places you plan to visit in the future.

Bake Your Favorite Dessert

If you haven’t already purchased that box of chocolates, you could consider baking your favorite dessert together. It could be your favorite cake, cookies, or anything else you enjoy. Get out the mixer and turn on the oven to enjoy some of your favorite desserts. 

Cheap Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

If you’re in a giving mood and want to get your significant other a gift, keep reading to find out some of the best affordable gift options for him or her!

For Women:

If you’re looking for cheap gifts for your girlfriend or wife, consider some of the following:

• Coffee Mugs
• Candles
• Slippers or Robe
• Picture Frame with Picture
• Planner or Journal
• Shampoo or Body Wash
• Gloves
• Yoga Accessories
• Socks
• Sunglasses

For Men:

If you’re looking for cheap gifts for your boyfriend or husband, consider some of the following:

• Headphones
• Shaving Accessories
• Socks
• Phone Case
• Wallet
• Whiskey Glasses
• Sunglasses
• T-Shirts
• Shoes

Conclusion

Saving money this Valentine’s Day is a no brainer for your budget and finances. Spending time with your loved one should be your priority, not spending money (although oftentimes they go hand in hand). Whether it’s cooking a meal at home, or opting to attend White Castle’s Valentine’s Day dinner, there are many options you can take to keep your budget in check.

If you’re looking for a getaway, consider renting an Airbnb as the prices can be significantly less than a standard hotel. Cities like Nashville, Tennessee, Savannah, Georgia, and Napa Valley, California all offer unique experiences making it nearly impossible to go wrong.

What are your ideas to save money this Valentine’s Day? Comment below!