Even if celebrating consumer-driven holidays isn't your usual MO, there's no denying that Valentine's Day is a great opportunity to make your partner feel loved and appreciated. However, planning a romantic evening out on the town or whisking your SO away to a bougie hotel for the weekend can get very pricey. Fortunately, there are plenty of cheap and unique date ideas for Valentine's Day that won't put you in debt. According to Psychology Today, V-Day can be the perfect chance to reinvigorate the romance in your relationship.
"Many couples look forward to Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to rekindle the romance and renew their love and lovemaking; or, more simply, to enjoy a day set aside for reminding each other how much they love being together," wrote Grant H. Brenner, MD, relationship expert and co-author of Irrelationship. Although it's easy to feel like you have to fork over some serious cash to impress your partner, it is absolutely possible to make their heart skip a beat on a budget. That said, it's important to make sure that you go the extra mile to make sure your date is something that will appeal to your partner's interests. Here are seven affordable date ideas that will surprise your SO.
If your SO is the creative type, chances are they will love the idea of taking a BYOB painting class. Why spend all your money on drinks at an overpriced bar when you could crack open your favorite bottle of wine from home while creating your very own masterpieces?
Sporty couples may want to consider planning their love day around an outdoor activity. A hike is a fun and free way to take in some beautiful scenery. If you're looking to score some extra points, pack a picnic for you both to enjoy at the end of the trek.
Karaoke is never a bad idea, especially if your partner loves spending time in the spotlight. Plan for an early dinner in or at a place that fits into your budget, and take them to your favorite karaoke bar for a night full of fun.
Even though making Valentine's day plans can be stressful, if you plan ahead, you can have a great time on a budget. The most important aspect of executing a successful date is to put time and effort into surprising your partner with something they'll truly enjoy.