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Don’t Break the Bank this Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching and with it can come some pretty high expectations. As we enter into this season of love, I would like to challenge all of us to be more intentional with our significant other. During the first half of the month of February, hearts and diamonds and candy are thrown into our faces everywhere you look. From TV and internet ads, to the decorations in every store that you walk into, you cannot escape the reminder to BUY BUY BUY something for someone you love.
I don’t think it has to be all about spending a ton of money or being especially extravagant. To be honest, my favorite gifts are well thought out, intentional moments spent with my spouse. Also-let’s not kid ourselves, not everyone has an unlimited budget when it comes to gifts. Most of us have champagne taste on a beer budget, if you know what I mean. Why don’t we get a little more creative this year and a little more frugal as well. Save your money and go on vacation some other time. Don’t break the bank trying to impress your partner. I have got 7 cheap or FREE Valentine’s Day date ideas that you are going to LOVE.
1. Build Your Own Charcuterie Board
Charcuterie boards have become extremely popular over the last few years. What is better than a tray full of salty and/or sweet snacks to enjoy with a perfectly paired glass of wine while engaging in riveting conversation? Not much, I say. You can totally control how much you spend on this which makes it very budget friendly. Here is a really cute DIY charcuterie board idea for your perfect Valentine’s date night.
2. Game night
Y’all. There are some REALLY cute and fun printable games that you can buy for less than $5 on Etsy. You can go to that website and search “date night games.” Take your pick. You can also plan games for two people like Jenga or scrabble. If you are looking to build a deeper connection, then a game like: The Ultimate Game For Couples could be a great option for you!
Side note-I am a terrible person to play games with. My husband refuses to play games with me. I am a sore loser. It’s not a great quality, I know. I am trying to get better. My advice: make sure that your partner actually likes playing games before you plan a game night. Otherwise, if anyone is like me (HYPER-competitive) game night may not be the best way to connect with each other.
3. Take A Walk Down Memory Lane
How sweet would it be to have physical pictures printed of some of your favorite memories with your significant other over the last year or so? Then put them I’m a cute little photo album for you both to look through together. This is a great idea for couples who have been together for a long time. Or if you are married, pull out the wedding photo album and look at together. I think it is becoming more and more rare to have actual physical pictures printed. In my opinion, swiping through pictures on your phone just isn’t as nostalgic or fun as flipping through a photo album.
It is very inexpensive these days to have pictures printed. In fact, if you order through the Shutterfly App, 4×4 and 4×6 prints are completely free (you just have to pay the shipping for them). So why not take a walk down memory lane this Valentine’s Day. Get cozy with the one you love and reminisce about WHY you love each other so much.
4. Star Gazing/Cozy Campfire
I am a country girl at heart so I really love being outdoors. One of my favorite things to do with my husband is to have him build me a fire in our fire pit outside and sit by the fire together after the kids go to bed. The quiet night sky, the crackling of the fire, and the twinkling of the stars are what make my heart sing. Some of the deepest conversations I have ever had with my husband were had sitting around a fire.
Once you settle in next to the roaring fire, enjoy a glass of wine or a cup of hot chocolate. Maybe even get the ingredients to make S’mores or buy a pre-made dessert like brownies or chocolate covered strawberries to enjoy together. I hope you’ll give this idea a try, even if you don’t consider yourself “outdoorsy.”
5. Netflix and Chill
I know this one doesn’t seem like anything special to some people. However, there are couples (like my husband and I) that have crazy schedules. With 3 small kids we have very little time to just sit on the couch and watch a movie. This Valentine’s Day, I would LOVE the chance to cuddle up on the couch with my favorite blanket and my favorite man to watch a movie.
Most people have some type of streaming service these days like Netflix, Disney+, or Amazon prime video. Since you’re already paying for it, use it to rent a movie or watch one that you can stream for free. Pick a new movie you haven’t seen before or watch one of your favorites (either way, I would suggest something romantic *wink-wink*).
6. Nature Walk
I know it may be a little scary to plan anything outside, because the weather in February can be a little unpredictable. However, if you check your weather app and see that the Valentine’s Day forecast looks nice, why not plan a hike or nature walk? If you live in the Houston area, check out this blog post with the 10 Prettiest Houston Hiking Trails and Nature Walks. You can pack a picnic and enjoy some time in the beautiful outdoors.
Quality time outdoors in nature with the one you love is actually good for you. I’m not joking. Check out this article on the American Psychological Association website that discusses how time in nature can improve our mental health. A free date that brings you closer to the one you love by simultaneously improving your mental health? Now that is what I call a win-win!
7. Support a Local Bakery
There is just something extra special about getting a really cute handmade delicious treat prepared by a local bakery. So much thought and effort goes into planning a Valentine’s menu for their customers. Your local bakery will have a variety of treats for you to pick from for all budgets. Instead of buying a generic heart-shaped box of chocolates this year, take your lover to your local bakery to pick out a delicious treat to enjoy together! It doesn’t cost a lot to buy a fun, unique treat for your Valentine that is sure to make them smile all whilst strengthening the economy of your hometown.
One of my absolute favorite local bakeries in the Houston area is Luliet Bakery. You guyssssssss….Everything is so yummy and so cute! They have a Valentine’s menu right now with everything from a dessert charcuterie board to paint-your-own cookies! Check them out if you are local.
It doesn’t matter if this is your first Valentine’s Day or 50th Valentine’s Day with your significant other, you can make it special without breaking the bank. Moments are what we remember, not the amount of money spent. We hope you found this post, 7 cheap or FREE Valentine’s Day date ideas helpful and fun! Happy Valentine’s Day, Lovebirds!
P.S. If you like this blog (7 cheap or FREE Valentine’s Day date ideas), we have more posts for you to browse through with categories like Hacks, Menu Planning, Recipes and Holiday Fun. Check us out!
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