This day is designed to celebrate love, and being so intensely connected and devoted to someone makes you want to buy them a fancy dinner, a show, and a beautiful set of jewelry. But maybe your budget allows for cheap fast food, Netflix, and fake jewelry from a mall kiosk.
Or maybe you’re just looking to mind your pennies and stick to your budget, but you still want to make that special someone feel, just that, special.
I’m here to help. Below are several tips on how to romance your sweetheart while sticking to your budget.
Cook a romantic dinner
Cooking your significant other a special dinner will pay off two-fold. One, it will save you a bunch of money on going out. And two, they will notice and appreciate how much work you put into the meal. It’ll make dinner even more special.
If you are looking to eat healthy this Valentine’s day, visit this post on how to eat healthy on a budget.
Give a full body massage
Once again, you are going to save loads of money on this. Massage parlors, especially good ones, will cost you a couple hundred bucks, easy. By giving the massage yourself, you save all that money, less the price of massage oil.
Like the dinner, your significant other will notice and definitely appreciate all your effort.
Pack a sunset picnic
If you live where it’s cold, hopefully, it’s warmer than normal. If you live in a warm climate, this will be perfect. A sunset is always a beautiful sight and is a wonder to watch with your love. Pack a picnic filled with their favorites to make them feel special.
If the weather sucks, watch the sunset from your car. Or you can try another tip from this list.
Leave love notes
This is free but will make them feel so special. Write cute things like what you love about them, something they do that you find endearing, or a special memory. It’ll make them feel good and won’t cost you a thing.
Take a walk
Walk through your neighborhood or through the local park hand in hand. I love walking around with my wife. It gives us a chance to talk, enjoy the weather, and enjoy each other’s company.
Visit special places from your past
I love this one. Go to the location of your first date, where you first kissed, where you proposed, or where you got married. You will both reflect on that special day and how much that day meant to one another.
Plus side of this, if you don’t go inside, it won’t cost a penny.
Snuggle and watch romantic movies
Long periods of intimate contacts, like cuddling, release the hormone oxytocin, which will lower your heart rate and reduce stress. Cuddling and watching a romantic movie will surely give you some quality time together. My wife’s two favorites are the Notebook and Love Actually. Give one of those a shot.
Slow dance to some romantic music
This music could be found on a Spotify or Pandora playlist, or it could be one that you both declared as your song. Pick a few songs, hold each other close, and enjoy the moment.
Write a love letter
This is also one of my favorites. I love writing, so putting pen to paper and telling my wife how I feel is something I try to do every few months. It gives you a chance to really let that special person know what they mean to you.
Find a fun and free local attraction
Look on the web for a free event or attraction that’s going on near you. It could be an event at the park or theater, or it could be free admission to the art museum. Make it something that you both enjoy.
Box up some memories
Find special items that you’ve kept over the years. Put them in a box, wrap it, and gift it. A nice touch, write a little note for each item about what it is, why it’s in there, and where it came from. They will love the thoughtfulness of this gift.
Burn a CD of shared favorite songs
This could be a song that the both of you enjoy together, it could be “your song,” or it could be a song that just makes you think of them. If there are a couple of slow songs in the mix, take her hand and dance with her during those.
Conclusion
Valentine’s Day can be a very special one, and it doesn’t have to be expensive. Sure, going to dinner and splurging on a nice gift would be nice, but it might not be as intimate, as thoughtful, or as special as using some of the tips in this post.
Have a beautiful Valentine’s Day. I hope it’s one to remember!