15 Ways to celebrate Valentines Day on a budget

With valentine’s day just around the corner, we’re on hand to help you and your love celebrate – budget style!

Valentine’s day may be the perfect excuse to spoil your loved one, but staying in or picking the cheaper option doesn’t have to be boring! Opting for a simple date night can help you save towards bigger gifts or trips that may be cheaper at other times of the year.

If you feel under pressure to impress your loved one this Valentine’s day, keep in mind that the most important gift is time spent together.

With that in mind, we’ve come up with some fun & creative ways you can spend time with your loved one that won’t cost you a fortune.

Whether you’re celebrating Galentine’s Day with your pals or cosying up with your honey, check out our affordable date night ideas for some much needed inspo!

1) ‘Stay at home’ City Break

Every town and city has a vast history, so instead of jetting off for a mini-break, have it right where you live. Spend the day looking at landmarks with fresh eyes and learning their history. Get together for a walk and explore the local castle, cathedral or up and coming area full of cool graffiti.

2) Spa day

Booking a spa day isn’t cheap! Depending on where you are, a trip to the jacuzzi and sauna could cost anywhere in the region of £40-£250. Those not wanting to spend lots of cash can create an at-home spa day that’s just as romantic. Get some massage oils, pop some relaxing natural sounds and a fancy bath bomb. 

3) Reminiscing

Couples that have been together a while can spend an evening looking back on their relationship. Scroll back through social media or your hard drive and note how much life has changed since you first got together. Finish the night by adding a new photo to the mix to look back on in years to come.

4) Candlelit dinner

Restaurants and bars are always full up for days before and after cupid’s day. Few things are more romantic than sharing a good meal and a few drinks with a loved one. Even if you go to a fancy shop, you’ll still be spending at least half as much as you would at a restaurant, and you won’t get kicked out to make room for the next seating.

5) Build a cosy fort together

Bring out your inner big kid and build a big cosy fort for you to enjoy. Fairy lights make everything feel more romantic, so string them up and get a favourite movie on or board game out for hours of fun.

6) Make playlists

Back in the day, a cassette mixtape was the perfect way to show someone how much you loved them. They live on through the internet today but in the form of playlists. Streaming services allow users to curate their own and it’s a cute and very cheap way to tell someone that you love them.

7) Sit around a fire

Nature’s TV can often be the most romantic thing to snuggle up in front of, especially during the chillier months. Set up a fire pit or small bonfire in your yard and don’t forget to stock up on marshmallows and hot chocolate.

8) Make a Fakeaway!

We all love a cheeky takeaway, but our favourite takeout pizzas can cost a small fortune! A fakeaway is much more cost effective and can be a fun activity for you and your loved one. Not to mention it’s most likely a much healthier option. There’s loads of ‘fakeaway’ recipes online for your takeout favourites – browse around, take your fancy and cook up a storm.

9) Pull out a Board Game

When was the last time you and your SO played a game? We can be so caught up in work, social lives and technology these days that we forget the fun that can derive from a good old board game! Whip out your favourite and spend the evening playing against each other. Why not add a drink into the mix for some extra fun!

10) Have a Movie Marathon

If you’re a potterhead or a sucker for Twilight , whack on your favourite movie sequel and have an at home movie marathon! Nothing beats a goold old snuggle on the sofa while revelling in your favourite movies. And the best part? It’s completely free!

11) Indoor Picnic

If you want to ramp up the romance this valentines, why not create an indoor picnic for your lover at home? Choose all their favourite snacks and set the mood with a romantic playlist! You could even decorate your lounge with candles and fairy lights for that extra special touch.

12) Go on Sunset Walk

Nothing sets the scene like a beautiful sunset, and valentine’s day is the perfect excuse to head out on a walk to catch the sundown. If you’re stuck for ideas on valentines, keep it simple with a walk through your local park, city or sea front!

13) Bake Together

Get hands on in the kitchen this valentines and have a bake off with your partner! Put on your aprons and have a fun evening baking your favourite sweet treats to feast on. Who’s baking skills will be up to scratch?

14) Netflix and Chill

The OG date night of course has to be Netflix & Chill. Cosy up the sofa and throw on a new series to binge watch. If you don’t often spend quality time with your partner, this could be the perfect opportunity to wind down. Just don’t forget the snacks & drinks!

15) Make your own Cocktails

Lastly, if you’re feeling more adventurous this Valentine’s Day, why not create some at home Cocktails with your loved one! Shake up a pina colada or mojito and whack on on your favourite playlist for a super fun evening. Cocktail kits are easy and affordable to come by and there are tons of recipes online for making simple cocktails from your own kitchen.