It would be nice to spend indiscriminately, especially on a holiday like Valentine’s Day. But not everyone has the funds to go on a spending spree. The good news is: you can have a great Valentine’s Day on a budget! Retailers want you to spend money, but there’s no reason to buy into their hype. Love can’t be bought.

Try these inexpensive Valentine’s Day ideas:

1. Eat dinner at home, but go out for drinks and dessert. Forget the reservations and the high cost of a meal on the town. Cook a delicious, romantic meal at home together; or make a special meal for your partner. Then head over to a nice bar for dessert.
   
   
2. Find a flower option besides roses. Roses cost a small fortune on Valentine’s Day. Find another flower that your significant other loves. Many women don’t like roses, find out their favorite flower and go with that.
   
   
3. Rent a few romantic movies and snuggle on the couch. It’s easy to find a list of romantic movies and you don’t even have to get dressed up. The snacks and drinks are much cheaper and you can talk during the movie.
   
   
4. Go to a hotel in lieu of a trip. Save on travel expenses and stay at a local hotel for the night. Consider finding one with a tub big enough for two.
   
   
5. Have an indoor picnic. Unless you’re in the south, it’s a little cold for an outdoor picnic in February. Clear out a space on the living room floor and have your picnic inside. Layer cozy blankets, light the fire, add wine and candlelight and I’d say you’re in for a romantic evening while enjoying valentine’s day on a budget.
   
   
6. Look for free or inexpensive entertainment. You can find quality entertainment on the cheap. Museums, local theater companies, art galleries, and food and wine tastings can all be entertaining and inexpensive.
   
   
7. Use a coupon. A coupon might not go over well on a first or second date. However, once you’ve been together for a while, that awkwardness no longer exists. Both parties realize the saved money could be spent on something else.
   
   
8. Deliver your own flowers. The florist is more expensive than the grocery store or the farmer’s market. Why not deliver them yourself and enjoy the smile you receive?
   
   
9. Choose a different date. Valentine’s Day might officially fall on February 14^th, but why not consider celebrating a day or 2 before? You can avoid the crowds, too.
   
   
10. Write a love letter. Everyone has a sheet of paper and a pen, take a few minutes and put your romantic thoughts down on paper. Or similarly, draw them a picture of how they make you feel or how they look to you. It’s free, and you’ll score big points.
    
    
11. Give each other a massage. Pick the music and the massage oils, and light a few candles, before turning on some music. Then let your fingers do the talking.
    
    
12. Make your own card. There’s no law that states you have to support Hallmark by purchasing a card that costs $4.99. They usually end up in the trash anyway. Make a card this year and undoubtedly it will be remembered forever.
    
    
13. Go out for breakfast. It’s the most important meal of the day, and the least expensive. Why not go out for breakfast instead of dinner this year? Lunch is another option to enjoy valentine’s day on a budget.
    
    
14. Make a gift. Two of my favorites are: Making a scrapbook as well as creating a CD of their favorite songs. It’s the thought that counts.
    
    
15. Set a budget and brainstorm. Sit down together and determine how much you’re willing to spend. See how many ideas you can list that also stay within the budget constraint.
    
    

Love doesn’t require money. A fun and memorable Valentine’s Day on a budget can indeed be enjoyed by all. Make a list of inexpensive ideas that will thrill your significant other so you avoid letting financial challenges ruin your holiday.

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