There are lots of ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day like going on a date to a fancy restaurant, the movies, an amusement park, or going on a weekend getaway to a new and exciting location.
Unfortunately, most of these options aren’t cheap, and scientists have yet to develop a way to make money grow on trees. That is why I came up with an epic list of free ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day by spending little to no money.
1. BAKE SOMETHING SWEET TOGETHER
Go on YouTube or Google some Valentine’s Day dessert recipes. You don’t even need to spend any money on new ingredients if you stick to ingredients you already have in your pantry.
But don’t forget the main ingredient—your honey. No, I’m not talking about actual honey. I’m talking about your significant other because baking something together is more romantic when the love of your life is helping out.
2. GO ON A BIKE RIDE
Burn off some steam (and a few extra calories!) by going on a bike ride around the neighborhood or a local park. Not only will exercising help you get closer to your significant other, but staying healthy will ensure you’ll both be around to celebrate many more Valentine’s Day holidays in the future.
3. DO A LITTLE STARGAZING
Pick a spot you like and park the car, preferably somewhere that’s far away from the pollution of city lights, like a park or a national park. Then lean the car seats back a little, fall into each other’s arms until your heads touch, and gaze at the stars. You can kick it up a notch by bringing over a picnic basket full of yummy homemade treats.
4. TAKE A ROMANTIC HIKE
Ask your partner to go on a romantic hike is a great way to solidify the relationship. After all, there’s nothing more romantic than walking along a beautiful park while holding hands and occasionally looking and smiling at each other.
5. SPEND THE DAY AT A MUSEUM
Most couples don’t usually consider visiting a museum on Valentine’s Day, but hey! Soaking up some culture can be pretty romantic if you’re holding hands and staring at your partner’s eyes as you make your way through different art galleries. There are tons of museums throughout the United States that offer free admission, too.
6. WRITE A POEM
Nothing spells romance quite like a love poem. Poetry is a great way to express how we really feel about our significant other. But if you think you’re not cut out to write a decent poem, well think again! There are countless resources online that teach anyone how to write a poem. It really isn’t as hard as you might think! Worst case scenario? Your partner will love you just for giving it a shot, even if it’s a total mess!
7. BUILD A FORT AND WATCH A MOVIE
Forget the movie theater! Building a fort out of blankets and pillows in the living room is far more romantic. Light up a few scented candles and snuggle under your coziest blanket. Just make sure to set it up by the TV so you can both sit back and enjoy a marathon of your favorite movies while munching on some delicious snacks.
8. PUT ROMANTIC POST-IT NOTES ON THEIR MIRROR
Write down all the reasons why you love your significant other on tiny Post-It Notes. Maybe throw in a few reasons why you feel you’ve found the one. Then cover the entire mirror with the notes so they get a lovely surprise when they wake up in the morning. Or better yet, stick them all over the house and have them read them out loud as they find each note.
9. GO ON A ROMANTIC SLEIGH RIDE
Is it snowing in your area? Then embrace the winter cold and go on a romantic sleigh ride! After all, what’s not to love about a sleigh ride? You get to sit close to each other, slide down a steep hill, and share a few laughs all afternoon. Once you get to the other end in one piece, you can look into each other’s eyes, smile like kids all over again, and get a big cup of coffee or hot chocolate to reward yourselves over trying something new.
10. SAY NO TO TECHNOLOGY
Make Valentine’s Day a low-tech day. Switch off computers, televisions, or phones because there’s nothing more romantic than being in the moment. While you’re at it, turn the lights off and replace them with candles for a more romantic ambiance.
11. HAVE A VALENTINE’S DAY SCAVENGER HUNT
Hide a few presents around the house and then write a couple of clues to lead your significant other to the whereabouts of each gift. For example, say that you placed a heart-shaped box of chocolates in the fridge, you would write something like this: “It pulses unendingly day and night, seek out the gift within this chilly appliance.” They’ll treasure this moment in their heart forever.
12. MAKE THEM BREAKFAST IN BED
Whip up some scrambled eggs or fry them sunny side up. Then make some pancakes and shape them in the form of a heart. Don’t forget the bacon! For the finishing touch, add a thin glass vase with a flower to the tray. They’ll fall head over heels in love all over again.
13. PLAN AN AT-HOME KARAOKE PARTY FOR TWO
You don’t have to be a great singer to have a blast at a karaoke party, especially when no one’s around. So, download a karaoke app onto your smartphone like Smule, or look for Karaoke songs on YouTube. There’s a ton of them to choose from. Take turns singing your hearts out or better yet, sing a duet!
14. MAKE A DATE NIGHT IDEAS JAR
Grab an empty jar and work together to come up with future date night ideas. That way you’ll both have something to look forward to and you’ll never have to hear the words, “What do you want to do?” uttered ever again.
15. MAKE SOME LOVE COUPONS
Make a list of things your significant other loves like a 10-minute neck massage, taking a trip to a new location, going to the movies, playing a game, or having Tikka Masala chicken for dinner. Then write them down or print them out in decorative paper, preferably one with hearts on them, and make love coupons that they can hand to you whenever they’re in the mood to redeem them.
