10 Cheap, Romantic Valentine's Day Ideas

My boyfriend and I rarely spend money on Valentine’s Day. To me, people should celebrate their relationships all year long, and this particular holiday has a way of sadly leaving out about half the population. Still, if you feel you want to commemorate the occasion, don’t feel like you have to spend a lot of money just because commercialism says it should be so. Here are cheap—and romantic—Valentine’s Day ideas.

My boyfriend and I sometimes do something on Valentine’s Day but often do not. One thing we often have done, whether it’s Valentine’s Day or not, is jot down a little poem…in a card, typed up or not, or even on a folded over piece of paper. This is one of the sweetest, most original and romantic Valentine gifts I can think of. And it doesn’t cost a dime.

Consider writing a Valentine's Day haiku, a short form of poetry that is fun to write.

Use your own poem to write in a homemade greeting card. Use plain or colored paper, and decorate it by coloring, or attaching items such as ribbons or lace. Another option is to look at those cards at the dollar stores that are sold at two for a dollar. I’ve found some of the neatest cards there, and they sure are cheap.

Baking for the occasion is another inexpensive idea. Try your hand at cookies or cupcakes from scratch or from a store-bought mix. If you want to splurge, purchase a heart-shaped cake pan or cookie cutter to shape your dessert. Top with red frosting, and even multi-colored or chocolate sprinkles for an added touch. The heart-shaped baking pan may cost you a few bucks one year, but you’ll have it every year thereafter.

Make a coupon booklet or just a few. Cut out your coupons on colored paper, and write on them anything you want your special one to be able to redeem over the course of the next year. Include expiration dates, if you’d like. Coupon ideas include a 30-minute massage, a homemade dinner, a baked dessert, a meal out to a restaurant of his or her choice, a free car wash, or anything else your special someone might appreciate. If you’re married with children, consider a coupon to take the kids out for an evening to give your spouse some alone time.

Weather permitting, you can plan a picnic outdoors, but even in cold weather, an indoor picnic could be fun. Pack the picnic basket with sandwiches and sodas, grapes and wine, and any other type of food your heart desires. Spread out a blanket in a room full of lit candles and enjoy a romantic picnic.

You don’t have to spend money at an expensive restaurant to have a romantic dinner for two. As with the picnic, atmosphere is key with romance. Dress up, light those candles, and cook at home. Cook a simple, inexpensive meal, and splurge on the wine or champagne! Even if you do splurge for steaks, they will cost much less than if purchased at a restaurant.

Many of us remember making cassette tape recordings of our favorite songs. Some of us made a tape for a special someone. Hey, go back in time and record your favorite love songs for him or her, but this time you can upgrade from the cassette tape.

Frame a picture of the two of you together. You can even buy cute pictures frames for just a dollar at dollar stores. This inexpensive gift is a continual visual reminder of what your relationship means to each other.

Buy the valentines that kids give to each other. There is a whole box full that you can surprise your sweetie with all year long. I have used somemyself that say things like “You’re sweet” or “I miss you” and other simple expressions that I still surprise my boyfriend with now and then.

Number ten is vague but means a lot. Pick up something at a flea market or antique store that might not cost much but means something to the person who receives it. Perhaps he or she has a special collection of unique buttons or matchbooks. Keep your eyes open all year long, and you might pick up something cheap at a yard sale. I’ve also bought things after Valentine’s Day for a fraction of their cost for the next year.

It’s really not about the amount of money one spends on Valentine’s Day. Perhaps “less is better,” as it’s the thought behind the gift that really does count.