7 Romantic & Affordable Valentine’s Date Ideas
Photo by Andres Molina on Unsplash
The month of love is almost upon us and as Valentine’s Day draws near, there comes with it the excitement of a day to celebrate and engage with romance and love. But also, in the midst of the excitement comes some anxiety over being able to afford a date with our loved one that will both live up to the romantic ideals in our heads while not breaking our modest bank accounts.
This can feel overwhelming, especially when we see all the opulent and pricey dates from friends and influencers on social media. But a date filled with passion and romance doesn’t have to be expensive — and sometimes, a less expensive date is even more romantic.
So we have gathered a list of 7 date ideas that will be undeniably romantic while not breaking your bank.
01 | Have a lovely picnic
Photo by Dziana Hasanbekava
We’ve gotten stuck in the idea that romance only happens in the evening hours. But Valentine’s Day lasts an entire day that shouldn’t go to waste. Taking your love to a beautiful park, throwing down a large quilt, and unpacking your favorite delectable treats to feast upon while gazing into each other’s eyes just might be the most memorable way to spend the holiday. And if you want to skip the park, try doing this on a roof during sunset!
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02 | A classic Hollywood movie date
Photo by Rodox
Yes, dinner and a movie is a staple date, but it’s a classic for a reason! What’s more romantic than cuddling up next to your love and sneaking a kiss while watching a romantic movie, and just for the price of a couple matinee tickets (even cheaper if you have AMC stubs pass)?
And this doesn’t have to be a pedestrian experience. We suggest dressing up in classic Hollywood attire, bringing some vintage 1950’s candy, and stopping by your favorite 50’s diner for an cheap but delicious burger (with a shake with two straws, of course) before the movie. Sure, you might get some funny looks, but this is your date. Let them look — you’re in love!
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03 | An “indie movie” coffee shop concert
Photo by Khoa Võ
Imagine this: you and your handsome date hop in the car on a gray night, get in the car, head downtown, and you slip into a small coffee shop. Outside, a gentle rain falls on the widows.
On the stage is a singer-songwriter singing a love ballad serving as an indie movie soundtrack as you and he sip on hot drinks in low light, talking about old memories and new dreams.
A coffee shop is a usual spot for romance to bloom in indie movies, so why not live your own romantic indie movie out this Valentine’s Day?
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04 | A comedy or improv show
Photo by Monica Silvestre
One of the most romantic things you can share with a lover is a laugh. Which is why going to a local open mic comedy night or improv show is a wonderfully fun and romantic thing to do that won’t cost more than a couple cheap tickets that will buy you bucket of laughs to share with your date a night you’ll remember forever.
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05 | A romantic game night in
Photo by cottonbro studio
Sometimes, after busy and chaotic lives of work, raising kids, traveling, and dealing with day to day stresses, the most romantic, enjoyable, and inexpensive thing to do with your better half is to have a night in.
But this night in doesn’t have to be boring. Create an entire experience of bonding around shared activities. Instead of just bingeing another TV show until you fall asleep, have a game night! This will give you hours of fun that will be entirely connective as you sit across from each other and remember the fun you can have together.
Once you have a game picked out, set the table with your favorite snacks and drinks, light a lovely candle, put on a lively music playlist, and get lost in a night of fun with your favorite person.
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06 | A classy museum date
Photo by Alina Chernii
If you want to spend your Valentine’s Day with your date, surrounded by beauty, doing something that inspires deep and stimulating conversations, while offering you hours of engaging time to spend with them, perhaps going to a museum is the perfect date for you.
Walking around a beautiful building while looking at some of the most beautiful works throughout history will only draw you closer together as you gaze at beauty together. Quality art museums exist in almost every city in the U.S. and very often, they have very low priced tickets, if not free. So this Valentine’s Day, take a walk through beauty and history with your love.
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07 | Couples dancing lessons
Photo by Silvio Barbosa
One of the most romantic things you could possibly do with your date is go dancing! So why not spend an hour or two taking dancing lessons together? You’ll spend your time hand in hand, arm in arm, swaying to music together in an unforgettable memory that will draw you closer than ever.
The best part is, on coupon apps, you can get private or group dancing lessons for incredibly affordable prices! So put on your flowiest dress and get lost in the music and the eyes of your leading man.
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