With the holidays barely in our rearview mirror, it’s hard to believe it’s already time to start preparing for Valentine’s Day. While we obviously want to show the ones we love just how much they mean to us, our wallets are still very much in recovery mode. Most gifts for this pricey hallmark holiday come in the form of reservations, flowers, and shiny pieces of jewelry or golf clubs. How can we create a memorable night without breaking the bank?
Working with a budget doesn’t mean you can’t give the one you love something spectacular. It just means you have to think a little outside the box.
Below are some suggestions you can use as inspiration to help construct a romantic Valentine’s Day on a budget:
Have A Fort Picnic
Channel your inner child and build a fort together in the living or dining room. Help create some ambiance by stringing up some lights on the inside. Try using some of those Christmas lights you just packed away. Cook a favorite meal you know you both enjoy. Lay down a blanket, set up some plates, and enjoy a delicious dinner.
At-Home Spa
Pamper your partner with some TLC. Light some candles, grab a face and foot mask along with massage oils, and any other essentials you may need to help give them a relaxing night.
Make Your Own Cards
Instead of searching for something that sounds fitting to your love, write your own. Making your own Valentine’s is a wonderful way to put your own thoughts and feelings down on paper. You can also have fun with it by drawing out little comics or pictures with cute sayings or blurbs. Get creative!
Stream Love Themed Movies
Snuggle up on the couch with your favorite person and a soft blanket for a romantic movie marathon. Pick some special rom-coms, chick flicks, or sappy sob stories. Enjoy a relaxing yet romantic evening together. Don’t forget to bring your favorite snack.
Bake a Delicious Treat
The way to most people’s hearts is through their stomachs. Why not bake something from scratch? This recipe is my husband’s absolute favorite sweet treat. Included are some substitutions I use to make them both vegan and gluten-free.
Old Fashion Peanut Butter Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (I use Country Crock Plant Based with Olive Oil)
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs, separated (I use Bob’s Red Mill Egg Replacer as a substitution)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (I use Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1 to 1 baking flour)
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 1/8 tsp. salt
Instructions:
- Place butter and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until fluffy, about 2 minutes. While continuing to beat, gradually add brown sugar and granulated sugar; beat until well combined.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition until incorporated. Add peanut butter until combined.
- Add flour, baking powder, and salt; mix on low speed until just combined.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls; place on a cookie sheet. Flatten with a fork; repeat with the fork turned perpendicular to the first marks to create a cross-hatch pattern. Sprinkle top with granulated sugar.
- Bake at 375 degrees for about 9-10 minutes, or until light brown.
Have A Scavenger Hunt
Leave clues around the house for your loved one to find. Everything leads up to a special surprise waiting in the bedroom.
Make Your Own Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
This Valentine’s Day staple can be made quite easily in the comfort of your own kitchen. You can make them together or as a delicious surprise for the one you love. Here’s a link to a simple recipe for chocolate-covered strawberries.
Make A Playlist
A playlist of all of the songs that create the soundtrack to your relationship is not only meaningful but a great way to take a trip down memory lane.
Valentine’s Day should never be about how much money you spend. It’s a celebration of the love you share with your one and only. A little thought, time, and effort are all you truly need to show that special someone just how much they mean to you. Wishing you all a day filled with joy, happiness but more importantly… love!
