I’ve been in a relationship for three years and we always make a point of doing something nice for Valentine’s Day. This year, however, we’re trying to save money for vacation so we’ve decided to enjoy each other’s company with a homemade dinner. Sometimes simple gestures really mean so much. Plus we both have this financial goal in mind, so we don’t feel the need to splurge on something extravagant. For your consideration, here are a few romantic date ideas that don’t cost a lot of money.
Indoor activities:
1. Three course dinner at home: May I recommend soup, entree, and dessert. Yum!
2. Wine, cheese and games night: Just a fun date night no matter the time of year.
3. Sexy (or not) photo shoot: If you and your partner are comfortable enough to do this, set a self timer and take some pictures together, it doesn’t have to be a big production, but you’ll be happy you have the memories.
4. Fancy hot chocolate bar: Check out Pinterest for inspiration on different hot chocolate mixtures like mint, white chocolate, and cayenne.
5. Bubble bath: I know this is a struggle in my NYC apartment, but maybe you have a bath tub that will fit more than one person? Take advantage of that!
6. Making your Valentine’s Day cards together: Instead of buying a card at the store, write your own and decorate it how you want. Personalized cards are way more sentimental than the store ones to show someone how much you mean to them.
7. Reading out loud to one another (romance or silly): Okay, hear me out. If you’ve never read a book out loud to another person it’s an experience! If you choose something silly you’ll both be rolling with laughter, but since it’s Valentine’s Day, you can choose to read something romantic to your partner and that will give greater meaning to one another.
8. Dance party: Who needs a fancy club, when you can move furniture and dance your heart out? Create a playlist and shake it!
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Out and about:
9. Museum tour: Best dates are always in a museum!
10. Off-Broadway play: This applies to any local theater, too, sometimes you can get discounted tickets the day of the show. Doesn’t hurt to ask!
11. Walk through the park (weather permitting): I think this is romantic even if it’s winter and everything feels frozen. Grab a hot chocolate, your hot date, and get cozy.
12. Coffee date and window shopping in a fancy store: This is fun if you’re imagining a future place where you can keep all of your imaginary purchases.
13. Walking tour: Like a walk through the park, but you get to learn things about your area.
14. Free concerts or orchestra performances: Check out local listings if there’s an event going on in the area. Also, look at local schools to see if there are any recitals happening!
15. Poetry reading: If you don’t want to read each other poetry, perhaps you can see if there’s a local poet reading near you!
16. Comedy show: Not everyone is the romantic type and that is OK! Sometimes having a good laugh will put you in a good mood, just be wary that the comedian might not feel the same way about V-day as you and your love.
♥
Heather Allen 
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