When Valentine's Day rolls around every year, many of us (even those of us in happy and healthy long-term relationships) can be heard groaning or seen rolling our eyes.
Why?
Because we know how commercial and predictable the day inevitably becomes. And it's not even a true holiday -- we still have to go to work!
So this year, why don't you try something a little bit different? Here are 10 easy and, above all, inexpensive ways to spend the day with your favorite person!
1. At-Home Movie Marathon
Everyone loves movies. We hope.
So if you know your significant other's favorite genre, load up on movies. There may not be many Blockbusters around anymore, but there are plenty of places to get used DVDs for a few bucks, along with the huge library available on streaming services.
Tell your SO you want to spend a romantic evening on the couch cuddling and watching movies, and they'll surely love the idea!
2. Picnic in the Park
A lot of really fun Valentine's Day date ideas involve putting a new twist on an old classic. Going for a picnic might sound a little cliche, but think about it: when was the last time you actually went on a picnic?
If the two of you are the outdoorsy type, you can always go to a public park for zero cost and set up a picnic spread on a big comfy blanket. The only cost to you will be the food (and maybe a bottle of wine), and the rest of the day is yours to enjoy!
3. Wilderness Retreat
If you've already established yourselves as outdoor lovers, maybe you'd like to take it to its furthest extent. As one of the more romantic ideas on this post, going out together into the great outdoors can be both very cheap, and exciting.
The thrill of being in the middle of some remote part of Texas, outside of areas like Longview or Waco, can be an incredible bonding experience. You'll get to prove to each other your worth as survivalists, making campfires, cooking food without the aid of electricity and other staples of modern living, and sleeping under the stars.
Don't knock it till you try it -- a camping adventure with your loved one is always a blast! Just don't forget the bug spray.
4. Extreme Outdoor Activities
Here's what separates the boys and girls from the men and women. If you and your SO are in shape (or could use some exercise to get into better shape, let's be honest) you might want to spend a frugal Valentine's Day pushing yourselves to the limit.
Activities like rock climbing, bike riding, longboarding, kayaking, or hiking can be not only extremely memorable but also rewarding. After spending the whole day together testing your endurance and stamina, you'll find no better ending than relaxing and patting yourselves on the back for your accomplishments.
5. Cook Dinner Together
Cooking can be very romantic. Getting in the kitchen together shows off a new side of you and your partner, and you may be surprised at how much you learn about one another. Unlike so many other Valentine gift ideas, you don't even have to leave your home.
Find a recipe you both like online, and shop for ingredients together. Divide up duties to make the feast, and see whose strengths come out as you slice, dice and marinate. The best part is the tasty reward at the end.
6. Make a Money Limit and Have Fun With It
One of our favorite Valentine's Day ideas for her or him is also one of the cheapest. Challenge each other to find the perfect gift for $5. Make this sincere. No cheesy gag gifts. You can find something appropriate if you use your creative side. You also can show your significant other how well you know them by finding the right gift for a low price.
7. Create a Coupon Book
If you want no-money Valentine's day ideas, this one is a winner. Make coupons offering your SO special moments, such as a massage, a homecooked meal, laundry duty for a week or a "get out of bedtime duty with the kids" card. You will have fun thinking of things you like to do together, and a homemade gift always comes off as more sincere. Plus, this gift is absolutely free.
8. Make a Special Card
Here's another free gift idea. Create a homemade card using things around the house, and choose a theme to commemorate your time together. Maybe you both like kayaking, or you enjoy gaming together. It will mean more when you put sincere thought into the card and what you want to convey with it.
9. Write a Love Letter
This is one of the great ideas for Valentine's Day that never goes out of style — writing a love letter. Put all the sentiments you have ever had down on paper to help your significant other understand why you love them and the depth of that love.
It doesn't cost anything to write a letter, but the memories will last forever — and most likely, your SO will keep the card forever, too.
10. Gaming Day
Here's something for the gamers out there -- or even just the casual fan of video games, board games, roleplaying games, card games, you name it.
A Valentine's Day spent playing your favorite games together can be just as rewarding as a wilderness bonding experience. By working together to solve problems and reach gaming goals, you can have just as much fun as spending the night on the town. And it's one of the cheapest options on this list!
But what if you don't have the right gaming setup for the two of you? Or, what if you do truly want to blow your SO's mind?
Then you'll probably need a little bit of financial help. If so, consider the benefits of a quick and easy loan from a reputable personal loan lender like Atlas Credit. Even if you have bad credit, you can still apply online or in person at an Atlas Credit location in Texas or Oklahoma to qualify for a personal loan in no time!
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We can't wait to help you make your Valentine's Day the most memorable one yet with these ideas for a fun and frugal Valentine's Day.
