It’s never too early to start preparing for Valentine’s, especially when you’re on a low budget. If you need a few ideas to get the planning started, we put together a list of budget-friendly options everyone would love.

Keep reading to find the best idea for your next Valentine’s Day with the person of your dreams.

1. A Romantic Dinner at Home

Cooking for the person you love and sharing the meal over candlelight is an intimate experience your partner will remember for a long time. Plus, it’s a lot more budget-friendly than going to a fancy, crowded restaurant.

Plus, you can do this even as a beginner. Just choose a meal that uses simple techniques but has a rich, impressive flavor. A classic, elegant pasta dish like Cacio e Pepe is perfect for this.

This dish uses only four main ingredients (pasta, cheese, black pepper, and water), and is creamy and savory. Plus, it goes wonderfully with a glass of wine from the Lazio region (where Rome is located).

2. Heartfelt Love Letters

No one writes letters anymore, which is why it can be a wonderfully romantic gesture. Talk to your partner and decide to offer each other a handwritten love letter. It’s definitely not an expensive gift, but it’s several hundred times more meaningful than a stuffed toy or a few roses.

To make it more romantic, choose high-quality, colored paper and use a fountain pen. When you’re done, place the letter in a beautifully-adorned envelope and write a dedication on the back.

This is the kind of Valentine’s gift that will last a lifetime!

3. Chocolate

The best Valentine’s Day gifts are made of chocolate (or coated in it). But first, make sure you know your partner’s preferences (Yes, some people actually like dark, high-cocoa chocolates!).

Also, go for gourmet chocolates. They are far more impressive and delicious than generic ones. Sure, they’re a bit pricier, but you can always go for a smaller box. Speaking of the box, you have to go for the heart-shaped one; it’s the quintessential Valentine’s gift.

4. Have a Romantic Picnic

If you do it right, a picnic in the park can be more romantic than an evening in Paris, at the top of the Tour d’Eiffel. It’s all about creating the right ambiance. 

Choose a scenic spot—somewhere quiet, with a nice view or cozy vibe. Pack a soft blanket, your partner’s favorite snacks or sandwiches, and a bottle of their favorite wine. Add small touches like a handwritten note, a playlist of songs that mean something to you both, or fairy lights if it’s an evening picnic.

The secret is to find a secluded spot where no one will bother you. Also, leave your phones in the bag and actually talk—that’s where the romance happens.

5. Get Spoiled Together

There’s nothing more bonding than a spa day together! Couples’ massages, lazing around in the sauna or by the pool, getting a facial or a mani-pedi. A day together, getting spoiled, while you chat, is the perfect Valentine’s Day gift

Now, this sounds great, but how are you going to get all this on a tight budget?

The secret is to start hunting for deals early. You can often find packages for 50-70% off the standard price. Just be sure to read the fine print regarding booking restrictions and expiration dates.

Also, you can celebrate Valentine’s Day around the date of February 14th. If you can, book a spa day during the week, before or after the magical date. The prices will be a lot more affordable.

6. Recreate Your First Date

If you’ve been together for a while, recreating your first date is a wonderful way to show your partner how much you love them. If the budget doesn’t allow you to book the same restaurant, try to recreate the dinner at home.

Get a similar tablecloth and accessories, serve the same meal, and arrange the room to look like the restaurant. As you sit to eat, let a playlist of your favorite songs run in the background. It will be magical!

7. Have a Cozy Movie or Game Night

Cozy and romantic don’t really seem to go together, but if your partner is a cuddle bug, it may be just the right thing. Create a cozy atmosphere with soft blankets and pillows on your living room couch, and get everything ready for a movie marathon, a gaming session, or both (why not?).

Get the popcorn and sweets ready, and end the evening with wine and cuddles.

In Summary

Valentine’s is not about expensive gifts and extravagant outings. It’s all about quality time spent together, doing what you love.