7 Valentine’s Day Hacks: How To Celebrate Without Going Broke

Restored from the Empower Network archive (2011–2017), lightly edited to meet our current advertising standards. Views are the original author’s.

1. Valentine’s Day Treasure Hunt

   Using trinkets that have significant meaning for the 2 of you, create a treasure hunt that will eventually lead them to a final destination of dinner under the stars, a movie, the place you first met, etc. Be creative in your treasure hunt. The time and effort put into it will tell that special someone that you were thinking for awhile about this day and that you wanted to make it special.

2. Celebrate Valentine’s Day February 15

   Everyone goes out February 14 and because of it, all the great restaurants and locations are booked in advance. If you and your sweetie can hold off 1 day, not only will you have more privacy, less wait times for, well, everything, you will also save a ton of money. Sometimes 50% off!

   A word of suggestion here. If this is your first Valentine’s Day, this may not be the best tactic for you. That is, unless your significant other is fine with waiting the extra day. Either way, I would hold off on this one for the first Valentine’s Day. On the other hand, this is a great idea for married couples, especially with kids. Babysitters want to go out for Valentine’s Day and you won’t be freaking out looking for one the day after.

   

3. Send a Sexy E-Mail

   Doing this when Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, doesn’t always have the same appeal, but doing it while your significant other is at work could start a build-up to a very romantic night.

   Word of warning: Be careful of pictures and language sent through a corporate account. You don’t want to get your significant other fired for Valentine’s Day either!

   

4. Leave Love Notes All Over The House

   Think of your special someone’s routine in the morning and leave love notes (post-its) following their path. As they go to take a shower, there is a note inside the tub, as they make their coffee, there is a note by the filters… As they grab their keys, you guessed it… another note. Let them feel the love.

   Make them personal: “I love the way you make me laugh,” “I love that you tear-up at a sappy commercial,” etc.

   

5. Dinner At Home

   So you eat at home everyday and want to switch it up a bit. Why not try having a picnic on the floor. Make it even more interesting by getting a star creator and have them shine up on your ceiling. Wa-la, dinner under the stars! Maybe even take some of your Christmas lights and hang them around to give ambiance to the room. Make it different, make it unique to fit your lifestyle.

6. Go On A Date

   Whoever said there has to be a costly destination involved? Take them on a trip to remember the places you have been together by car: your first date, first kiss, engagement spot, etc. There are other places you can go that don’t cost a fortune either:

   -the beach
   -ice skating
   -walk in the park
   -hiking
   -concert in the park
   -movie at home (It’s valentine’s Day… OF COURSE there will be a romantic movie on TV!)
   -bowling
   -roller skating
   – A hockey game (My husband is taking me to see the Islander’s tonight. It’s a favorite pass-time for both of us and the seats are pretty inexpensive).

   Think outside the box. While you are thinking creatively, your friends may be thinking generic. Sometimes, not going for the most expensive option will get the biggest reaction.

   

7. Take a Class Together

   There are always free or really inexpensive classes going on. Choose something that you both will like. This may take some planning, so a few weeks in advance you’ll need to be looking. Take advantage of sites like Groupon too for great ideas and opportunities.

   -pottery class
   -dance class
   -wine tasting
   -cooking class