21 Valentine’s Day Date Ideas for Every Budget

Making the most of Valentine’s Day looks different for every couple. But one thing I know is true, it’s all about celebrating love and finding a romantic Valentine’s Day date that works for you.

So many try to get restaurant reservations only to realize that they fill up fast, can be extra expensive, and you are likely spending the night crowded with a lot of other couples perusing a pre-fix menu. The other faithful option is a movie. We love movie dates, but sometimes you want something different and new especially for Valentine’s Day.

Whether you decide on the stereotypical dinner date, or you totally revamp your day, read on to discover 21 Valentine’s Day date ideas guaranteed to make it an occasion you’ll remember forever!

Valentine’s Day Date Ideas

Staying In on Valentine’s Day

1. Wine and Cheese Tasting Date At Home – If you or your partner is a big foodie, purchase several different wines and cheeses, ranging from their favorites ones to new ones they have never heard of. Spread them out, and take turns tasting each! For more fun, blindfold your partner and have them guess which kind is which or write descriptions of the flavors and scents of each wine and cheese.
2. A Fancy Dinner At Home – With some planning, you can make an awesome dinner at home. Break out the good china, and fancy wine glasses and fill your home with the scents from your favorite cook book. Try a brand new recipe and complete it with things like wine, cheese, and olives. Add some olives and enforce a dress code and this will make the night something special, even if its in the comfort of your own home.
3. BYOB Paint Studio – If you don’t have a paint studio in your area, grab some canvas’ and paint and copy a template – something totally doable and fun for home!
4. Fondue Dinner at Home – Skip the price tag of a restaurant like the Melting Pot and create the same atmosphere at home. Grab savory and sweet items to dip for a romantic dinner together at home.
5. Make Breakfast in Bed – Breakfast food is sweet, romantic and easy to make. It is also budget friendly – add something fun to the mix like mimosas and a massage and you have a very sweet and romantic way of waking up this Valentine’s Day.

For the Adventurer

1. Go Hiking – Hiking is a great way to boost endorphins, and if you remember that famous Reese Witherspoon line from Legally Blonde, “endorphins make you happy, happy people don’t kill”. Pick a hiking trail that is close to you an somewhere you can come back home in the same day. Make sure you choose somewhere you can watch the sunrise or sunset for the most romantic views! Pack a picnic lunch that is simple and fits in a backpack for a fun way to end your climb.
2. Paintball Date – Always a fun time, but rarely thought of as a Valentine’s Day date. Go to your local paintball or airsoft center, and spend the day chasing each other around!
3. Go Skiing – Living in Northeast Pa, there are an abundance of ski mountains around us. If you live near one, spend the day on the slopes and then cozy up by the fire at the lodge at the end of the night.
4. Ice Skating – Always a fun date option, spend some time on the ice whether it be outside or at a local indoor rink.
5. Horseback riding – Depending on availability, climate and skill level you can tailor this to every extreme. Whether it be a trail ride with an instructor for beginners or a romantic beach ride this can be a fun an different option for a Valentine’s date.
6. Shooting Range – A little unconventional but it can be a fun and exciting date that gets the blood pumping. Try different guns and engage in a competition of who is the best at target practice.
7. Rent an Expensive Sports Car for the Day/Night – This would be my husband’s ultimate dream. Although it is a bit on the expensive side, it can be a fun way to drive around in style while adding a bit off fantasy into the mix. Dress up and drive around town!

For the Romantic

1. Recreate Your First Date – I would say that this rates high on the ultra-romantic level and is guaranteed to promote nostalgia and impress your significant other. It requires god memory and a bit of work on your part to make it just right, but it will be so worth it. Include the spot where you first kissed or have a up of coffee in that coffee shop where you met. Don’t’ be afraid to a little romantic gift into the mix.
2. Day at the Spa – Treat your mind and body to a relaxing day at the spa. You and your partner will feel refreshed, comfortable and relaxed – a perfect date. During our stay at Kalahari Resort, my husband surprised me with a massage at their spa. You can read more about that here.
3. Indoor Picnic – An inexpensive date that can be as dressed up or casual as you desire. Add some fun wine or champagne and a bunch of your favorite foods. Either way, the weather can’t rain on your plans when you are picnicking in the middle of your living room.
4. Watch the Stars Indoors – It doesn’t matter your expertise, most would agree that watching the stars is peaceful, romantic and interesting. This can be difficult to do outside, especially in colder climates. Look for a local planetarium in your area and head there for a date to be had underneath the stars.
5. A Night in the Woods – Book a one-night rental through Airbnb for a secluded one night getaway in the woods. No distractions, no people, just you, your date and quality time. You can get a great deal on an Airbnb – sometimes for as low as $100 a night.

Budget Friendly

1. Watch the Sunrise/Sunset – If it’s cold where you live, cuddle up in blankets and pack a picnic of either breakfast, snacks or dinner and settle in for a romantic and budget friendly stargazing opportunity.
2. Game Night – Either use what you have or browse the game aisle in Target and grab something new. Pop some popcorn or your fav snacks and let your flirty and friendly banter come out as you enjoy a friendly game night together.
3. Netflix and Chill – Set up some blankets and pillow in front of the TV. Snuggle together while watching your favorite Netflix shows.
4. Couple Questions – See how well you know one another by googling questions to ask one another. It’s fun and exciting to see how much you already know and learn new things about one another. The Dating Divas have super cute games and couple trivia that you can check out and use, like this one here.

Whatever plans you make on this Valentine’s Day – whether it be with your girlfriends or your significant other, I hope this post gives you some great Valentine’s Day date ideas to make this the best one yet! Happy Valentine’s Day loves!