Cheap At-Home Valentine's Day Dates

Valentine’s Day is a day to spend time with someone you love. However, it can be challenging to have a nice, romantic date on a college student budget. It is not how much you spend on each other, but how much fun you have together doing whatever it is you decide to do. There are plenty of free or low-cost Valentine’s Day date ideas that you can do in the comfort of your dorm, house, or apartment.

Indoor picnic

Picnics are super romantic and are great date ideas, but it is likely too cold to have an outdoor picnic. With a bit of flexibility and creativity, you can bring this fun idea to the great indoors. Spread a blanket out on the floor, grab a beverage of your choice, and make some sandwiches. You may even decide to have a little dessert to share once your main course is complete.

Movie night

No matter what streaming service(s) you have, there are likely some romance movies available to watch. Pick one or two to watch together, whether they are your favorite movies or ones you have not seen yet. Grab some drinks and snacks and snuggle on the couch under some blankets. This is less expensive than going to an actual movie theater and having snacks there.

Board games

Board games are a fun and inexpensive way to throw some healthy competition into your relationship. You may even invite other couples to play with you for a double date. Have snacks and drinks on hand to munch on while you play games. This can be a fun way to bring out a side of each other you may not have known existed.

Dance break

Dancing is a fun way to let loose and get closer to your significant other. This is especially true if you are free to be yourselves around each other without having to be embarrassed. You may decide to go out dancing or create your own playlist and dance at home. If neither of you knows how to dance, you may opt to find an online dance class that is holding a Valentine’s Day special and learn together.

Cook together

Whether you take a cooking class together or just stay home and prepare your favorite meal, cooking together can be a great bonding experience. Plan the menu, including an appetizer, main course, and dessert. Pour some drinks, set the table, and serve the meal. This is a great alternative to spending a lot of money at an expensive restaurant, and you get to decide exactly what you want to eat without arguing about where you want to go.

Listen to music

Music is something that can really bring people together. Create playlists of songs that remind you of each other and play them. They may be songs you heard while you were doing something together or just songs that remind you of the relationship. As you play each song, explain why you chose the song and why it is important to the relationship.

Stargazing

If you live outside of a busy city or have access to a car, you are able to go stargazing. Get bundled up, grab some blankets, and lay outside to look at the stars. See if you can see any constellations or shooting stars. This is a great way to unplug and enjoy each other’s company and conversation without spending any money.

Snow date

If it is snowing on Valentine’s Day or there is snow on the ground, have a snow date. Throw snowballs at each other, make snow angels, and go sledding. Afterward, head inside to snuggle up with some blankets and hot chocolate.

Image: Arina Krasnikova via https://www.pexels.com/photo/sweet-moments-of-romantic-couple-playing-in-the-snow-6012661/

Craft night

Being creative together can be a lot of fun! Whether you decide to paint or do some other kind of other arts and crafts project, you may already have the supplies you need. Break out your craft stash and make things together. You may even decide to give each other the projects you make on your craft date so you will always remember the fun you had.

Time capsule

If you and your partner have been together for a long time, you likely have a lot of mementos such as pictures, postcards, snow globes, and other items that remind you of things you have done together. Make a time capsule of these items. As you place them in the container, talk about the memories behind the item and remember the times you have had together thus far.

Mini book club

A few weeks in advance, pick out a book the two of you can read. On Valentine’s Day, make a date to discuss the book. Have snacks and drinks on hand. Look online for discussion questions and talk about what you liked and disliked about the book. Discuss the plot, characters, and themes that came up in the book.

Valentine’s Day can be a lot of fun without having to spend a lot of money. Having a date at home with DIY activities can be even more fun and memorable than an extravagant night out without the pressure.