Valentines Day Dates on a Budget

My husband and I have little interested in standing in line for hours and paying extra just because that is the tradition of the day. Instead I would like to share with you not only what we do but also some inexpensive ways to still share the day without spending a fortune.


1. Pizza and a movie at home. 

This is the one that my husband and I do, so of course it is first and my favorite. We order a pizza, eat dinner as a family, put the kiddo to bed and then watch a movie we both have been wanting to see. This year we are going to watch "The Interview," mainly because we just saw it pop up on Netflix and we prefer to watch something on a service we are already paying for.


2. Bookstore and a Coffee

If you are in a relationship with a reader, this might be the ticket. Visit your favorite bookstore, stay together, don't wander off to look at your own favorite genre, and talk about different books you come across. My husband and I used to play this game at Blockbuster but alas it is not more so we moved the game to Half Price Books, my favorite bookstore. Clearly because I am a cheapy cheap. After chatting about some books and possibly and impromptu purchase, head over to your favorite coffee shop and enjoy a cup of joe while you continue to enjoy the night together.


3. Pack a picnic and head out...or in. 

I live in South Texas so packing a picnic in February is not completely unheard of. My husband and I enjoy eating outside and being star gazers together. Super romantic. However if colder climates threaten to ruin your picnic, move it to a room in the house. We have had picnic in our living room and moved the furniture out a little so we had extra space. We keep the T.V. off and even light candles and enjoy a dinner by candlelight. Sometimes you just have to have date night at home, while the kids are asleep in the other rooms.


4. Dine In and Dessert Out

My husband and I like to do this year round, usually after dropping the kiddo off at the grandparents for an overnighter. So with this idea you eat dinner in, now bear in mind this should not be your usual dinner. Challenge yourselves to try a new recipe and enjoy cooking together. When dinner is over, throw the dirty pots and pans in the sink, grab a coat and head out. Usually but the time you get to a restaurant its later in the evening and the majority of the V-Day dinner crowd has left, or you can usually easily grab a seat together at the bar. We like to order the pizookie from BJ's (ask for it half chocolate chip/half peanut butter for a life changer)


5. Celebrate on a different day.

We are under no obligation to celebrate our love for our partners on a specific day, after all you love each other everyday. It ticks me off that prices are higher for food and flowers on Valentines day and knowing that I have a hard time justifying going out on the day. So, plan a super special day and celebrate your love for each other and the day will be special because you are together celebrating love.


Until next time, pass the sugar.