Affordable Ways to Spoil Your Valentine

There is no better day to express your feelings for someone than on Valentine's Day. But how do you spoil your loved ones without burning a hole in your pocket? There are several things you can do to be romantic and frugal at the same time.

Cook Dinner

If you don't always get the chance to cook dinner for your Valentine, February 14^th is the day! Think of their favorite foods and make them something you know they will love. If they like macaroni and cheese AND mashed potatoes, cook them both! They will be so distracted with how cute you are for remembering their favorite foods they won't have time to realize they don't taste good together. For dessert, have some wine and make your own chocolate covered strawberries. This date shouldn't cost more than $40.

Movie Night

For $1 you can rent a romantic movie and have a nice night inside. This is a good way to snuggle up close to the one you love. Buy some popcorn and your date's favorite candies and get ready for a cozy night. It doesn't hurt to throw in a little surprise like a back massage. Add some candles, dim the lights, and enjoy! This date is relaxing and gives the wallet a break coming in at around $15.

Go Out

There are plenty of restaurants that have great deals for two. Do some research online for restaurants near you that have dinner specials.  Looking to save even more? Make something at home for dinner and go out for dessert and coffee at an upscale restaurant. That way you can enjoy a cheap dinner at home and still get to hit the town in a nice outfit. This date will be around $30 depending on your choice of restaurant.

Share a Present

A good way to spoil each other is with something you will both use! Maybe you both want the new iPad or a Wii system? Brainstorm one gift that you both can use together. This will save money and allow you both to get something you really wanted. This will be as inexpensive or as expensive as you make it!

Make Handmade Vouchers

Write out vouchers or coupons for anything from a massage to a romantic dance. Another good option is to offer an IOU for a chore your partner doesn't like to do. This is a creative and fun way to spoil each other with tasks they might enjoy. This gift idea is completely free; it will just cost you a little brain power!

Plan a Date

This does not have to be expensive. You can go to the nearest ice skating rink and skate around holding hands for just the price of the skate rentals. Grab two cups of hot chocolate and cozy up on a bench after watching other couples skate. This is a good way to get out of the house and truly enjoy each other's company.  Romance will be in the air so make sure your partner is okay with a little PDA. This romantic skate will cost you about $20.

Recreate Your First Date

Where did you go on your first date? GO THERE! What did you order? GET IT. There is nothing more romantic than reliving your first date together. Guys, if you picked her up at her house, opened her car door, and gave her a compliment, do it again. Girls, if you met him there, let him order for you, and kissed him goodbye at the restaurant, rinse and repeat! It worked so well the first time, why not do it again? You two will have fun remembering what each other said and talking about how nervous you were back then. This date will cost you exactly how much it did the first time (plus inflation).

Write a Letter

Nothing will tell your Valentine how much you care more than a nice letter or poem from the heart. Think of your first date together or your five favorite memories and tell them how much they mean to you. Spoiling your loved one doesn't always have to be with gifts. You can spoil them with memories and they will be impressed with all the things you remembered. Add some roses or chocolates to the mix and you got yourself a date for under $20. For more affordable valentine ideas, check out this link.

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