25 Thrifty Ideas for Valentine's Day on a Budget

Valentine's Day is all about romance, so don't fall into the standard dinner and a movie date. There are many ways to spend quality time with your significant other without breaking your budget. Create a lasting memory with an inexpensive date where your love, not the activity, is at the forefront. Here are some of our favorite cheap date night ideas:

1. Drive Down Memory Lane. Revisit important locations in your relationship. Essential stops include your first date, your first kiss, and the first time you said, I love you." 
2. Have a Picnic. Depending on the weather, you can hold an indoor or outdoor picnic with your favorite dishes that you cooked together.
3. Hold a Spa Night. Treat yourselves to an at-home spa night with massages and face masks.

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Nothing adds up faster on Valentine's Day than a gift that says, "I Love You." If you are on a budget, don't succumb to the standard February gifts of roses and high-end chocolates. You can make your own Valentine's Day gifts and cards that will be remembered long after your co-workers' roses have wilted.

This easy sewing project will show your thoughtfulness while using felt scraps. These secret message hearts are perfect for a Valentine's Day scavenger hunt!

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Skip the professional greeting card this year in favor of something more personal. This embellished card will be cherished for years to come.

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This puzzle is a great gift for the person who completes you! Decorate it with your favorite pictures and memories.

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Make flowers that will last all year out of duct tape! You'll pay significantly less than a real bouquet and make a loving keepsake.

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This personal valentine is for the crafter in your life! These yarn-wrapped hearts make quick and thrifty valentines.

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This bouquet of candy roses provides a quick, memorable gift using items commonly found at the dollar store. Your partner will appreciate the time and effort you put into making this delectable bouquet instead of phoning the florist.

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Decorate your home to celebrate the day of love. These cheap decorations will add loving decor that can be used for Valentine's Day, anniversaries, or just to surprise your special someone!

This piece of decor checks all of your DIY boxes: cheap, easy, quick, and reusable. You will feel the love with this decorative sign!

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If you or your partner loves wine, this DIY cork heart will show your love for one another and your favorite beverage. Repurpose old wine corks for a cheap piece of decor!

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Make use of an endless resource: junk mail. This Valentine's Day craft turns your most hated clutter into your most loved decoration!

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Set the mood with your own tin can luminary project! A candlelight dinner has never looked so good.

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What do you do with those uneaten boxes of conversation hearts? Turn them into a piece of decor for your home or a handmade Valentine's Day card!

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Don't spend extra money on a Valentine's Day reservation. Book your favorite table: the kitchen table! February 14th is one of the most expensive nights to dine out, so why not get creative in the kitchen? These love-inspired dishes will fit your budget while adding romance to your special day. From breakfast-in-bed creations to indulgent desserts, you'll find the perfect recipe to spice up your Valentine's Day.

Nothing quite says decadence like red velvet. These cake mix cinnamon rolls will bring the romance first thing in the morning.

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Cannoli for breakfast? Valentine's Day is all about sweetness which is why this stuffed french toast is the perfect main dish for your breakfast in bed. 

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Is there anything more romantic than a glass of red wine? Use that wine to flavor your dinner with this French-inspired Coq au Vin!

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Delicacies like lobster are acceptable splurges for special occasions. This lobster ravioli provides a rich and elegant dinner for you and your partner!

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Want to demonstrate your cooking prowess on Valentine's Day? This rosemary-crusted lamb is just the dish to show how skilled of a chef you are.

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When you've finished the main course, it's time for a delightful dessert to set the mood. These white chocolate truffles may be small but they pack big flavor!

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Roses are a prominent symbol of Valentine's Day, so why don't you bring them to the dessert table? These baked apple roses are warm and comforting and provide a sweetness to finish any meal.

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Many restaurants will have special couples' desserts on Valentine's Day. Make your own rich lava cakes with a flowing strawberry center that will fit your budget.

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Valentine's Day isn't just for couples. Spread the love to your little ones with these Valentine's Day projects. These ideas range from toddler-level crafts to elementary school projects.

If your child's school does a Valentine's Day party, they'll probably need their own valentine mailbox. This silly monster box recycles materials for a fun and free project!

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Your kids likely love receiving boxes of conversation hearts. This recipe will teach you how to make your own that can be flavored and personalized.

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Spend your Valentine's Day crafting with the kids to make this piece of DIY decor. This mosaic is made of bits of paper and can take any shape your kids desire.

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These cute monsters can be made in a matter of minutes by your children. Skip the store-bought cards and candy and hand out personalized pom poms to your child's class.

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Let your kids get their fingers dirty with these flawless fingerprint frames! Add photos of your family and you'll have lovely decor that can be displayed all year.

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Let your child make personalized finger puppets for all of their friends. This easy paper craft will provide custom valentines for any Valentine's Day party.

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