What’s right between the holidays and tax time, and is often just as pricey? You guessed it: Valentine’s Day. If you’re feeling the financial crunch but still want to do something special for your significant other, don’t despair. A little creativity and effort go a long way into creating an unforgettable date.
“The best dates are ones on which you can just walk and talk and do some sort of shared activity,” says Dr. Vondie Lozano, a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist. “You get to know someone better—plus, there’s lots of potential for hand-holding.” Get inspired with these ideas for affordable outings:
A Picnic for Two: Packing a picnic just might be one of the most romantic things a couple can do. Choose a fitting location, like the beach or a nearby park, and stock up on some inexpensive wine and your partner’s favorite tasty treats. Hide a love note inside the picnic basket and enjoy your loved one’s look of surprise upon discovering it later.
DIY Massage: Why spring for a pricy couples’ massage when you can do it yourself? Invest in an instructional book or DVD and some massage oil, and surprise your partner with your newfound pampering knowledge. Odds are that he or she will be inspired to return the intimate favor!
Your Kind of Town: For that retro romantic feel, Lozano suggests visiting a quaint, nearby district with an “old town” feel. “Find a cute downtown or Main Street where you can window shop, hang out at a mom-and-pop bookstore, and grab a cup of coffee,” she suggests.
Wine Tasting: Many smaller wine shops offer specialty tastings at very inexpensive prices so that aficionados can sample the wines in stock. And if no nearby tasting events are in your price range, consider facilitating an at-home tasting. Zuri Wine’s Tuanni Price suggests buying two reds and two whites, and pairing them with various finger foods. (For instance, Riesling goes well with spicy foods, while Pinot Noir pairs wonderfully with chocolate.)
The Great Outdoors: Doing something active together can be a lot of fun—and just might energize your relationship. Consider going for a nature hike, renting a tandem bicycle, or simply taking a long walk at sunset. Your Valentine is sure to love the fresh air—and the opportunity to spend the day by your side.
