Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and if it’s a day you like to celebrate with your significant other, there are lots of ways to enjoy each other without spending a lot of money. From staying home to going out and doing something, I’m going to share my top 10 frugal Valentine’s Day dates.

If you have kids, you can do something fun as a family, trade off babysitting with another couple, or put the kids to bed early (see more tips for saving on babysitting here).

Top 10 Frugal Valentine’s Day Dates

Eat a classic Valentine’s Day dinner at home

This option is tried and true. Put some extra money in the grocery budget and cook something delicious. Take it a step further by setting the mood. You’ll want some candles, music, and decorations. I love this FREE printable banner from Sandy Toes and Popsicles. Be sure to straighten up and put all of the laundry away. If you don’t have time for this step, just eat by candlelight.

Here’s an idea for a menu for your dinner:

Honey Balsamic Baked Chicken Thighs | Just a Taste
Garlic Mashed Potatoes | Paula Deen
Green Beans with Cranberries & Almonds | Lick Your Own Bowl
Homemade Bread | Easy Homemade Bread
Chocolate Raspberry Mousse Cake | Sugar Hero

Create a spa night at home

Relax and pamper with your spouse with a spa night at home! You can do manicures, pedicures, and back rubs. This would be the perfect addition to a nice dinner out or at home.

For the ultimate foot relaxation, I highly recommend a foot spa. It will help you relax and make your feet feel amazing. If you don’t want to buy a foot spa, fill up the bathtub with hot water and add some bath salts.

For the manicures and pedicures, you can go here for a great recipe for a foot and hand scrub. You can make it using ingredients you probably already have on hand and it will make your spa date night feel so luxurious.

You can then use baby oil or another oil of your choice and give each other back massages. Play some soothing music, light candles, and eat some chocolate.

Eat at Waffle House

Want to try something different? Waffle House is now taking reservations, seriously. You can go to select Waffle House locations for steak specials and heart-shaped waffles. There will be white tablecloths, candles, and every heart decoration you can imagine. It’s family friendly, so you could even bring the kids along. Spots do fill up, so make your reservation now if you want to go!

Serve others

Team up with your spouse to do something nice for someone else together. This is a great way to bond and enjoy time together while making someone’s day better. Some of the times I have  felt closest to my spouse were spent serving others.

Need some ideas? You could bake Valentine’s Day cookies for your elderly neighbors and deliver them, babysit for other parents so they can go out on a date, do yard work for someone, or volunteer at a shelter or food bank.

Go out for dessert only

Even a frugal dinner out (like Waffle House) may be more than you want to spend. If you still want to get out of the house, go out for dessert! You can order a slice of something delicious and split it. Throw in some coffee and great conversation and you are all set. You get the fun aspects of going out, but you will save a ton. Bonus option: Go out for breakfast or lunch instead of supper. There will be less people and it is much cheaper.

Paint with the one you love

Want to go out and do something? Check out Living Social and Groupon for painting classes. They walk you through the painting step by step and at the end you have a beautiful canvas. The great thing about this option is that they provide everything you need.

If you want to stay home, you can check out YouTube for painting tutorials. Grab canvases from Hobby Lobby or Michael’s using a 40% off coupon. You’ll also need to get paint, brushes, and any other supplies.

Have a movie marathon

Sometimes the best days are the simple ones, so take the day and watch all of your favorite movies. Now, they don’t all have to be sappy love stories, you can throw in some Terminator to keep your husband happy. Make frozen pizza, eat junk food, and just relax. No house work is allowed. (If you need some ideas, see our list of Top 50 Romance Movies!)

Plan a treasure hunt

Want to do something really special for Valentine’s Day? Plan a treasure hunt for your spouse. You will leave a clue to start the treasure hunt. This can be a card, text, e-mail, etc. You can set up the treasure hunt in your house, cars, or even get friends involved. At the end of the treasure hunt, you can have a gift for him or a special meal.

You can go here for example clues and ideas. Her scavenger hunt ended in a picnic, but you have a different destination or eat your picnic inside.

Have a happy belated Valentine’s Day

If you want to skip the crowds, just celebrate the next weekend. You can also buy gifts and candy on clearance after February 14th.  You’ll get better deals on everything and still be able to have a blast.

Think this is too frugal? You can buy gifts for Valentine’s Day 2021 on the after-holiday clearance sales. Hide them in a closet and your spouse will never know (you probably don’t want to buy candy a year ahead, though!).

Go star-gazing

Go outside and look at the stars. You’ll need to bundle up, so grab a sleeping bag. You can also take out hot chocolate in a mug.

There are also some great FREE Apps to help you find constellations.

Want another idea for Valentine’s Day? Check out my post with tips for an amazing frugal Valentine’s Day date at home!