Valentine's Day On A Budget

Whether you’re newly in a relationship, married for a decade, or plan to celebrate with friends, Valentine’s Day can be a great excuse for a bit of romance or a bit of fun. Sure, it can be a day that is commercialized, but with the right attitude, it can be a chance to spend quality time with the one you love.

A traditional Valentine date however, can easily get pricey and quite expensive. Especially with a lot of restaurants and businesses taking advantage of the holiday and charging more than premium prices. Valentine’s Day shouldn’t be a cause of financial stress, so instead, here are our top tips for celebrating on a budget.

Besides, money can’t buy love. Can get you really close though. As some would say.

Take advantage of the great outdoors

From British Columbia to the Bay of Fundy, Canada isn’t short of beautiful scenery. With 44 National Parks across the country, there is surely some great wilderness in your own backyard. In fact, Canada is considered one of the most beautiful places on this planet. With the right infrastructure to go along with it, if you are from here or lucky enough to live here, you are literally living in heaven.

If you’re an active couple why not leave the city behind and spend a day in the wild. We know that Mid-February weather can be inhospitable, but you don’t have to let a bit of snow spoil your fun. Why not strap on a pair of snowshoes or ice skates, or even try out cross-country skiing? The cost of equipment hire can vary, but many local outdoor supply stores offer great daily rates.

Of course, if a day of schlepping through the woods or falling over on ice doesn’t appeal to you, you can still enjoy a day out. Even a fairly elaborate picnic can be less expensive than a meal at a restaurant, especially if you construct your own canapés. If the weather permits, have an evening picnic and stay out after dark. Pack a portable speaker and blankets, and you’re set for a cozy night in the great outdoors.

Enjoy a quiet (or not so quiet) night in

After the last year you may be bored of takeout food, but it doesn’t mean you can’t create a special evening at home. It’s a great opportunity to try that recipe you’ve been eyeing, and why not pair it with some cocktails while you’re at it.

You will be saving money on delivery by buying the ingredients yourself, which you could then spend on fancy cheese or natural wine as a treat. Cooking for your partner can be a romantic gesture, while cooking a meal together is a great opportunity for fun and connection. In addition, use a credit card to pay so you save more with points, etc. Make sure you don't expose your card to the delivery person or he might steal it and commit fraud. Protect your finances at all times.

An added bonus to staying in is you can be super comfortable- you can wear whatever you want and there is no waiting outside in the cold! Sounds like a recipe for a romantic evening. Don't forget Netflix and chill over some nice chocolate treats could be an amazing night to remember. Low on the budget and high on the fun.

Talk about a fantastic win-win situation.

Get out on the town

While the cliche for Valentine’s Day may be to book a set menu at a restaurant, there are many other options for having a night out that are more wallet-friendly.

You could book an experience such as a paint & wine night or even try a dance class for a bit of fun. You could even throw tradition to the wind and hit up your local dive bar: sure, it may be more combat boots than high heels, but you’re guaranteed to have a good time.

However you choose to celebrate Valentine’s Day and whoever you choose to celebrate with, just know that you don’t need to spend a fortune to have a good night. Quality time together is the real goal, and with a little advanced planning it will surely be a night to remember.