Romantic Ideas for Valentine’s Day on a Budget

Valentine’s Day is just a few weeks away! I will admit that I love this holiday. Not for the roses or the gifts, but because it’s a day to profess my love to my husband. Sure, I do this everyday, but it just feels extra-special on Valentine’s Day.

However, the idea of spending money on a silly holiday is not my cup of tea, so I try to find little ways to show romance on Valentine’s Day without spending a fortune. Here are my ideas for this year – I hope you’re able to use a few of them, too!

8 Ideas for Valentine’s Day on a Budget

Breakfast in bed

Who says you have to wait until dinner to do something special for your love? I know for a fact I would win “Wife of the Year” if I made breakfast in bed for my husband, so this year, I will try my best to do that 🙂 A few yummy ideas include heart-shaped waffles or pancakes (add some red food coloring or make them red velvet flavored!), these strawberries and cream doughnuts, or a red fruit platter (strawberries, raspberries, watermelon) and heart-shaped bacon (fold the bacon into a heart and bake in the oven).

Be a helping hand for the day

We have two little girls, and I’ll be the first to admit that I serve them all day and make my husband fend for himself. Since Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday this year, I plan to serve him all day and meet his needs. This will be small things – such as taking out the trash for him (his chore), getting him his coffee in the morning and asking him if he needs anything while I’m up. I know, I know, this is probably stuff I should be doing anyways. But, with young kids, I will admit that I don’t do these things as often as I should. Maybe Valentine’s Day will jump-start a good habit for me.

Give a good, spa-like massage

My husband loves when I give him a massage. Because of this, I do try and give him one a few times a week, but he’s lucky if they last more than five minutes. On Valentine’s Day, I plan on creating a spa-like experience for him in our bedroom: candles, soft music playing, lotion, etc. I’ll also bring in a timer and give him a full, 30-minute massage this time.

Start a project together

One of the best ways to bond with your husband is to do something together, side by side. Recently, my husband and I have painted our kitchen nook table white and we did a puzzle together. Think of a project to start with your husband and begin it on Valentine’s Day!

Cook dinner together

Right after we had our first baby, we started Friday Night Date Night where we made dinner together after our daughter went to sleep. However, three years later and with another baby in the mix, this has slowly fizzled out of our routine. For Valentine’s Day this year, the main thing I want to do is make dinner together after the kids go to bed, just like old times. I’m thinking my husband will grill the steak and I’ll make a few sides (a favorite of mine is chopped Brussels sprouts sauteed with olive oil and about 1/4 cup of pesto!).

Write a love letter

Ok, this is not something I can see myself doing, but I thought I’d throw it out there in case it helps any of you! Write your husband a love letter telling him how much you appreciate him and love him. Even though I would probably never do this, I can’t say I wouldn’t be completely blown away if my husband did this for me! (Hmmm, perhaps I should write him one!)

Go on a long walk, hand in hand

Late in the morning or early in the evening, grab your honey and head out for a walk, weather permitted. You can walk around your neighborhood or drive to a local park or nature preserve. My husband and I have come up with some of our best ideas while walking and chatting side by side.

Talk about your goals for your relationship

These types of conversations are my absolute favorite. Ask your husband first what he would like to see more of in 2016. Then, think about areas you’d like to see your relationship progress. Perhaps you want to run a marathon together or take an epic summer vacation. Or, maybe you just want to make little changes that will improve your relationship, such as limiting the amount of time you spend in front of technology or making sure Date Night actually happens. My most favorite part of being married is that we get to do life together, and I don’t ever want to stop doing life with John. This year, our huge goal is to purchase a rental property. But, I’d be curious to see what else he would like to see us do!

Valentine’s Day really does not have to be about expensive gifts and fancy meals out, but it also doesn’t have to be completely skipped altogether. This year, enjoy the holiday for what it is by showing your spouse just how much they mean to you without having to break your budget.

What are you planning this year for Valentine’s Day?!