Valentine’s Day might just be the most expensive day of the year, but it doesn’t have to be! What makes Valentine’s Day special is spending time with your significant other and showing them how much they mean to you. It doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are a few ideas on how you can have an amazing night and not have to take a loan out in the process.
Dine in, movie out (or vice versa)
If you’re not up for a dinner and movie out, make a compromise and either go out for dinner or go out for the movie. But if you would like to do both, AMC theaters have discounts for Ticket Tuesdays (which Valentine’s Day just happened to fall on this year) that allows you to get up to five dollars off per ticket, depending on your membership. They have two options: a free one, where you just sign up and get two dollars off each ticket, or a $15.00 per year one, to get up to five dollars off each ticket. These memberships also contain other great perks. (P.S. The 15-dollar membership is defiantly worth it if you go to the movies more than three times a year)
Take out and watch a movie at home
If you don’t feel like going to a restaurant or going to the movies, this might be your best bet. Personally, this is how I plan on spending my Valentine’s day. With my guy, a pizza, and Netflix. It’s the cheapest way to get around this day if neither you or your SO mind.
Cook dinner yourselves
Instead of going out, grab your aprons and try to make dinner together. This is a great bonding experience for both of you and shouldn’t kill your wallet. Pick a delicous meal, go to the store, and buy only the stuff you need. You should be able to make a great dinner and dessert for under $40.
Ice skating
While you may not be a professional ice skater, this will definitely be a night to remember. Depending on where you go, this can cost you anywhere from $11 to $25 per person. LeFrak Center at Lakeside Prospect Park in Brooklyn has a discount on Groupon for $9 per person. It’s no Rockefeller Center, but it’s just as romantic! Plus, it will give you and your SO something to laugh about if one of you takes a little spill.
Visit a planetarium
This will cost you around $8 to $10 per person, and at some places, you can get a discount for being a student. There’s just something about the stars and planets that are so romantic. This can give you a great start to a night with your love.
Go restaurant hopping, but only order dessert
Depending on where you go, a dessert can cost anywhere from $6 to $15. Take your taste buds on a journey by visiting 3 or 4 resturants and splitting a dessert with your SO.
Karaoke bar
Even if you don’t have the best voice, this will give the two of you some great memories. Depending on where you go, admission into a bar shouldn’t be too much. The price will all be worth it for a whole night of singing fun. Don’t forget to invite a bunch of friends to make it even better.
Take a train into the city and explore
After you buy your train ticket, there are so many things you can do in the city that don’t cost much. If you are fortunate enough to have a little extra dough, go to the Top of the Rock, at Rockefeller Center. For two people the total would be $68.
Lazer tag
Valentine’s Day doesn’t just have to be about heart shaped candies and roses. Sometimes the non-traditional date ideas are way more fun! Put a twist on this romantic holiday by playing laser tag. This could be an excellent alternative to going to a movie if you’re looking to be a little more active.
Bowling
Bowling, like lazer tag, is also a fun way to keep the night alive if the movie you wanted to see is sold out. Most games cost anywhere from $4 to $7 per person, per game. Some bowling allies even have coupons that you can print off from their website to make the cost go down even more.
And if all else fails, there is always Groupon and other discount apps to bring the cost down on your Valentine’s Day plans.