Long distance relationships, especially during a pandemic, are hard. It can be a struggle going from seeing each other every day to visiting once a month or even less. Once you factor in schoolwork, money, COVID and other responsibilities, maintaining a healthy & happy long-distance relationship can feel overwhelming. February can especially exacerbate any unhappiness you have about your partner being so far away. Valentine’s Day is a time for big declarations of love, surprise visits and expensive gifts, but when you’re a college student, those expectations can be hard to meet. If you want to show your love on a budget, here are some cute —and inexpensive—ideas for your LDR Valentine’s.
- Facetime Dinner Date
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Going out to dinner on Valentine’s Day is a classic. You pick out a cute outfit, go to a fancy restaurant, and enjoy some great food and even better company. In a long-distance relationship—or even a typical one during a pandemic—sitting down to eat with your partner might seem like a long shot. So, bring the restaurant home! Plan a FaceTime dinner date with your partner, complete with fancy outfits, good food and even some candles for ambiance. Depending on your budget you can order in or even make your own meal! Adding a cute cooking FaceTime session before you sit down to eat is a great way to bond with your partner and gives you the opportunity to test their skills in the kitchen. For extra fun, order your partner’s food and let them order yours!
- Send Them a Unique Gift
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There are a multitude of websites out there that will send anyone you want a cute gag gift for $15 or less. My personal favorite is Age Hams—where you send your partner a little pig eraser complete with a personalized message—but there are loads of other options. If your partner has a green thumb, consider sending them a sweet succulent or an adorable plant. If they’re a fan of animals or funky clothing, send them some cute socks and a card! I love these options, because you’re able to pick something unique that you know your partner will love without splurging on a bouquet or chocolates.
- Treat them!
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If your partner has a sweet tooth, there are a wide variety of sites that can send cookies, cakes or donuts on demand. Krispy Kreme, Insomnia Cookies and Edible Arrangements all have delivery options. If you want to support local businesses, many bakeries and stores will deliver through secondary companies like Postmates or with their own delivery service! Many of these companies have Valentine’s Day specials and day-of delivery, which is an added bonus if you’re in a rush.
While long-distance relationships can be hard, there’s no denying how rewarding they can be. Even if you’re on a budget, going out of your way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your partner will mean so much to both of you and make being long-distance a little more fun. So, Happy Valentine’s Day to you and your partner, no matter how far!