Valentines Day is just around the corner, and couples are stuck thinking about what they are going to do! Going to a fancy dinner is expensive for most college couples and a bit cliché. You want to celebrate your love for each other, so staying in and doing nothing doesn’t sound good either.
Before I give you some friendly suggestions, here is something you should know.
In a healthy relationship, regardless of where you go or what you do, the important thing is to be together. Long distance couples choose to Skype or FaceTime on Valentines Day, so that they can feel closer to each other. Plenty of couples, regardless of the budget, find an activity to do together and have a blast. If you feel that your relationship depends on what you do on this particular day of the year, please understand that is unhealthy. You should want to do something with your SO because you want to. Not because it’s February 14th.
Here are four romantic and on a budget ideas to spend with your SO on Valentines Day:
1. A Co-Op Candle Lit Dinner
This is a nice twist to a classic idea. Cooking dinner together is underrated! Making food brings people together and creates new memories. Plus you will enjoy the food a lot more knowing that you two made it.
Choose something from a cookbook that you or your SO always wanted to make. You can also find something that you and your SO find challenging and make an attempt at it! Another way of splitting up dinner is one person makes dinner and the other makes the drinks and/or dessert. Or both parties can make each other dinner. For example, you make chicken for them and they make fish for you. It really depends on the couple’s comfort level. Candles, a nicely set table, and nice music also create a romantic atmosphere.
2. Robot Date Night
If you two are nerds, geeks, or robot enthusiasts, you are going to love building a robot with your loved one! Located on 3226 N. Sheffield Ave, in Chicago, Robot City Workshop allows you to build a robot and watch a movie while enjoying some popcorn and a beverage of your choice! It’s only 50 dollars per couple, and you must be at least 18 years old. The only downside is that you need make a reservation, however the staff is super fun and friendly. Here is more info.
3. Candy Grams
If you and your SO are still getting to know each other better, this is a simple and sweet way to show you care. DePaul’s Delta Phi Lambda Sorority has a Valentine’s Day Candy Gram set up going through the 12th of February. They have a table set up at Lincoln Park Campus, or you can message them, and they will be more than happy to help you out. It’s also a fundraiser so everyone wins! The items are a Hershey Kiss Rose and an Oreo Pop. Prices are pretty cheap, too! You can order one or a million! They deliver on Tuesday and Wednesday. You also have the option to pick them up. Click here for the details.
4. Amish Valentines Day
This is simple. No electronics for the night. Find a way to enjoy each other’s company without having a movie playing or surfing the web. Some ideas to make the night memorable are making homemade ice cream, doing arts and crafts, or reading to each other. For living accommodations that do not allow candles, flashlights are a great alternative.
These are only four out of a million Valentines Day date examples. Don’t be afraid to think of your own unique plans. It is often suggested that you talk to your SO and figure out something that you both are comfortable with. The best dates are when both parties are happy, safe, and having fun. That being said, Happy Valentines Day, and have a beautiful time!