As much as you’d love to show your love with a trip to Paris or expensive jewelry, it may not be realistic this Valentine’s Day (maybe next year?). After all, the focus should be on showing love and appreciation, not buying gifts you can’t afford.
But how could you possibly show your significant other how much you care without breaking the bank?
Fear not! There are plenty of Valentine’s Day gift ideas that don’t cost money but can still make your loved one feel special. Remember, presents don’t have to cost a lot to mean something – you just need to find the perfect one for your sweetheart. This is why we’ve rounded up a list of options to help you make this day special without reaching for your wallet.
Breakfast in Bed
Here’s a charming way to start the Valentine’s Day celebration early. You can either plan ahead and prepare breakfast the night before or whip up something easy. The point is to make it special. You can personalize it by making a homemade card, leaving a heartfelt note on the tray, or including your loved one’s favorite foods and drinks.
Earn bonus points for creating a cozy and romantic atmosphere by adding music and rose petals on the bed or putting on your sweet and spicy lingerie. We’re sure your partner will love it!
Make Your Own Chocolate Candy
Getting sweet treats in the mail from your partner is always fun. But instead of buying some fancy heart-shaped boxes of chocolates, why not make your own? You might have to buy some ingredients, but you probably already have some sugar and flour in your pantry, right? Not only is it cheaper, but it’s also more memorable.
You can find plenty of easy recipes online, so roll up your sleeves and grab a rolling pin or whatever it is you need to make your own version of chocolate treat that your loved one will enjoy!
A Movie Under the Stars
A movie night can be a fun and cozy way to spend Valentine’s Day with your sweetheart. Grab a blanket and your laptop and watch a movie under the night sky. Whether it’s a romantic comedy like Crazy, Stupid, Love or something new on Netflix, we’re sure you’ll both enjoy it. Don’t forget to bring a special movie snack like homemade popcorn with different flavors or a special cocktail or mocktail.
You can even make it a surprise by planning it in advance and adding some lights and decorations to add a festive touch. It’s a great way to spend some quality time together and have a fun and memorable experience!
Have a Picnic
A few Valentine’s Day gift ideas that don’t cost money are true classics, and a romantic picnic is one of them. It can be a fun and unique way to spend the holiday with your boo. You can plan ahead by choosing a scenic location, preparing a meal or snacks to bring, and bringing along any games or activities you might want to do.
Whether it’s at your favorite sunset viewing spot on a beach, a secluded park, or even your yard, make sure you make it magical. Don’t forget to bring along blankets or chairs to sit on and check the weather forecast before you go.
A Message in the Bottle
If your partner is a valentine, the chances are they will love to find a message in a bottle. It may just be the perfect romantic gift for Valentine’s Day. To make your own message in a bottle, you only need an empty wine bottle and a piece of paper. Of course, you can add any decorations or trinkets you want or decorate the bottle with paint, ribbon, or other material to make it more attractive.
The message can be a personal note, a quote about love, or a poem. Use the chance to tell them how much they mean to you or simply what made you think of them this week. Make sure the piece of paper or parchment can fit inside the bottle, roll it up tightly, and tuck it into the bottle along with any additional decorations of your choice. It’s a gift that will make your loved one swoon!
Balloon Gift
Here’s another fun gift idea that will impress your soulmate. You only need to buy cheap balloons as you probably already have some paper at home. The idea is to fill your loved one’s room, office, kitchen, or car with plenty of love note-filled balloons. You can write down what you love about them and fill the balloons with the rolled-up notes.
There’s no need for helium, so just blow them up and spread them all over the room. Once your loved one sees the surprise, tell them to pop them up for an even bigger surprise. It’s a lovely gift that will make their heart melt!
A Handwritten Letter
Giving your partner a handwritten letter where you explain how much they mean to you will matter a lot more than any present you could buy. It’s a wonderful way to make them feel affirmed, seen, and known. The more specific you are, the better. Make sure they understand that you do notice every little thing they do for you.
Take the time to sit down and express your feelings in a good old-fashioned way. Believe us, they will appreciate it and may even ask for another letter the next Valentine’s Day.
A Candlelit Night
Candles make the best mood lightning, so why not use them for Valentine’s Day? Whether you plan to watch a movie, cook a nice meal, or just hang out with a glass of wine, do so with a bunch of candles around you. And if you have scented candles, even better.
The right amount of light and an aromatic scent can transform an ordinary atmosphere into something unforgettable. This will help you create a romantic Valentine’s Day date night and set the scene for something more.
Watch the Sunset Wrapped Up in Blankets
Intentional alone time together can be everything you need this Valentine’s Day. Grab some snacks and a bottle of wine, and take a blanket to a nice spot where you can watch the sunset and enjoy each other’s company. Just the two of you, wrapped up in blankets, enjoying the view with no phones or any other distractions. It’ll be Valentine’s Day to remember!
Cook Together
Staying in can be fun, even more than going out in a fancy restaurant. Put a dinner menu together, whether that’s something new or a classic favorite. Get the ingredients and cook them while listening to your favorite music.
Get close and goofy, and don’t forget to have fun. We bet you’ll enjoy the tasty meal prepared together. Adding a candle or two can make the ambiance even more romantic.
Love Is in the Air
That’s it for our list of Valentine’s Day gift ideas that don’t cost money. If you decide to change it up next year and go all out, you might want to start saving. Or try out Pawns.app and boost your gift budget by sharing your unused bandwidth or completing surveys. Click the link below to get started!