Whether or not you normally consider yourself a romantic, Valentine’s Day has a way of making everybody feel the love. You may be celebrating with your long-term partner or asking out your crush on a first date – whatever the case may be, there’s something magical about being able to celebrate a day that’s all about love.

However, these days, Valentine’s Day has been incredibly commercialised. Everybody sells things at exorbitant prices and tugs on your heart strings to get you to spend money you don’t have. Whether you’re buying your significant other a special gift or a box of chocolates with a cheesy card, it’s all about making money.

But celebrating Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be about buying expensive things and spending loads of cash. Here are a few date ideas for Valentine’s Day that won’t break the bank but will still guarantee a good time.

Go for a Picnic

Picnics are the ultimate romantic date – they always have been – and you simply can’t go wrong with a good afternoon in the park with somebody special. Best of all, you can personalise the experience to make even more special!

Pack your significant other’s favourite snacks and drinks and make sure you don’t forget essentials like plates, gasses and a picnic blanket. This is a great way to enjoy the beautiful weather and spend some quality time together.

Have a Movie Night at Home

It may seem like something you do a few nights a week, but there are ways to make your Valentine’s movie night more special than your normal Monday evening Law & Order marathon.

Find a romantic movie – or one of your favourite flicks – make some popcorn and cuddle up on the couch for a cosy evening in. Bonus points if it’s cold outside!

Make the evening extra special by setting up a cute little pillow and blanket fort in your living room and making the set up super comfortable. That way, you’ll demonstrate effort and your evening will be unlike anything you’ve ever done before.

Cook a Meal Together

Skip the restaurants and the crowds and cook a meal together at home. Cooking can be one of the most fun and intimate things to do together as a couple, and it’s the perfect idea for Valentine’s Day – and it’ll save you money!

So cook up a storm and then sit down to a delicious meal that you’ve spent the evening crafting together. Put on some music, open a bottle of wine and enjoy each other’s company. If you’re feeling extra romantic, put some effort into laying the table and find a candle or two to light for that special ambience.

Have a Game Night

Stay in, eat at home and enjoy each other’s company with some friendly competition. Whether you’re playing cards, looking for the best FIFA World Cup odds to bet on your favourite sport together, or prefer Monopoly or Scrabble, you’re bound to have a few laughs and just have a really lovely, wholesome evening together. Don’t forget the score book to record who wins each game!