Sweets for the sweet. That’s what Valentine’s Day is all about, right? So true. But then, to me, it’s equally about chocolate. Hey, I can’t tell a lie on that one. So in honor of Valentine’s Day, here are 41 best Valentines for the budget.
And don’t worry, if your sweetie isn’t actually big on sweets, I’ve got you covered with other kinds of snacks, gifts, and activities—plus a whole section of no-cost ideas!
Free 5-Day Surefire Money Makeover Challenge
Struggling with finances and need ways to start cutting costs and seeing savings ASAP? I’ve got the solution! Start my free 5-Day Surefire Money Makeover Challenge here by filling out this form:
Best Valentine’s sweets for your budget
I’m a chocolate candy fiend, but I get that not everybody wants to jump into a box of Ferrero Rocher. I don’t understand why anyone wouldn’t, but I just try to accept it. Here are a variety of ideas for those Valentines in your life with a sweet tooth.
1. Bake them some homemade cookies
2. Or go with a frugal and easy boxed cake mix
3. Grab a bag of their favorite candy
4. Make your Valentine an amazing homemade milkshake
5. Have fun with conversation hearts
6. Make chocolates with almond bark, or do chocolate-covered strawberries
7. Pick up a pint of their favorite ice cream
8. Make smores together
9. Whip up some homemade whipped cream (as a topping for one of the above)
I made chocolate-covered strawberries once. It was pretty easy! And they were good. I’m a sucker for those conversation hearts too, they’re so cute. Now I just have to decide which one of these my husband should get me this year… Just kidding. Kind of.
Best Valentine’s Day eats for your budget
If your Valentine would rather have something savory, here are some good ideas. Not everybody likes candy or chocolates, so make your Valentine feel loved by showing them you know exactly what will make their day.
10. Get a bag of their favorite chips
11. Use a coupon to go out to eat but still keep it frugal
12. Bring them their favorite Starbucks drink (or if they’re like me, a big ole honkin’ Dr. Pepper)
13. Cook your Valentine’s favorite meal
14. Use a gift card for a restaurant to enjoy a nice meal together
15. Pick out a new recipe you both want to try, then do the shopping and cooking together
I love eating out. It’s my weakness. Okay, so it’s one of a couple many weaknesses. Saving up gift cards for special occasions is how we’re able to eat out for times like these. It’s my favorite.
KEEPING IT SIMPLE: We’ve gotten to where we like to go a day before or after Valentine’s Day to avoid the crowds and long wait lines. It’s much more relaxing that way!
Free 5-Day Surefire Money Makeover Challenge
Struggling with finances and need ways to start cutting costs and seeing savings ASAP? I’ve got the solution! Start my free 5-Day Surefire Money Makeover Challenge here by filling out this form:
Best Valentine’s Day gifts for your budget
If you’re looking for something that isn’t food-related, here are 8 different ideas to choose from. And yes, I’m a supporter of re-gifting, when appropriate, obviously. #notashamed
16. Regift something new and nice (only if you’d actually buy it for them yourself)
17. Pick out a new puzzle together and have fun chatting and putting it together
18. Find an online code for an inexpensive magazine subscription
19. Buy them a year of a streaming TV/movie service (check for promotions and codes)
20. If you have a membership to a warehouse club, check out their inexpensive gift items
21. Buy your Valentine a great book that’s on sale
22. Find several gifts at the dollar store
23. Get their favorite game/puzzle book: crosswords, sudoku, word search, etc.
I love the puzzle idea. My husband and I have several puzzles we’ve collected over the years and they’re so fun to pull out once in a while. It’s a good opportunity to turn off the TV, actually have a conversation, and just enjoy being together.
Best Valentine’s Day activities for your budget
These ideas are a perfect fit if your Valentine is the active sort. Going on a walk or picnic makes for a great way to do something fun, plus get a chance to talk to one another.
24. Go on a picnic (if it’s too cold, try it by a firepit or inside by the fireplace)
25. Watch a romantic movie together
26. Take a walk at the park
27. Bundle up and go for a hike, you’ll warm up soon enough!
28. Find a Groupon for a hot air balloon ride or something adventurous
29. Attend a local sporting event
30. Play a board game or card game
31. Put on some music and dance together
32. Bake pizza together with all your favorite toppings
With family, work, hectic schedules and all, sometimes it can be hard to do anything other than plop down and scroll through Facebook. (Guilty.) One of my favorites on this list is baking a pizza together. My husband and I do this once in a blue moon and it’s always so fun!
Best Valentine’s Day gifts that are no-cost/free
Alright, now we’re getting to the good stuff. By which I mean super cheap frugal. The credit card reward points… Those bad boys are where it’s at. So many Christmas gifts, birthday gifts, and even necessities have been purchased with those babies. Whatever you do, please please PLEASE, don’t let your reward points expire! They’re like a stack of dollar bills just laying around waiting to be spent. Snatch those things up.
33. Use credit card reward points to get them a gift
34. Pen a heartfelt letter
35. Design and create a beautiful card
36. Netflix and chill (literally, obviously)
37. Take a trip to the library to borrow DVDs
38. Use credit card points for cash back to cover dining out, going to a movie, and getting a more expensive gift
39. Have a gift card? Put that bad boy to good use!
40. Go for a scenic drive or bike ride
41. (Many of the ideas in the categories above are also no-cost!)
We borrow DVDs from the library all the time. Think about how much money you can save versus renting them. We love to grab cheap cans of soda and a $5 pizza and have such a fun movie night. And knowing you’re spending less makes it even more fun!
Final thoughts on Valentine’s Day gifts to fit your budget
It can be easy to get off track and let your frugal mindset slip when it comes to holidays and gifts. I hope these 41 best Valentine’s Day gifts for the budget have helped you pick out something for your Valentine. All without going over-spending!
Free 5-Day Surefire Money Makeover Challenge
Struggling with finances and need ways to start cutting costs and seeing savings ASAP? I’ve got the solution! Start my free 5-Day Surefire Money Makeover Challenge here by filling out this form:
Other posts related to saving money:
- 7 Reasons Why You Need a Basic Budget {with FREE worksheet}
- 100 Surprisingly Simple Ways to Start Saving Money Today
- Should I Participate in Lent?
- 5 Green St. Patrick’s Day Items You Can Reuse for Spring
- How Can I Stop Feeling Overwhelmed?
- 12 No-Cost Mother’s Day Gifts (from the Heart)
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