Budget-Friendly and Last-Minute Date Ideas - 15 Date Ideas For Valentine's Day

January has lasted for (what felt like) 150 years but, finally, Valentine's Day is in sight! Whether you're in a new relationship, have been with someone for aeons or are single and fancy a date with your bestie, you might already be thinking about what plans to make...

There are a lot of fun things to do besides the classic dinner and a film and they can be budget-friendly too (for those trying to save after Christmas...)

We've compilled 15 Valentine's Date Ideas below, so all there's left to do now is pick out a card and gift. Visit our ideas for Valentine's Card Messages here.

 

• Wine and Paint Date

Uncork your creativity with a Wine and Paint night. This is a super easy idea to do - just grab a canvas, paint, and a bottle of your favourite wine. You can set a challenge painting the same thing or even paint each other!

If wine is not your thing, you could always swap it for a cheeky cocktail.

 

• Go Ice Skating

If you're lucky enough to have an ice rink nearby, grab your skates and hit the ice. Whether you're gliding gracefully or laughing at each other's not-so-graceful attempts, it's a cool and classic date idea.

 

• Arcade Night

Release your inner child with an arcade night. Many shopping complexes have arcades, so you can even make a day of it and do some shopping, head to the cinema, go for a meal and finish it off with some games!

 

• Charcuterie and Cheese Night 

One for the foodies. Head to your local grocery store, and pick up an assortment of cheeses, cured meats, and some fresh fruits. Lay it all out and indulge in a feast for your taste buds. You can even make a veggie version of this with lots of cheeses, jams, fruits, nuts, dips and crackers.

 

• Go Camping (or Glamping 😉)

Escape the hustle and bustle by setting up a cosy indoor campsite. Pitch a blanket fort, grab some snacks, and binge-watch your favourite movies 'under the stars'. 

Many campsites will be closed during the winter but, if you fancy venturing out, you can always escape to a glamping pod!

 

• Valentine's Bake Off 

Have a friendly Valentine's Bake Off. Choose a recipe, gather your ingredients, and let the baking banter begin. The best part? You both get to enjoy the sweet (or savoury) rewards together, hopefully. 

 

• Do Some Pottery!

We feel a Ghost moment coming on. Learning something new is a great date idea! Many studios offer last-minute sessions, just search for one near you. You don't have to be a pro and you'll most likely get to keep your piece to remember the date by. 

If you don't want to leave the house, you can try our Artful Clay Box, which has everything you need (including materials and tutorials) to sculpt your own masterpiece!

 

• Board Game/ Video Game Night

Bring out the friendly competition with a board game or video game night. Whether it's conquering worlds together or dominating in a game of Monopoly, it's all about the fun and laughter.

 

• A Pamper Day

Indulge in a day of relaxation with a pamper day. Face masks, massages, baths, and all-around chill vibes  – create your own spa day at home and pamper yourselves silly!

 

• Go For a Hike

One for the outdoorsy couples. If the great outdoors is calling, embark on a spontaneous hike. Explore a local trail, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy each other's company amidst nature's beauty.

 

• Picnic (Indoors)

Transform your living room into a romantic haven with an indoor picnic. Pack your favorite snacks, lay out a comfy blanket, and revel in the intimacy of a picnic without worrying about the weather. Or, if you're feeling brave, you can always head out to a local park and do it the tradional way - outdoors. Wrap up warm though! 

 

• Lowkey Coffee Date (or Cat Cafe Date)

Sometimes the simplest things are the most enjoyable. Visit a local coffee shop, savour your favourite brews and enjoy each other's company. Or, for an extra dose of cuteness, head to a cat cafe for some furry companionship.

 

• Karaoke Night

Unleash your inner rock stars with a karaoke night. The perfect opportunity to belt out your favourite tunes from the top of your lungs (you can apologise to your neighbours later). Also don't forget the romantic duets... Queue Shallow from a Star is Born. 

 

• Trivia Night

Challenge each other's knowledge with a trivia night. You can head to a local pub quiz or create your own fun at home! Test each other on your favourite topics, and set up a fun prize for the winner (like home-made dinner, taking the bins out for a month, etc).

 

• Take a Dancing Lesson

There are many ways to enact this one - you can simply dance on the kitchen tiles, take an impromptu online dance class, or attend a class in person! Learning a few new moves together can be a delightful way to connect and have a laugh.

 

So there you have it, lovebirds – a collection of fun and budget-friendly Valentine's Day date ideas that can be whipped up in the blink of an eye. Remember, it's all about the quality time spent together.