Low-Cost Date Night Ideas for This Valentine’s Day
Looking to keep your spending down while making memories this Valentine’s Day with your partner, friends, family or even just yourself? Take a look at our curated list of dates you can do this Valentine’s Day without breaking the bank.
Dates with your partner
Make each other Valentine’s Day baskets.
Start with a basket you already own at home and set out in hopes of finding a few of your partner's favorite treats.
Mural spotting.
Grab your Zipcar and head out around town looking for murals and local art. First to find a mural with gold glitter spray paint wins.
Cook dinner in, while dressed to the 9s.
Pick up your protein of choice at the store- the star of the dish. Then, raid your pantry for all the sides. Dress up nicely and light some candles to enjoy your 5-star meal.
Catch a matinee at the local theater.
Day rates are typically cheaper than night!
Stargazing.
If it's a clear night, take your Zipcar away from the city lights, peel back the sunroof and admire the stars. Don’t forget the snacks.
Dates with your friends
Make your own flower bouquets
Scour every grocery store within a 30-mile radius to grab all your flowers. Then head home to assemble your bouquets.
Attend an open-mic night.
Most cities have open mic comedy nights for cheap, or even free.
Thrift store challenge.
Who can find the coolest item at the thrift store with a $10 budget? Best item gets to choose the chick-flick to watch later.
Chase your favorite food truck.
Your favorite food truck probably has a website. Go on it, see where they're headed and book a Zipcar so you can have your favorite meal on V-Day.
Snack competition.
Who can buy the most snacks with $10? Purchase your snacks, then come home and feast.
Dates with your family
Bring your childhood pet to the dog park.
Maybe you’ll even meet your future partner there? If not, at least Coco will make some friends.
Cook dinner for mom.
If you don’t know your mom's favorite meal, now’s the time. Cook her the meal she may love more than you and deliver it to her front door, then stay and enjoy it with her.
Blanket fort.
Is there a better spot for a blanket fort than your childhood home? Pick up some extra pillows on the way and prep for a cozy night in.
Dates with yourself
Self-care day.
Grab all the essentials to have a self-care day just for you. Play your favorite music, pick up your go-to dessert and finally use that face mask that’s been sitting at the bottom of your dresser.
Take a drive and listen to a podcast.
Book your Zipcar, turn on the heated seat and crank up the volume. Your favorite podcast is waiting.
Be prepared to rescue your friend from her blind date.
Treat yourself to dinner, that just so happens to be the restaurant your friends blind date is at. Keep the Zipcar close just in case they need an escape route.