Thursday, September 2, 2010

Romantic Valentine’s Dates with no money

February 10, 2009 by Crystal  
Filed under Valentine's Day

All you have to do is turn on the news for 5 minutes and odds are you’re going to hear about job losses and the economy. The recession has effected everyone and we’re all looking for ways to cut back expenses to make it though. That doesn’t mean you can’t have a fun, romantic Valentine’s day date – it just means you have to be creative!

Here are some great date ideas for Valentine’s using stuff you already have!

1. Late Night Candlelight Picnic

To pull this one off you’ll need picnic food, a nice big blanket, pillows, some music and some candles.  After the kids are in bed, lay a soft blanket out on the living room floor with lots of pillows. If you have a fireplace or a “fireplace” DVD – you can use that to add to the ambiance. Find all the candles you can around the house and set them up around the living room, play some of your favorite music and turn out the lights for a romantic candlelight glow.  Enjoy your picnic, and whatever may follow! Make sure to spend a little time telling each other why you love each other.

2. A Walk in the Park

Where I live it’s still cold and snowy – but if you’re lucky enough to live in an area that is a little warmer, take time to go for a walk with your spouse! A local park or an area close by that has special meaning to you is a great choice. When my husband and I were dating, we used to taking the walking trails through the local park and then sit by the pond and talk for hours. For us, reliving that old tradition would be a fantastic, romantic way to spend an afternoon. If you have smaller children, enlist the help of a friend or family member to watch them while you are out. You may need to plan your date for the day before or after, but this will save you childcare costs. Perhaps you know another couple that would want to exchange sitting services?

3. An Old Movie Date

Dinner and a Movie is a pretty traditional date – one that can also cost a fortune once you add gas, tickets, snacks, dinner and a sitter. So, plan a movie night in. After the kids have gone to bed, set up the TV in your bedroom.  Pop your own popcorn and make some punch. Curl up in bed and watch an old movie you both love but haven’t pulled off the shelf in a while.  Combine this idea with the picnic idea for a complete dinner and a movie date!

For more Frugal Living ideas for your family, check out the Household Helper’s Guide to Frugal Living.

More From Crystal


Speak Your Mind

Tell us what you're thinking...
and oh, if you want a pic to show with your comment, go get a gravatar!